This award recognition honors her extraordinary leadership in agricultural education and her transformative impact on the next generation of Minnesota cattle producers. Mastin, a classroom teacher at the Kelliher Public School District in Beltrami County and founder of Kelliher Cattle Company, has become a driving force in connecting students to the cattle industry through hands-on, immersive learning.
Her passion for agriculture – and her commitment to helping students discover meaningful career pathways – has shaped one of the most dynamic school-based cattle programs in the state. Under Mastin’s leadership, students have learned the beef industry from the ground up. She has built curriculum and experiences that teach life skills, responsibility, animal husbandry, genetic selection and an understanding of market dynamics.
Through innovative partnerships with fellow educators, her program brings lessons full circle – integrating instruction on butchering, meat cuts and real-world “pasture to cafeteria” concepts that impact the entire school district. As the program has grown, Mastin has expanded its offerings to include options such as a meat processing class and a livestock production class, giving students tangible, career-building skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
The success of her efforts is evident not just in traditional grade books, but in the excitement, confidence and leadership emerging in the students she mentors.
As stated by a former student of Mastin’s, “Amy has the utmost compassion for the cattle industry and agriculture. With everything she accomplishes, she keeps one thing in mind: the local community of farmers and ranchers.” The MSCA proudly recognizes Amy Mastin as the 2025 Industry Service Award recipient –honoring her dedication, innovation and the meaningful impact she continues to make on students, schools and the broader beef community.
Posted: December 10, 2025
