REAL Montana seminar helps agricultural industry leaders grow in their fields

Whitefish resident Shauna Dunn recently returned from Bozeman as part of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership). For Dunn and other REAL Montana Class V members, this was the first of 10 seminars in their two-year educational program.

While in Bozeman, the class completed personality assessments, participated in a high ropes course, and received training on networking and building relationships. Class members participated in the first module in a series focused on fundamental attributes of personal and organizational leadership with Ara Megerdichian. The Class participated in an educational tour of Dry Hills Distillery focused on diversification and innovative ways to expand agriculture opportunities in an urban setting.

Class members toured the Sales Ranch and B-3 Farms to discuss the changing face of farming in the Gallatin Valley, and the challenges and opportunities involving the generational transfer of farms and farming practices. A networking banquet was held at the MSU Bobcat Stadium, where alumni shared their experiences and lessons learned during their tenure with REAL Montana. The banquet was attended by REAL Montana alumni, industry leaders and program sponsors.

“I’m honored to participate in REAL Montana Class V. The first session in Bozeman was very engaging and interactive,” said Dunn, a senior leader on Weyerhaeuser’s Corporate Safety and Health Team. “I’m confident this class will enhance my leadership skills, expand my understanding of Montana’s natural resource industries and help me develop an invaluable network of peers.”

Twenty of Montana’s emerging and established leaders were competitively selected from a pool of qualified candidates representing a wide variety of agriculture and natural resource industries across the state to take part in REAL Montana Class V. REAL Montana builds a network of informed and engaged leaders to advance the natural resource industries in Montana. The two-year program features eight in-state seminars; a five-day national study tour in Washington D.C.; and a 10-day international trip. Seminars include training in natural resource development, agriculture institutions and agencies, public speaking/media, economics, state and federal policy, international trade, urban/rural relationships, water issues, and other current industry topics.

REAL Montana is funded through a partnership with Montana State University Extension and private industry. Oversight is provided by an advisory board of industry leaders.

Complete program information is available at www.realmontana.org or by contacting Tara Becken, program director, at (406) 930-4205, REALmontana@montana.edu.