Local Teacher Honored by State Cattlemen for Service

The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association presented its Industry Service Award to Amy Mastin on December 10, 2025, honoring her work as a teacher in the Kelliher Public School District and as founder of Kelliher Cattle Company. The recognition is part of the association’s annual awards program, which also included a regional Cattleman of the Year selection for the area.

Mastin’s award spotlights a figure who bridges classroom instruction and agricultural production within Beltrami County. Her roles place her at the intersection of education and local agribusiness, where hands on learning and farm management practices can translate into practical skills for students and young producers. For a rural community like Kelliher, that connection can help sustain both school enrollment and the local agricultural workforce.

The MSCA’s decision to honor an educator reflects a broader emphasis on industry engagement with schools. When teachers are also active producers, curriculum can more readily incorporate real world farm economics, animal care, and commodity market awareness. Those linkages matter for local labor markets because they help develop future farmers, ranch hands, and ag technicians who are familiar with region specific production conditions and business realities.

There are market implications for local cattle operations when professional associations elevate community leaders. Recognition can increase visibility for small operations, improve access to industry networks, and signal credibility to buyers and supply chain partners. For Beltrami County producers, stronger ties to statewide associations can open doors to cooperative marketing, technical assistance, and potential program funding that supports herd health, pasture management, and value chain participation.

At the policy level, the award underscores the case for continued investment in agricultural education and extension services. Local officials and school boards may view such honors as justification for curricula that include ag science, vocational training, and partnerships with producers. Over time, sustained collaboration between schools and the cattle industry can help stabilize rural economies by reinforcing a skilled workforce and encouraging innovation in production and marketing.

For residents of Kelliher and the surrounding parts of Beltrami County, Mastin’s recognition is a reminder that local educators play a central role in the county economy, not only by teaching core subjects but by preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.