Dave Kelsey speaks for agriculture with a distinctive voice and a clear message. This charismatic rancher’s friendly tone invites you to hear his passion: the importance of agriculture in Montana, both as an industry and as a way of life.
“I’ve been involved in agriculture all of my life, it’s all I’ve ever known,” said Kelsey.
He has ranched in Stillwater and Carbon counties for 42 years, all the while advocating for agriculture and youth ag education. His advocacy and passion was built over a lifetime. Kelsey grew up knowing both 4-H and FFA, with inspiration from his dad and his high school vocational agriculture instructor. His leadership development experience as a State FFA Officer helped formulate a desire to teach high school Vo-Ag and continue teaching through 4-H and other organizations.
He graduated from Montana State University (MSU) with a degree in Agriculture Education, and taught Vo-Ag for several years before returning to agricultural production in Molt, where he and his wife still raise dryland grains, hay and cattle. In addition to their own children, they helped raise youth through the 4-H program. “My wife Karen and I were 4-H leaders for over 25 years. Working with youth in 4-H and FFA has been important to us to watch as the future leaders of Montana evolve into a budding career in agriculture or an agriculture related field.”
Kelsey wants to help youth see viable jobs in the industry. Some students do that at MSU’s annual John Deere Ag Expo, where 1,500 high school and middle school students attend leadership workshops, explore career options, and tour MSU research and academic facilities. “My advocacy work fills me up with the satisfaction of seeing students succeed and benefit from work we’ve done on various committees. One of the activities I’m most proud of is chairing the committee that worked hand in hand with President Cruzado to bring the John Deere Ag Expo back to MSU. President Cruzado has proven to be an excellent supporter of agriculture, Extension and the land-grant university system. We can’t thank her enough for what she has done for the state of Montana.”
Kelsey also personally supports youth ag education and said, “We work hard to provide and support scholarship opportunities for students wanting to achieve a degree and career in agriculture. My wife and I sponsor an agricultural education scholarship annually.”
In partnerships and networks, Kelsey and his message thrive. His work on numerous committees and boards, informed by his knowledge of both ranching as a business and teaching about agriculture, have earned accolades over the years. In 2019, as the Montana Extension Advisory Committee chairman, he was recognized as an honorary Extension professional for extraordinary service and contributions to MSU Extension over almost 20 years.
“Dave Kelsey is a strong advocate for MSU Extension. He has been a critical member of the Montana Extension Advisory Council since 2002. We are incredibly lucky to have him champion the work of Extension across the state. Dave truly rides for the brand in every way,” said Cody Stone, director of MSU Extension. Kelsey also serves on the MSU Animal and Range Science Advisory Committee and the Southern Montana Agricultural Research Center Advisory Board at Huntley. In 2016 he was selected by the Billings Area Chamber of Commerce as the Ag Advocate of the year, and in 2014, he received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Cooperation Award in recognition of his support of youth education in agriculture. He is also on the board of directors of the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE). Kelsey also supports the electrical cooperative community, as he is the secretary-treasurer of the Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, the Montana Council of Cooperatives, and the Northwest Public Power Association.
Taking his messages about agriculture and electrical energy to the next level, into lobbying, has been a natural progression. He speaks on behalf of ag issues, funding for MSU, agriculture research, Extension funding and electrical energy issues. “So much of what affects us on all of these topics is done through the legislative process and we have to be involved with that to protect ourselves and way of life,” said Kelsey. His commitment to personally ensure a positive future for agriculture in Montana will surely be a part of his legacy. He recommends that adults get involved in their local community and support both youth education and leadership activities to help develop youth into future leaders, locally and beyond.
“Agriculture is the number one industry in Montana and we need to highlight that whenever and wherever we can,” said Kelsey. “We all need to be proud of the great accomplishments and work we have done in agriculture in Montana.”