Today’s we’ll continue with a series on the Montana Running Ranchers relay team. The team will be participating in the Ragnar 200-mile relay event in Hawaii, October 14-15, 2016. The team uses this event as an advocacy opportunity to share the message of beef in a healthy diet and Montana ranching with runners and athletes from across the country. Click here to learn more about this year’s event and team. To support the team or have your brand on the team vans, visit our Square store to donate today.
Today’s featured Montana Running Rancher is Ed Rollins from Ione, Oregon by way of Bozeman, Belgrade, and Whitehall, MT. Go Bobcats!!! Ed’s family includes his wife Tricia (from Lima, MT), Son Taylor (12), and Son Bryce (11). This is Ed’s second year on the relay team. Find Ed on Instagram.
What is your role in the agriculture community?
I am Credit Administrator at Bank of Eastern Oregon – Oregon’s agricultural bank headquartered in Heppner Oregon, serving all of rural Eastern Oregon, SE Washington, and Western Idaho.
What is your longest distance run (so far or planned this year)?
17.5mile trail race on Orcas Island, Washington to the top of Mt. Constitution and back. Since then I’ve run a 22.6 mile training run with 1570’ of elevation gain and I’m looking to sign up for a road marathon and a trail ultra-marathon (50K).
How are you involved in the agriculture community?
I’m actively involved in financing production agriculture, farmland, and rangeland. AGR and Montana State University Alumni with a degree in Ag-Business. I try not to miss a branding or gathering and am always looking for an excuse to make a field visit. Chairman of the Ione Community Agri-Business Organization.
How did you become interested in running?
With a whole lot of persistence…
How has the Running Ranchers team and/or Team Beef program made an impact on you?
It’s done a lot to improve my focus and motivation. Having a cause that is close to my heart which I can promote to a crowd who can really benefit from expanded education really helps keep me going.
Why should ranchers consider supporting our relay team and/or the Team Beef program?
The Running Ranchers inform a very unique audience of the nutritional value of beef, methods of production and stewardship, and very importantly, it personalizes the industry. National statistics indicate that most consumers are three generations removed from the farm. That statistic is derived from across the country and includes our agricultural states. It appears the venues where most of our team relays are held far exceed that spectrum and educating this huge and often misinformed market of consumers is valuable to the entire industry, economy, and our great country.
Sign up to join Team Beef Montana today, or contact your state’s Beef Council to learn about Team Beef programs in your area. Join Team Beef USA on Facebook.
Like what you see here? Sign up for my newsletter to be notified of future stories and weekly headlines. Click here to sign up.
