Taking the reins in January, French is carrying forward RSA’s mission while advancing a grassbank opportunity and navigating funding challenges.
Malta, MT — The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is celebrating its first quarter under the leadership of Board President Conni French, who stepped into the role in January following the dedicated tenure of longtime leader Leo Barthelmess. French’s leadership continues the steadfast, rancher-led approach that has guided RSA since its inception, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted force for stewardship, conservation, and community resilience.
A rancher in Phillips County, French works alongside her husband, Craig, and brings a deep respect for learning, teaching, and mentorship to everything she does. With a background in education, she’s a constant student of the land and an enthusiastic sharer of knowledge—qualities that have made her a natural fit to help carry RSA’s mission forward.
Reflecting on the leadership transition, French acknowledged the strong foundation built by Barthelmess and the many ranching families who have shaped RSA’s mission over the years. “Leo’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance into the strong, rancher-led organization it is today,” said French. “I deeply appreciate his years of dedication and am honored to have the opportunity to continue working together for the future of ranching, community, and conservation.”
Over the past three months, French has remained steady in the organization’s mission, reinforcing the values that RSA members hold dear while continuing its important work. She represented RSA on Voices of Montana with Tom Shultz, joining Northern Ag Network’s Colter Brown to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing ranchers today. She has also played a pivotal role in advancing early conversations around a potential agricultural grassbank—an initiative designed to support working lands while fostering mentorship between seasoned and beginning ranchers.
Like many agricultural organizations, RSA has faced funding challenges due to federal budget freezes. These pauses have created stress on some projects and uncertainty for the dedicated staff who carry the work forward. Still, French has led with clarity and calm, ensuring that RSA remains fiscally responsible while holding tight to its mission. The organization is prepared and eager to act with strength and purpose when opportunities reopen.
French often turns to a quote from Mother Theresa as a guiding pillar in her leadership: “Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the best you’ve got anyway.” That mindset has shaped her approach to the presidency—grounded, generous, and focused on what truly matters.
With a continued emphasis on stewardship—of working lands, ranchers, and rural communities—RSA remains grounded in its mission while looking ahead with resilience and optimism. Under French’s leadership, the organization is not charting a new course, but rather ensuring that the path RSA has long followed remains strong for generations to come.
