MALTA, MT – The Montana Department of Agriculture is recognizing Vicki Olson as this month’s International Year of the Women Farmer nominee.

Olson is a third-generation rancher from Phillips County, Montana, whose deep family roots in agriculture and commitment to land stewardship have shaped her leadership across multiple levels of community and industry service. On her families ranch near Malta that her homesteader ancestors established more than 100 years ago, Vicki blends traditional ranching with innovative stewardship practices that enhance rangeland health and resilience.

Beyond her work on the land, she served as chair of the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC) for many decades, leading Montana’s primary organization representing public-lands grazing permits and advocating for balanced federal land policy. She has also served as Montana’s Delegate to the National Public Lands Council in Washington, D.C., helping shape national public lands grazing issues and policy.

Olson’s leadership extends widely within Montana’s agricultural community. She is a past president of both her local cattlewomen’s association and the Montana CattleWomen, has served on the board of the Montana Beef Council, and is an active member of her local and state Stockgrowers associations. She has been a dedicated 4-H volunteer leader for more than 35 years, mentoring youth and supporting agricultural education at the grassroots level.

Additionally, Olson serves as the Director and Treasurer of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, a coalition of ranching families in northern Montana that fosters collaboration among ranchers, conservation groups, and scientists. They implement practical, rancher-led conservation and habitat projects. Her community service also includes time as a volunteer EMT, reflecting her longstanding commitment to rural community wellbeing.

Across all these roles, Olson champions the traditions, economic vitality, and stewardship responsibilities of Montana’s ranching community.