MSGA in Helena Accepting Applications for 2026 Summer Internship Program

Helena’s Montana Stockgrowers Association is accepting applications for a paid summer internship that places college sophomores and juniors in the MSGA Helena office from May through August, with a March 1, 2026 application deadline. Compensation is $15 per hour, applicants must provide their own lodging, and selected candidates will be notified after April 1, 2026.

MSGA frames the internship as a hands-on opportunity supported by the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation. Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA executive vice president, said, "MSGA’s Summer Internship is a chance for college students to build meaningful industry connections and develop the leadership skills needed to shape the future of agriculture." Honeycutt added, "We encourage students who are passionate about the beef industry to apply and be part of the work that supports Montana ranch families."

The listing identifies the role as Marketing & Communications Intern and spells out core duties: "Responsible for assisting the Director of Marketing & Communications with all formal association communications including public relations, external communications, member communications, and event management." The position "will act as an assistant editor of all association publications and written materials," will "monitor and report on the beef industry and ranching issues in the traditional and trade media and online," and offers "hands-on experience of the various facets of association event planning and execution, policy development, social media engagement and coverage, and member engagement."

Eligibility requirements are specific: applicants must be U.S. residents and enrolled undergraduate students at the sophomore or junior level with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Candidates must be available to work in the Helena office for the internship period; start and end dates can be adjusted to accommodate school schedules. Preferred backgrounds include agricultural, communications, or marketing degree programs, and applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic. The announcement does not specify how many intern positions will be filled.

Practical logistics spelled out in the announcement include a mandatory in-person presence in Helena, the expectation that interns secure their own housing, and that a minimal amount of travel to MSGA and Montana Stockgrowers Foundation events will be required with travel costs covered by MSGA. The MSGA Helena office is scheduled to be closed for summer break June 29 through July 3, 2026.

To apply, visit the Montana Stockgrowers Association website and look for the Summer Internship Program listing noted as "Paid • Helena, MT • Closes March 1." Media inquiries may be directed to Keni Reese Lairy, Director of Marketing & Communications, at (406) 442-3420. MSGA, a grassroots membership organization with more than 140 years of history, says the internship is intended to help ensure "cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come."

MSGA is also running a separate leadership opportunity: the Young Cattlemen’s Conference, which has a March 15, 2026 deadline, runs May 28 through June 4, 2026, and requires MSGA and NCBA membership; MSGA will select up to two delegates, cover registration, and provide a $500 travel stipend for those participants.