Montana Agri-Women
Guest Columnist: Meghan Foran, MAW Past President
Partaking in organizations which fostered my passion for agriculture had been a major aspect of my life through high school and college. After college though, I was void of those networks for several years and wanted to reconnect to my agricultural roots. That’s why joining Montana Agri-Women (MAW) was a no brainer for me.
MAW an affiliate of American Agri-Women (AAW), is a non-partisan, grassroots organization which stands to be a force for truth for agriculture. The organization is comprised of diverse women from all around the country who simply share a passion for agriculture.
Most importantly to me, MAW is a stand-alone organization supported by thousands of members from across the United States, representing not just one commodity but a list as varied as its membership. I have met everyone from almond growers to onion growers, turkey farmers to cattle ranchers, farmers with too much water to ranchers with too little. Though our individual backgrounds are distinct, our passion for agriculture is our connecting thread.
My involvement has allowed me to better advocate for the industry. Thanks to the diversity and strong support system, regardless of the question, if I do not know the answer I am only one phone call away from an expert in the field.
AAW hosts three main events each year. The Mid-Year Meeting focuses on drafting policy and position statements. The Legislative Fly-In in Washington D.C. each June aims to put that policy to work. Then, the AAW National Convention is hosted by a state affiliate each year. This year, MAW will host women from across the country in the Big Sky State.
MAW plans to showcase the western way of life our state has to offer and give attendees the opportunity to reinforce their passion for agriculture. The annual convention not only serves as a time to conduct AAW’s business meeting, but the rendezvous also brings together like-minded agriculturalists to share educational and inspiring stories. MAW has slated topics both relatable to everyone, like mental health awareness, as well as ones unique to Montana like grizzly bears and the consequences migrating across the state with them. Tours are always a highlight of the event as attendees travel out of the convention halls and into real ag operations unique to the host state.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montana.agriwomen
Twitter: @MTAgriWomen
Convention: #AAWtheMountainsareCalling
Hotel Information
Best Western GranTree Inn
1325 N 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-5261
You must call to get the convention rate
https://www.bwpbozeman.com/
After four days during the first week of November, women from around the country will be wanting to buy a cowboy hat and cut into a rib-eye steak while sipping a huckleberry martini with a new understanding of how Montana agriculture has evolved. From the first cattle hoof over the Bozeman Pass to the first sheaf of wheat harvested in the Golden Triangle, agriculture has been the number one industry in Montana and we can’t wait to share that with AAW membership. We hope you join us.
For more information about MAW or AAW visit www.mtagriwomen.com or www.americanagriwomen.org. Registration for “The Mountains Are Calling” Convention can be found on the MAW website. Mail-in registration is available by contacting MAW online or through social media.