LaSalle, Sasaki honored by Chamber

Two recipients of annual awards handed out by the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ag Committee were shocked when their awards were announced.

The awards are always kept secret until they are announced.

Traditionally they have been handed out at an annual dinner, but this year they were awarded at the 100th anniversary celebration for the Northern Agricultural Research Center.

“Wow, I didn't know about this,” said Leon LaSalle, the Rocky Boy rancher who won the annual Outstanding Ag Leader of the Year Award. “I’m glad I came today.”

LaSalle was praised by Cathy Gregoire, chair of the Chamber’s Ag Committee, for his long dedication to sound ranching practices.

He is a third-generation cattle rancher.

“He lives by the rule that if you take care of the land, it will take care of you,” she told the crowd at the ceremony.

LaSalle is a strong believer in sound grazing practices, she said.

He is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors and many other community organizations.

LaSalle is also an engineering technician with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Havre. His family was one of the first members of the Chippewa Cree Tribe to enter the cattle ranching business after World War II.

Larry Sasaki was equally surprised when he was called up to receive the Outstanding Ag Advocate Award.

“I didn’t know about this,” he said. “But, wow, this is cool.” He has been active in all kinds of agriculture organizations in addition to his work at Torgeson’s.

Born on a farm east of Havre, he was active in 4-H for years and was a 4-H leader.

He takes part in a variety of outdoor activities, and he has twice finished first in the annual “Men Who Cook for Women Who Wine” cooking contest.