We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
On December 16, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) announced its 2026 Board of Directors. Composed of thirteen members, including two directors from each district and three elected officers, the board represents ranching families from across Montana. One of the two North Central District Directors is Kevin Elias from Chinook.
MSGA directors volunteer their time and travel across the state to participate in meetings, where they provide leadership and ensure the interests of ranchers are heard. As a director, Elias will serve up to two consecutive two-year terms.
Elias has been in the ranching industry since he was a five-year-old working alongside his grandfather. "I wouldn't say I was a lot of help, but I was tagging along any chance I could," Elias said.
Since 2013, Elias and his wife, Jennifer, have been running the family ranch north of Chinook. Currently, their operation includes cow/calf pairs, yearlings, and some farming and irrigation primarily for livestock feed.
In his new leadership role, Elias said he looks forward to working with the different agencies and the legislature, as the MSGA monitors some of the issues that affect stock growers.
"We have a pretty good rapport with the current legislators, and there is a lot of concern out there right now about organizations like the American Prairie. Another issue is over water. A broad coalition is suing the state over its interpretation of a decades-old law about water rights. At the center of that conflict are what they're calling 'exempt wells.' What's at stake are reliable water supplies for those with the oldest water rights and management of Montana's water resources," Elias summarized.
This isn't Elias' first advocacy role. In January, he was appointed to a three- year term by Governor Greg Gianforte to serve on the Montana Grass Conservation Commission (MGCC). The mission of the MGCC is to conserve, protect, restore, and facilitate the proper utilization of grass, forage, and range resources in the state. The Commission fulfills its mission by organizing and administering the state grazing districts and by promoting cooperation between those districts and the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
When asked how his position with the two organizations will work in concert or work to complement one another, Elias stated: "As a stock grower, my livelihood depends on water, livestock, and grazing. That these groups are selecting liaisons to ensure strong working relationships between the farmers/ranchers and the state and federal agencies is an important step. We are the ones closest to the issues."
Among the returning MSGA board members in the Hi-Line area include elected official, President Lesley Robinson from Dodson.
According to Director of Marketing & Communications, Keni Reese Lairy,
"The MSGA is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With over 140 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains a relevant, safe, and sustainable way of life for generations to come."
