Bridging Disconnections - Logan Kruse

My name is Logan Kruse, I was born and raised in Helena, Montana and now live on my family's ranch near Elliston, Montana. I am proud to work as the Communications Director for the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) and be a member of Lewis & Clark County Farm Bureau.

I have always believed - you are who you surround yourself with. I applied to ACE in the hopes to meet and make long lasting relationships with like-minded individuals to better my character as a person and as a professional in the agriculture industry. Furthermore, in my career here at the MDA, the skills gained through the ACE program will directly correlate to being a better co-worker, communicator, leader, and advocate for Montana agriculture on the state and national levels.

Following ACE, I plan to get involved with Young Farmers and Ranchers to continue my journey and participation in Montana Farm Bureau. Furthermore, I think agriculture has an underrepresented voice within some state organizations where agriculture needs a seat at the table. I plan to get involved to speak on this level starting with the Blackfoot Challenge.

A key takeaway from our ACE session that had a large emphasis in working with the media was addressing the disconnect that exists between consumers and producers. Working and taking steps forward to properly educate the consumer in order to bridge that gap is crucial to our industry's success. The disconnect we see today exists because there's this lack of in-person access, or boots on the ground, for the general public. With less than 2% of people actually farming or ranching today in this country, it is our job to help educate the other 98%. ACE has primed me with confidence and tools to communicate and educate with both consumers and decision-makers surrounding this issue more effectively.

I am fortunate and honored to be in a professional position where I have the stage and ability to affect change and advocate for the agriculture industry and Farm Bureau interests at a local, state, and national level. Put simply, I plan to apply skills learned in the ACE program to better represent the farmers and ranchers of Montana. Whether it be educating the media on agricultural issues, speaking with producers about grants/loans available to enhance their operation, or developing strategic communications for the Montana Department of Agriculture, I intend to directly apply these learned skills every day.

A quote from a previous ACE speaker, Mr. J.M. Peck comes to mind: "If you're not invited to the table, you're likely on the menu." I believe that farmers and ranchers in rural Montana need to be fine tuned and able to advocate and lead effectively and successfully. While it is up for debate that the agriculture industry in Montana is "under attack" just yet, it is in other places around the country and world. Our ranchers and farmers need to be able and well versed to communicate effectively, educate, listen, and advocate. Put simply, our ranchers and farmers are the backbone of this state and economy and we as an industry need to be ready and able to effectively communicate/show it.