Michelle Erickson-Jones is a dynamic leader whose life is a testament to the balance of tradition and innovation. Hailing from Broadview in South Central Montana, Michelle wears many hats as the Owner and Operator of Gooseneck Land & Cattle and Regional Site Leader for Amazon. She farms alongside her husband, Travis, and her father, Bart, while raising their two boys, Will (9) and Tate (7.5). Despite the demanding responsibilities on the farm, Michelle has spent the past four years with Amazon, leading seven “Last Mile” delivery sites across California. Her team of over 5,000 employees delivers between 2.5 to 3 million packages each week. It’s a role that demonstrates her ability to manage complex logistics at scale while staying rooted in agriculture.
Before stepping into the corporate world, Michelle was deeply involved in agricultural advocacy. She made history as the first female president of the Montana Grain Growers Association, where she championed policy changes that benefited farmers across the state. Her work in this role included advocating for impactful legislation at local, state, and national levels. Although her career has evolved since those days, she remains passionate about agriculture policy and building partnerships across the political spectrum to support rural communities and producers.
As a fourth-generation farmer, Michelle is deeply connected to the land. The family’s operation in South Central Montana is diverse, producing wheat, barley, and dryland alfalfa. From time to time, they experiment with other crops such as corn, sunflowers, and safflower. The farm also includes pastureland, which is currently leased out. This wide range of crops reflects the adaptability required to maintain a thriving operation in Montana’s challenging environment.
However, like many in agriculture, Michelle faces numerous obstacles. Labor shortages remain a persistent challenge, although Montana’s focus on less labor-intensive crops somewhat mitigates the issue. More concerning is the regulatory uncertainty caused by political volatility, which complicates long-term planning. With years of experience in both policy and farming, Michelle is well-equipped to navigate these challenges, though she emphasizes the importance of creating a stable and supportive environment for producers.
Michelle considers her work with the Montana Grain Growers Association as one of her greatest achievements. During her tenure, she and her team made significant strides in improving federal farm policy, efforts that continue to benefit farmers across the state today. These experiences reinforced her belief in the power of collaboration and advocacy to shape a better future for agriculture.
Looking ahead, Michelle is excited by the potential she sees in rural America. Advances in technology are creating new opportunities for job growth and talent retention in rural areas, which she believes will strengthen both the agricultural economy and local communities. As these developments unfold, Michelle is optimistic that the industry will attract and retain bright, motivated individuals who can drive innovation while preserving the farming heritage.
Beyond her professional roles, Michelle remains actively involved with the Montana Grain Growers Association and other efforts that support agriculture. Her dedication to advocating for farmers and ensuring their voices are heard reflects her deep commitment to the well-being of rural Montana.
In both her personal and professional life, Michelle Erickson-Jones exemplifies resilience, leadership, and vision. Whether she’s overseeing farm operations, leading a massive logistics team at Amazon, or influencing policy, Michelle is shaping the future of agriculture while staying true to her roots. Her story is a reminder that with determination and a passion for innovation, it is possible to thrive in both local and global arenas, making a lasting impact for generations to come.
