UMW RECEIVES $500,000 DONATION FROM AGWEST FARM CREDIT TO LAUNCH FARM & RANCH MANAGEMENT DEGREE

September 16, 2024

The University of Montana Western has received a generous $500,000 donation from AgWest Farm Credit to help fund the development of a Farm and Ranch Management degree. This significant contribution marks the first step toward creating the program, which will support future generations of agricultural professionals in the region.

UMW's new Farm and Ranch Management degree is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's evolving agricultural landscape. The program aims to address the growing need for well-trained farm and ranch managers and industry leaders by providing students with hands-on experience and instruction in sustainable practices, financial management, and innovative technologies.

The University of Montana Western currently offers a Farm and Ranch Operations minor under its Business Administration major. Since its launch in 2019, the minor has seen a notable increase in both interest and enrollment. Given this growing demand, along with Beaverhead County's status as one of Montana's largest agricultural producers, UMW is confident in the success of the new Farm and Ranch Management major.

The program will be a crucial addition to UMW's offerings and to the State of Montana. Megan Shroyer, AgWest Farm Credit's Montana President, emphasized the importance of attracting students from small, rural communities who have a passion for agriculture and developing them into future leaders.

"The future of Montana's agriculture depends on educating, developing, and inspiring today's youth. We want to help the next generation develop leadership skills and agricultural knowledge, so they can champion Montana agriculture in a multitude of roles for years to come," she said.

The program will serve as a vital pipeline for local and regional agriculture, supplying the industry with qualified leaders prepared to tackle the challenges of modern farming and ranching.

"The launch of our new Farm and Ranch Management degree is a significant step forward for the University of Montana Western and the region we serve. Agriculture is at the heart of our community, and this program aligns perfectly with both the needs of the industry and the academic aspirations of our students," said UMW Chancellor Michael Reid. "AgWest's generous $500,000 gift allows us to build a strong foundation for this program, and we are excited to partner with them as we work toward establishing a $2 million endowment for faculty, ensuring long-term success and regional impact."

To lead this exciting new program, UMW is actively searching for an Assistant or Associate Professor with expertise in agricultural sciences to head the Farm and Ranch Management degree. This role will be critical in shaping the curriculum, building industry partnerships, and ensuring the program's academic success. The university hopes to secure the additional $1.5 million by the end of 2024 to fully endow the professorship position.

The University of Montana Western expresses its sincere gratitude to AgWest Farm Credit for their generous contribution, which has helped turn the vision for this new program into a reality. As a leading financial institution serving agricultural and farming businesses, AgWest Farm Credit has a longstanding commitment to supporting U.S. agriculture and rural communities, and Montana Western is proud to partner with them on this exciting opportunity.

With additional funding still needed, the UMW Foundation invites other potential donors, industry partners, and community members to join in supporting the creation of this program. For more information on how to contribute, visit https://www.umwfoundation.org or contact Roxanne Engellant, Executive Director of the UMW Foundation, at 406-683-7305 or [email protected].

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