Fostering Education & Partnerships - Kimberly Woodring

My name is Kim Woodring, and I serve as the MSU Extension Agent in Toole County, based in Shelby, Montana, a role I have held since May 2014. I earned my undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education from Montana State University in 2016, followed by a master's degree in Agricultural Education in 2022, where my research focused on agritourism in Montana.

I grew up on my family's wheat farm near Cut Bank, where I was actively involved in 4-H throughout my youth. My connection to Farm Bureau spans many years, though I officially became a member in 2024. During college, I participated in the Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers program, which gave me the opportunity to attend national conferences in Nashville, TN, and Kansas City, MO. I also served on the board for the Young Ag Leadership Conference, now housed under Farm Bureau.

Through my role at MSU Extension, I've partnered with Farm Bureau on several initiatives, including the Next Generation Conference and Ag Days at Shelby and Sunburst Elementary Schools. Ag Days, an annual program for Toole County third and fourth graders, is especially meaningful. Farm Bureau volunteers, including Cyndi and Ken Johnson and Pam Converse, have generously contributed by leading ATV safety education, helping instill safe practices and lifelong habits in young people within our rural community.

I applied to ACE to strengthen my skills in effectively communicating agricultural issues to the media and the public. I am passionate about advocating for farmers and ranchers, particularly those exploring agritourism ventures, and I want to help them share their stories with audiences who may not have direct ties to agriculture. By promoting a stronger understanding of where food comes from and how it is produced in Montana, I hope to bridge the gap between producers and consumers and build meaningful connections that strengthen agriculture's role in the broader community.

Following ACE, I plan to expand my involvement in programs that support producer education and community outreach. This includes helping organize workshops, such as ATV safety, and hosting conferences that highlight agricultural issues. I also aspire to advocate for Montana's agritourism industry, supporting family farms and ranches in using agritourism to engage the public and diversify income.

Long-term, I would like to develop a curriculum for agritourism operators or organize field days in collaboration with Farm Bureau members, giving producers tools to share agriculture's story directly with their communities.

One of the most pressing issues in agriculture today is public understanding and trust in food production. Consumers need confidence that their food is safe, healthy, and responsibly raised. My focus has been on providing education through farm visits, school curriculum, and agritourism opportunities, all of which bring people closer to agriculture in an engaging and meaningful way.

Agritourism, in particular, offers farmers and ranchers an avenue to diversify income while educating the public. Whether through a simple farm stand or a larger venture such as a wedding venue or outfitting operation, agritourism can create new opportunities for family members to return to the farm.

The ACE program has helped me recognize that while agricultural issues are complex, incremental steps are often the key to progress. The training I've received will help me communicate these opportunities more effectively to both decision makers and the public, ensuring agriculture remains vibrant and sustainable in Montana.

ACE has improved my confidence in working with local media, preparing me for radio interviews and on-camera conversations with visiting newscasters. Moving forward, I plan to share more of my personal story on social media, connecting with a broader audience through authentic storytelling.

Additionally, I would like to revitalize MSU Extension's podcast, featuring producers and agricultural leaders from across the state. The skills I've gained through ACE-such as identifying engaging interview subjects and structuring meaningful conversations-will be invaluable in successfully launching this project.

Leadership and advocacy skills are essential for farmers and ranchers in agriculture in rural Montana. Actively listening to the concerns of non-agricultural audiences is critical, as it allows us to bridge the gap between their perspectives and our knowledge. What may seem second nature to those of us in agriculture could be entirely unfamiliar to others, highlighting the importance of clear and thoughtful communication. I am eager to refine these skills to become a more well-rounded leader, better equipped to serve MSU Extension and the Montana Farm Bureau with professionalism and impact.