The Large Umbrella of Agriculture - Roberta Tilleman

Hello, I’m Roberta Tilleman from Cascade, Montana. I am passionate about animals, community service, and focus on recharging so I can bring my best energy to my team. A fun fact about myself is that I enjoy hand watering plants in my yard; it helps me reconnect and find balance after a busy day.

I have been a Farm Bureau member for over 20 years, having been introduced to Farm Bureau through marriage to Eric, the one who sows the seeds, teaching the world how to grow it and steals my heart.

Growing up in Great Falls, I learned the importance of being present in your community and volunteering in areas outside of your expertise. This experience has shaped my perspective on the value of connections. Building relationships and meeting diverse people expand your knowledge and enable you to positively influence your environment.

Here is a picture of me holding my first live crab I ever caught, harvesting food from the vast and wild sea made that appreciation of crab meat even tastier.

I have learned valuable advice from a surgeon I once worked with, who said that no matter where you go or what you do—even during a quick lunch go to a new restaurant and order a different dish. Expanding your horizons through food can broaden your understanding of the world. He could not have been more correct; his advice was spot on!

I was interested in participating in the ACE program as a leader in career and technical education. I believe agriculture is among the world's leading industries, and I want to ensure that it remains connected to industry and understands its economic impact in Montana. Participating in the ACE program has also introduced me to other leadership training opportunities I had not previously encountered, which have been extremely beneficial for technical advocacy. Once I complete the ACE Leadership Program, I plan to stay active in my county Farm Bureau and find new ways to connect my community with agriculture. I aim to attend future monthly Farm Bureau meetings to stay informed about opportunities to make a positive impact in my community and county.

Currently, I believe it is critically important for agriculture to be understood in a broad context. Agriculture is not just about cows and plows; it touches nearly every part of our economy. Our definition of agriculture must be inclusive to accurately reflect its workforce and economic influence. Beyond the farm gate, agriculture includes manufacturing, processing, equipment production, irrigation systems, and advanced technologies such as AI and robotic GPS systems used in farming and ranching. Participating in ACE has helped me recognize how defining agriculture broadly can shape our understanding of the industry’s future. To prepare Montana for the future, we need to ensure our definition captures the entire industry because a correct understanding opens doors to opportunities.

Looking ahead, I would like to incorporate the skills and techniques I’ve gained through ACE into my county Farm Bureau and local community. For example, I would love to organize agricultural advocacy day linked to our local book sale. We could include a section where Farm Bureau members select and promote agriculture-themed books, whether a diesel service manual or organic gardening guides, in order to advocate for agriculture through reading. This approach could inspire students who enjoy fields like computer science to envision careers in agricultural technology and equipment design.

It’s vital for farmers and ranchers in rural Montana to develop leadership and advocacy skills to protect their land, influence public policy, and secure the economic future of agriculture. Strong voices are essential in shaping decisions at local, state, and federal levels that impact daily operations. When farmers and ranchers get involved, they bridge the gap with the public and foster trust in modern food systems. Advocacy helps protect their way of life, and speaking up is crucial.

Personally, I have connected with many community members across Montana and have seen firsthand the empowerment that occurs when individuals realize their voice matters. I firmly believe that change begins with effort—if you don’t try, you won’t succeed, and if you don’t speak up, you can’t protect what’s important. I am truly excited to be part of the ACE program, and I encourage anyone considering participation—whether you have a farming background or not—to add the ACE leadership program to your résumé. You will not be disappointed.

Cheers,

Roberta Tilleman, Cascade, Montana

Proud Farm Bureau ACE Participant