MISSOULA--The Montana Farm Bureau Federation celebrated the Class of 2025 graduates of their ACE (Advocate. Communicate. Educate.) Leadership Program during a luncheon today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. This was the ACE Leadership Program’s eighth year of empowering Farm Bureau members to become confident and effective leaders in their local communities, for Montana agriculture and for their county Farm Bureaus.

The year-long program started in January in Bozeman and was followed by five more seminars across Montana. During these trainings, ACE participants heard from agricultural advocates, media professionals, communications specialists and policymakers.

As part of the ACE program, participants gave presentations to their fellow ACE members and MFBF Board members to demonstrate how they plan to use their newly honed leadership skills.

Terri Moore, vice president of communications, American Farm Bureau Federation, encouraged the graduates to advocate effectively.

“Farmers and ranchers have the public’s trust, but it is important to keep up the conversation,” said Moore. “Be authentic, tell your story, and make sure your communication with others is value-based. It’s important to assure the public that farmers are committed to doing the right thing.”

“Farm Bureau is a big tent. One voice followed by another and another can make a huge difference when all those voices are joined together,” she said.

The Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention started today in Missoula with the ACE presentations and graduation, and continues through November 20.

 

The 2025 ACE Graduate Class

Kayla Christians, Helena

Lauren Kett, Livingston

Riley Larson, Missoula

Kasydi Lucas, Helena

Amanda Martin, Ulm

Makae Reed, Twin Bridges

Andy Schwab, Billings

Mackenzie Serrano, Dillon

Cody Shick, Choteau

Kim Woodring, Cut Bank

To learn more about the ACE Program, visit: mfbf.org/Programs/ACE-Program.