The Huntley Project community and Angus cattle producers across this region are saddened by the sudden passing of well-known Ballantine rancher Russell Becker on Wednesday.
In recent years Becker had struggled with cancer and diabetes, but seemed to be on the mend, and it was a shock to hear the news. We understand that he went to the hospital Wednesday afternoon because he wasn’t feeling well and in the process of a dialysis treatment he suffered a cardiac arrest and could not be revived.
Russell was a top cattle breeder and a lifetime supporter of agricultural youth. From the early 1960’s as an FFA student at Huntley Project, through a long career as a dairyman, an artificial insemination technician and sales representative for American Breeder’s Service, and a prominent purebred Black Angus breeder, Russell was a respected leader in Montana’s cattle industry.
(See Billings Gazette story from a few years back: http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_06052fa3-54ad-5004-9f98-aa4e90db0890.html )
Russell and Dean Becker held their 21st annual Becker Farms Bull sale the spring. Over those years Russell was a great neighbor that generously included many Guest Consignors like the Hoffmans, the Michals, the Elliasons, and even invited local youth to sell their bulls in his annual sale.
Our hearts go out to Judy his wife, son Dean and daughter-in-law Julie, and their daughters Gretchen and Danell and their families.
© Northern Ag Network 2012
Taylor Brown
