Shane Hooker and his wife Kellee farm and ranch north of Ryegate on his family’s ranch, Hooker Cattle Co.  They raise a herd of commercial Black Angus and farm hay barley and wheat.

Shane grew up farming and ranching and considers agriculture his passion. He went to high school in Ryegate and as part of a school program was able to work on another farm learning more about no-till farming wheat and malt barley. After high school, Shane studied Farm and Ranch Management at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming.

Shane says what brought him back to farming and ranching after college was the lifestyle and flexibility to be your own boss, while it’s risky, the reward is greater. While he is only 22 years old, he recently purchased neighboring land and plans to expand their farming and ranching business.

When asked why he is involved in Farm Bureau, he noted that the opportunities are huge. “The member benefits with Chevy and other companies are very valuable, as well as the opportunity to educate kids about agriculture. There is potential for younger generations and it’s nice to spread that on.”

Shane encourages other young people to become or continue to be involved in agriculture. There are many opportunities and “the world has to eat so there’s job security!”

Join the Montana Young Farmers and Ranchers May 20-21 in Lewistown, Montana for the 2016 Young Farmer & Rancher Tour. For more information, visit the event Facebook page, or view the agenda and register online at www.mfbf.org

Read more about Shane and Kellee in the latest edition of The Spokesman.