Growing up in agriculture has shaped every aspect of Jess Peterson’s life. As the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Agriculture Excellence Award from the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Jess reflects on his journey with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. “To be selected among your peers means so much; it’s an incredible opportunity,” he shared.
Jess’s roots in agriculture run deep. He grew up in Carbon County during the 1980s, a time that instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and a passion for ensuring the future of agriculture. His family’s agricultural legacy spans six generations on both sides, a unique connection to the land and livestock that defines his life. “We have always been a part of it; it’s in our blood and our passion,” he explained. Today, Jess and his family operate a cattle business with ranches across Southcentral Montana. The operation is primarily cow-calf, with market-bred heifers and yearling steer programs, always striving to find a competitive edge and added value.
For Jess, agriculture is more than just a way of life, it’s a calling. His journey took him to Washington, D.C., where he worked tirelessly on agricultural policy. “Every day I went to work for agriculture,” Jess said. But even as he navigated urban life, pushing his daughters in a stroller through city streets, he never lost sight of his roots, “You think the pasture gate is the end of the line, but it’s not. Especially now, with social media, we’re all so connected.” This realization fueled his passion for bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, helping people understand the vital role agriculture plays in their lives.
In addition to his ranching and advocacy efforts, Jess is the President and CEO of Western Skies Strategies, a lobbying, strategic consulting, and management firm specializing in agricultural policy and supporting rural communities and businesses. Under his leadership, the company has become a vital force in promoting and protecting the interests of farmers and ranchers nationwide. Jess’s work through Western Skies Strategies exemplifies his dedication to advancing the agricultural industry, ensuring that the voices of rural communities are heard on a national stage.
Jess’s perspective on connecting with consumers is deeply empathetic. He acknowledges the shared challenges and aspirations of both urban residents and the agricultural community. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life has made him a conduit for education and collaboration, bringing agriculture into the heart of downtown Billings and beyond.
Working with the Billings Chamber since 2018, Jess has been impressed by their unwavering support for agriculture-related initiatives. Through their partnership, he has championed causes such as fire relief, cattle market advocacy, and economic recovery efforts for the Clark’s Fork Valley after the 2022 flooding. “The Chamber has always said yes,” Jess noted, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to addressing challenges and creating opportunities for the agricultural community.
Receiving recognition from the Chamber was a humbling experience for Jess. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world to get an award like this because you know you’re working hard for others who have given so much,” he said. During the surprise announcement at a board meeting, Jess was caught off guard, thinking about marketing cattle and picking up his kids. The honor left him deeply moved, a testament to the impact of his work and the support of his peers.
For Jess, the future of agriculture is personal. His passion has grown as he thinks about the legacy he wants to leave for his daughters, nieces, and nephews. “It’s about ensuring that this generation and the next have incredible opportunities in agriculture,” he says.
Jess is inspired by the Billings Chamber’s dedication to recognizing and supporting leaders in the community. He encourages others to nominate deserving individuals, highlighting the importance of celebrating those who make a difference. “Agriculture is alive and well thanks to organizations like the Billings Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “Here’s to agriculture being strong well into the centuries ahead.”
As he looks to the future, Jess remains committed to his dual roles as an advocate and a rancher. Whether he’s working cattle or shaping policy, his mission is clear: to honor the past, inspire the present, and create a thriving future for agriculture. Jess will formally be presented with the 2024 Agriculture Excellence Award on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Billings Chamber of Commerce Ag Celebration Banquet.
