The Alpha Delta Chapter of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at Montana State University recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The fraternity marked the milestone by inducting its newest Hall of Fame member: Jim Peterson. The recognition not only honors Peterson’s contributions to agriculture and public service but also underscores the deep roots of leadership and legacy in the AGR brotherhood.
This year’s induction carries extra weight: held during the chapter’s centennial festivities, it signals a bridge between past, present, and future for AGR at MSU.
Peterson’s journey began in Bozeman, earning his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science as an AGR brother in 1966. But his ambitions carried him far beyond campus. He went on to complete a Master’s in Agriculture at Texas A&M, an MBA in Finance at West Texas State University, and graduate studies in banking at Southern Methodist University.
His early career in Texas saw him serve several roles with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association — including Executive Vice President. He also worked in agricultural lending for the First National Bank in Amarillo and later became Chief Financial Officer for Tejon Ranch in California, one of the nation’s largest private landholdings.
But the call of Montana remained strong. In the late 1980s, Peterson and his wife, Lorraine, returned to central Montana to ranch near Buffalo.
Peterson’s impact wasn’t limited to his own ranch. He led statewide agriculture organizations, served in public office, and helped expand MSU’s reach.
From 1990 to 2000, he was Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, advocating for cattlemen’s interests across the state. On campus, he contributed to MSU’s infrastructure — particularly pushing forward the Animal BioScience Building. He led the creation of the “Ranchers Circle,” a coalition of ranches and ag businesses that helped fund that facility. During his time, he also served as the advisor to the AGR collegiate chapter where he helped mentor dozens of young leaders.
Peterson’s public service extended to the legislature, where he served 12 years. Elected first to the Montana House and later to the Senate, he rose to Senate Majority Leader in 2009 and Senate President in 2011. He was part of a legislature that, amid recession pressures, managed to reduce state spending and keep the budget in the black.
Though he’s scaled back in recent years, Peterson remains active. He has served on the board (and as chairman) of the C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls — fitting, considering his family’s long ranching presence in Charlie Russell country around the Judith Basin.
As the AGR fraternity reflects on 100 years of agriculture, leadership, and brotherhood, Peterson embodies those ideals: connection to land, service to community, and guiding future generations.
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Northern Ag Network
