We have had a weird winter here in Montana, exceptionally dry and warm. Then last week we had one good winter storm. Central Montana, known as the “snow hole” lived up to its name with about 3 feet of heavy, wet snow, wind and below zero temps. Five days later we were back in the 60’s and any trace of that snow had mostly disappeared. And with that temperature change, spring showed up in full force. My tulips are trying their hardest to open, the black birds and geese are making their return known and we have baby calves soaking up all the sunshine they can get.
Spring always has the same effect on me – I want to open all the windows, clean every nook and cranny, sort through things and get organized. Paired with a move to a new location for our office in town, I am feeling a double dose of “clean and purge”. This season is not only about renewal in our homes and personal affects—but also an opportunity for renewal in our work, our organizations, and ourselves.
For agricultural consultants, this might mean revisiting client strategies, updating our processes or streamlining business functions. It can also be a time to connect with colleagues, and clients and more importantly, reconnect with the purpose that dives our work in this ever-evolving industry.
As a Society, this season offers a chance for renewal as well. It could quite literally mean renewing your membership (please do if you haven’t yet!). But more broadly, the renewal of relationships you have made within ASAC, recommitting to committee work, making plans to attend our Annual Conference in San Antonio (November 1 -3, 2026) or sharing the benefits of the organization with the next generation of consultants. Our collective success depends on the engagement and dedication of our members.
In March we celebrate National Agriculture Month - a time to recognize and celebrate the essential role agriculture plays in our daily lives. It’s an opportunity to share our story, highlight the value of sound consulting, and advocate for the future of our industry. As you move through this season of renewal, I encourage you to take pride in the work you do and help elevate the voice of agriculture in your communities.
Agriculture is built on cycles, and spring is perhaps the most hopeful of them all. Let’s take this opportunity to refresh our perspectives, refocus our efforts, and move forward with renewed energy.
Abigail Byerly
president@agconsultants.org
Standing Committees:
Membership –Pete Weisenberger - peteweis846@gmail.com
Nominating – David Mielnicki - david.mielnicki@nmrk.com
By-Laws – Don Tyler - don@dontyler.com
Accreditation (CAC) Committee - Bill Zweigbaum - bill.zweigbaum@gmail.com
Ethics and Grievance – Ethan Robertson - ethan.robertson@farmcrediteast.com
Continuing Education – Scott Mickey - smickey@clemson.edu
Annual Meeting – Josh DeGraw - Josh.degraw@nmrk.com
Finance – Keith Raynor - keith@trpsumner.com
Ad Hoc Committees
Marketing and Promotion – Open
