| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Ron Zellar |
| June 23, 2007 | (406) 444-3144 |
Director Nancy K. Peterson, 1955-2007
HELENA, Mont. — Nancy K. Peterson, Director of the Montana Department of
Agriculture passed away early this morning in Great Falls hospice care after
a battle with melanoma cancer. Nancy was diagnosed with a recurrence of
melanoma early last Fall. She underwent treatment and was improving dramatically
when the cancer spread to her brain and spinal cord in mid-June.
“She will be deeply missed,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Nancy has been a close personal friend, a wonderful boss and Director and strong supporter of family agriculture in Montana. Nancy’s energy and vest for life were contagious. She worked hard and always had a smile on her face. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
Nancy Peterson, 52 served as the Director of Agriculture. Born in Havre and raised south of Gildford, Peterson carried on her family’s tradition in farming and ranching. She farmed over 2,600 acres north of Havre. Peterson had over 30 years of experience as a farm owner/operator for corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships, including all areas of FSA farm programs, NRCS, crop/farm insurance, oil and gas leasing, farm loan applications, farm credit and all aspects of hands-on labor of operating a family farm. Peterson independently operated a private grain laboratory in Havre for two years and worked as a relief agent for Amtrak in Havre, Shelby and Wolf Point. She has been involved with Montana Grain Grower’s Association, Montana Farmer’s Union and Montana Certified Seed Association. Peterson was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to Chair the Farm Service Agency State Committee. She was the chair of that committee for seven years. Peterson graduated from KG High School in Gildford, and received certification in integrated pest management and farm applicator special use. Peterson has two sons, Kody and Kyle and three grandchildren.
A funeral service is tentatively planned for Wednesday in Havre. Cards can be sent to:
The Peterson Family
P.O. Box 687
Havre, MT 59501
In honor and celebration of Nancy’s life, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or the following:
Benefis Healthcare - Sletten Regional Cancer Center - Great Falls, MT 59401
Gift of Life Family Housing Center, Benefis Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 7008, Great Falls, MT 59406-7008
Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture, Joel Clairmont will serve as the Acting Director.
