My name is Buddy Cheff. I’m from Ronan, up in Northwest Montana. I’m in my last year of YF&R of the Farm Bureau. I am aging out, but I plan to continue helping in any way I can. I am also on Northwest Counties Farm Bureau’s board. I’ve been a member of Farm Bureau on and off for 5 or 6 years. But in the past 2 years have really jumped in and tried to be as involved as I can be. 

When I first heard of ACE, I wasn’t sure what it all entailed but it sounded like a great way for me to get involved in Farm Bureau and push myself to be a better person and member. The more I talked to past members, the more I wanted to be involved. I do like to challenge myself, I also wanted to learn how to better my local community and my state. The world of agriculture is a shrinking place and I can help non-agriculture people see into our world and understand our value to the world. 

After completing ACE, I plan on continuing to support my local county. I also plan to run for Vice President and President during my involvement. Through the ACE program, I have gained a lot of self-confidence which help me vocalize my ideas and goals. Most importantly, I want to help build our agriculture community and build better relations with non-agriculture community members. 

Some of the bigger issues I think we have in my county as much as others are loosing ag ground and many farmers and ranchers aging out. I think using skills learned in ACE and all Farm Bureau seminars can definitely help.  Being confident with speaking will help me talk to non-ag people who are moving in or did move in. Not being afraid to have hard conversations with older generations about succession planning or trying to keep land in agriculture. 

I’ve noticed myself bringing ideas to our local Farm Bureau meetings. I try to network and learn as much from other counties, friends, and other members. If an idea sounds good, I try to bring them forward in our local meetings. I also try to be as involved as I can in meetings and events.  

Our world is changing and the way the world views farmers and ranchers is very important. It feels like everyone is against the people raising the food. We need to unite our members to work together.  The more voices heard, the better. The skills that Farm Bureau and ACE have to offer are priceless. If we can’t keep learning and growing, we are dying.