I have to go out on a high note right? I really can’t wrap up my blogging without saying THANK YOU to all of my friends and followers! And I have the PERFECT gift for one lucky person!

Thanks to the generosity and creativity of my friend Lauren Chase at the Montana StockGrowers Association (MSGA), I have a great work of art to share. Big Sky Boots: Working Seasons of a Montana Cowboy is the first in a series of Photo books that highlights the work, passion, and lives of the Montana Cattlemen, women, and their ranching families. This book is seriously a piece to treasure.

Chase (@LaurenMSea) has traveled numerous miles and spent hours working alongside Montana ranchers to take us “on a journey through a year in the life of Montana’s cowboys—through calving, branding, and shipping, and everything in between.” She is a perfect example of how someone can grow up and not have a background in agriculture, but develop a strong love and passion for this way of life. A great example for many.

The book contains very high-quality photos of the Montana scenery, the story of the rancher’s work through the seasons, and links to online content for more behind the story. She really does a great job of sharing the Agriculture story with those who want to learn more about where their food comes from.

I have a copy that will go to one lucky winner. Anyone can enter, but if the winner is on a farm or ranch, I ask that you eventually pass it along to someone who wants to learn more about American Agriculture (as that is one purpose of the MSGA project).

How do you enter to win?

You can win a copy of Big Sky Boots ($75.00 value)! Fill out the form below and respond to the question from a consumer’s perspective – “How can you learn more about American Agriculture?”

Put some thought into it. In what ways can you reach out to farmers, ranchers, and those involved in our food production system to learn more about where our food comes from? How can you reach out, ask questions, and work with others to make improvements in a productive manner?

I’ll pick a winner using a random number generator from the responses to the contact form below. The winner will be contacted on Thursday, November 15th and responses will be shared on this blog.

If you just can’t wait, visit the MSGA web site to order your copy. It will make a great Christmas gift for someone!

THANK YOU to everyone who has followed my blogging efforts over the past 3+ years. As I take a difficult break to pursue studies in graduate school, I hope you’ll continue seeking first-hand sources to learn more about modern agriculture. Farewell for now and enter to win!

Rules for contest:

  • One entry per email address.
  • Entries must be made by 12:00AM Eastern Thursday, November 15th, 2012
  • All required information in Entry Form must be completed
  • Winner will be chosen via random number generator
  • Blog administrator reserves the right to disqualify entries based on site moderation policies listed on the About page.

Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.