My name is Lauren Kett, a business owner in Livingston, Montana. I am originally from Dixon, a small agriculture-based town located in North Central California. Through my involvement in 4H and FFA growing up and studying animal science and meat science in the university system, my passion for agriculture grew. After going from employee to owner of The Spur Line, a local ranch and pet supply store, in 2021, I joined the Park County Farm Bureau to continue my support and involvement in agriculture.

After learning about what ACE was, it seemed like the perfect next step to grow not only in my involvement with the Montana Farm Bureau but also in myself for my community. Continuing education, especially in the field of agriculture, is one thing I will always look forward to, and having the chance to learn more about advocating, educating, and communicating through such an amazing organization was the next path in my journey. I knew I could learn skills to take back to my local Farm Bureau to connect with our community more.

After graduating from ACE, I plan to show my community what Montana Farm Bureau truly is. Livingston is a diverse community, but we all have the same goal of keeping our small town connected to its grassroots and supporting local. Through my county Farm Bureau, I know we can show our community members how agriculture plays a positive and important role in their everyday lives, and that Park County is FULL of agriculture.

One issue I think is important in agriculture is food security and safety. Everyone needs food to survive, and having that knowledge of where to get quality food, knowing where your food comes from, and understanding how to make sure your food is properly taken care of is key. Through ACE, I have been able to take a step back and dive deeper into the steps of how to properly communicate, develop a plan, and produce an effective outcome in a topic of interest with others.

The Park County community could benefit from a stronger connection between local ranchers and farmers and their food resource options. Through what I have learned through ACE, I plan to develop that bridge to connect our ranchers and farmers with local products to help their community in need, specifically with the Livingston Food Resource Center, which feeds 1 in 8 Park County community members.

Farmers and ranchers of rural Montana are the backbone to agriculture. They are the ones with their hands in the dirt, feet on the ground, and knowledge of what agriculture truly is. Through opportunities such as educational workshops, industry meetings, and places for like-minded individuals to connect, farmers and ranchers can continue to improve their leadership and advocacy skills. By being active, educated, and aware, they can ensure that their voices are the ones to be heard towards topics and issues affecting agriculture and communities