By Callie Cooley, Yellowstone County Agriculture Extension Agent

When I moved to Yellowstone County and was preparing to interview for the MSU Extension Agricultural agent position, I contacted who I perceived to be “the movers and shakers” within the local agriculture industry.  I asked them several questions about current needs and assets. Interestingly enough, each of my conversations ended with the recommendation to attend the Billings Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee meetings.  They would say things like, “if you want to stay up to date with all things ag, that’s the place to go.” They weren’t wrong.  After being hired, I attended my first meeting in October 2017 and have tried to attend as many as possible since then.   

When I moved to Yellowstone County and was preparing to interview for the MSU Extension Agricultural agent position, I contacted who I perceived to be “the movers and shakers” within the local agriculture industry.  I asked them several questions about current needs and assets. Interestingly enough, each of my conversations ended with the recommendation to attend the Billings Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee meetings.  They would say things like, “if you want to stay up to date with all things ag, that’s the place to go.” They weren’t wrong.  After being hired, I attended my first meeting in October 2017 and have tried to attend as many as possible since then.   

For me, the Ag Committee has been a great place to network, meet local leaders, and learn about what is happening within the local agriculture industry and the city and county in general. Even though I have a deep connection to the industry, that certainly doesn’t mean I know what’s happening with interest rates or the status of sugarbeet harvest. I have built relationships with individuals I otherwise would not have met, I have gained insight on a broad spectrum of topics impacting Yellowstone County, and I have gotten the opportunity to collaborate with many of the members on various projects.

Although the meetings are ag-focused, the meeting presentations and membership are well-rounded, and the benefit is the similar for everyone who attends. Whether you are part of an ag-business, serve an ag-clientele, or simply want to learn more about Montana’s number one industry, there is always something to learn and there are always new people to meet. 

If you’re on the fence about joining the Ag Committee, I encourage you to give it a try! The meetings are held the first Friday of every month at 7:00 AM.  Call the Billings Chamber of Commerce office to confirm the location as they move around from time to time.  We hope to see you there!