Virtual Montana Organic Conference

Every year, Montana's organic community recognizes those individuals for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to organic agriculture and food. Selection of the awardees is made by those previously recognized. Anyone can submit a nomination. Despite the virtual format, this tradition carries on! Join in to see who will be recognized this year with the Lifetime of Service Award and the Leadership in Organics Award.

The “Lifetime of Service” award goes to an organic producer, handler, retailer, researcher, service provider (or other) who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to organic agriculture in Montana.

Previous Recipients of the Lifetime of Service Award

• Robert Boettcher (2005)
• Barry Flamm (2006)
• Bob Quinn (2007)
• David Oien (2008)
• Jim Barngrover (2009)
• Laughing Water (2010)
• Steve and Cindy Baril (2011)
• Russ Salisbury & Elsie Tuss (2012)
• Judy Owsowitz (2013)
• Becky Weed (2014)
• Wes Henthorne(2015)
• Ric and Dawn Blair (2016)
• Randy Hinebauch (2017)
• Jane Kile (post-humous, 2018)
• Dr. Jim Sims (post-humous, 2018)
• Melvyn and Susan Brown (2019)
• Ernie Harvey (2020).

A “Leadership in Organics” award goes to an organic producer, handler, retailer, researcher, service provider (or other) who demonstrates an on-going commitment to advancing the adoption, practice, and success of organic agriculture in Montana.

Previous  Recipients of the Leadership in Organics Award

• Margaret Scoles (2005)
• Jon Tester (2006)
• Jonda Crosby (2007)
• Mikel & Nancy Lund (2008)
• Jon & Amy Kvaalen (2009)
• Andre’ Giles (2010)
• Nancy Matheson (2011)
• Dave & Dee Turner (2012)
• Jeff Schahczenski (2013)
• Daryl and Linda Lassila (2014)
• Ole Norgaard (2015)
• Connie Poten and Andy Sponseller (2016)
• Kristina “Kiki” Hubbard (2017)
• Matt and Sonja Johnson (2018)
• Bruce Maxwall (2019)
• Ty O'Connor (2020).