Nancy Cameron Endowed Chair in Range Beef Cattle Production 

Representation and communication from Montana's on-the-ground livestock industry are a critical component to the success of this chair and research program. Our accomplishments have to translate directly to Montana's ranching community and production livestock sector, as this is a shared initiative for the benefit of all.

-Dr. Tim DelCurto, Cameron Endowed Chair

History

Increasingly, Montana cattle producers are facing unique challenges in nutrient utilization, genetic management of herds, reproductive performance, neo-natal health, zoonotic diseases, external parasites, animal diseases and management of range resources. 

Thanks to a $2 million gift by MSU alumna Nancy Cameron in 2013, MSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences created the university’s first-ever endowed chair in range beef research, the Nancy Cameron Endowed Chair in Range Beef Cattle Production. As one of Montana's preeminent pioneer ranching families, the Cameron family cares deeply about issues facing Montana agriculture and business, and the intent intent of Nancy Cameron's investment was to support a legacy gift for future students. The following year, Dr. Timothy DelCurto was hired as MSU’s endowed chair. He oversees research and educational programs that foster collaboration among industry stakeholders. This cooperative approach will ensure the vitality of livestock production in Montana and the region. 

MSU has a commitment to lead agricultural research that produces results for Montana’s challenges, both old and new. The College of Agriculture and Animal and Range Sciences Department work closely with stakeholders, producers, state agencies, advisory boards and MSU research centers to keep its learning, teaching and research missions current and advancing into the future. 

In 2014, the Montana Stockgrowers established a $1 million endowment to support graduate students studying under the Chair, fueling dynamic research through industry-driven projects directly benefiting the Montana livestock industry.

"I am pleased to build on the heritage of the Cameron pioneer family, while making a significant difference and direct benefit to Montana ranchers and the state's  greater agricultural community." - Nancy Cameron

Above: Northwest Farm Credit Services Montana Manager Bill Perry presents a $250,000 check to MSU President Waded Cruzado and MSU Vice President of Agriculture Charles Boyer during the MSU College of Agriculture's Harvest Breakfast in 2016. The donation was a combined gift between CoBank and Northwest Farm Credit Services to support graduate student scholarships for research and teaching under the Cameron Chair program in the department of Animal and Range Sciences. 

Advisory Council

The Chair is advised by five shareholders representing diverse interests in Montana's cattle industry:

• John Grande, Gene Curry: Montana Stockgrowers Foundation
• Dave Cameron: Cameron Family
• Glen Hough: Bair Ranch Foundation
• Sreekala Bajwa: College of Agriculture

Related Media 

"$3.5 million gift endows student scholarships and bolsters agriculture and business at MSU" - February 20, 2014

"College of Ag Hires DelCurto in Animal and Range Sciences" - May 11, 2016

Supporters

The following producers, families, agribusiness and grower-representative groups have given in support of the chair: