November 1, 2011

ACDI/VOCA Board Member Named 2011 Outstanding Ag Leader

Award Recognizes Commitment to Agricultural Community

ACDI/VOCA board member Richard Owen was named a 2011 Outstanding Ag Leader by Montana State University’s College of Agriculture. He was one of three awardees honored at a ceremony on Oct. 28.

Presented since 1999, the award recognizes individuals or couples in Montana who are notable leaders in the agricultural community.

"Montana is a very special place that is exemplified by its people who are involved in agriculture, and specifically, our diverse awardees," says Jeff Jacobsen, dean of Montana State University’s College of Agriculture.

Commitment to Cooperatives

Owen was elected to the CHS, Inc., board in 1999 and serves on its governance and government relations committees. In January 2010 he was named to represent CHS on the ACDI/VOCA board of directors. He serves on that body’s audit committee.

He is also on the boards of the Montana Council of Cooperatives, Mountain View, LLC, and the Cooperative Development Center. He is a member of the Montana Farmers Union and Montana Grain Growers’ Association.

Owen also actively participates on the Montana State University’s College of Agriculture academic advisory committee and his local church’s board.

The Montana Farmers Union recognized Owen in 2005 with its Cooperative Leadership Award. In the past, he has served as secretary and president of Equity Co-op Association of Geraldine, Mont., and secretary of Central Montana Cooperative of Geraldine and Denton.

Still a Farmer Today

Owen earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture from Montana State University. He and his wife Chris raise wheat, barley and specialty crops in Geraldine, Montana. They have two sons.

Pictured at left: Richard Owen.