Agriculture Appreciation Dinner Draws Hundreds
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Agriculture Appreciation Dinner Draws Hundreds Nancy Marks Broadwater County ranchers and farmers dragged themselves away from calving and work in their machine shops just long enough to enjoy prime rib dinner Saturday. They took time to visit with their neighbors and hear the latest farm and ranch economic report at Watson’s Event Center.
The dinner, organized by the Broadwater Conservation District, was catered by Gayle Watson. Two hundred and fifty people enjoyed the sit-down meal served by the high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Broadwater County 4-H members.
Paul Vogl, who owned Townsend Muffler on Front Street and is now retired, was awarded the Good Neighbor Award. Vogl, and his wife, Jeanette, started welding for the agricultural community in 1987. They built the new shop on Front Street in 1992. Vogl had been welding for 34 years. He sold the business two years ago.
Conservation District Chairman, Dillon Diehl, presented the agricultural business of the year award to M & T products and Services of Harrison, Montana. Owner Travis Reynolds, who owns the Harrison Elevator with his family also contributed to Townsend Valley farmers and ranchers with his hay-stacking services.
Montana State University (MSU) Agricultural Economist, Joel Schumacher, gave a short presentation on the current global economic situation and its effects on Montana agricultural products. He pointed out that with current beef and pork prices down for farmers and ranchers, the consumer continued to pay higher prices at the grocery store, especially for eggs because the poultry market is suffering from loss of flocks to avian flu.
The federal government has offered help through stimulus packages throughout the pandemic, but prices for producers continue to be low because of sanctions in other countries caused by the war in Ukraine. He noted that Montana alone had lost 12,000 jobs in the agricultural sector.
Keynote speaker, Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, gave a short talk on her ranching background emphasizing the importance of Montana’s farming and ranching as the largest economic driver in the state. She also spoke about what the Gianforte administration has done for agriculture.
A short video presentation was given by Steve Daines.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: Dallas Diehl awards Ag business of the year to Ryan Waters who stood in for M & T Products and Services, Harrison, Montana owner Travis Reynolds.
Image 2 Caption: Former Townsend Muffler owner Paul Vogl accepts Ag Volunteer of the Year award from Conservation District President Dallas Diehl.
Image 3 Caption: FFA members served dinner. Left to right: Kaitlyn Noyes, Bella McDaniel, Ashley Sanderson, Grace Kroeger, Spencer Braaten, Aiden Kitto, Mishayla Lambott, Cassidy Flynn, Codie Skillman, Amanda Pesicka, Justene Santi and Jacob Pesicka.
