Keith is a third-generation rancher from Hilger, Mont. After attending college and serving inthe Army Reserves, he took over management of the Angus herd his parents started in the mid-1950s. He married Kristine Butcher in 1974, and together, they have three children: Karrie, Kimberly and Kevin, who is a partner working full-time on the ranch. Since their first bull sale in 1977, Keith and his brother Doug have expanded the operation and now sell more than 200 bulls in their April production sale. Keith became a lifetime member of the American Angus Association at age 12 and has since contributed a great deal to the Angus business. He served as a director and president of the Central Montana Angus Association, served two terms on the board of the Montana Angus Association, and served on the American Angus Association Board of Directors from 1997 to 2003. Keith also has given back to his community by serving on many local and state boards.