TOPSTORIES STORIES TOP
June 2016
All about leadership
Lewis & Clark County Farm Bureau’s Mike and Jeannie Murphy pose with a student and L&C President Karl Christians at the ATV Safety Training in Helena.
Animal Ag Alliance tackles tough issues What do consumers want? Not what some marketers think. At the Animal Ag Alliance’s 2016 Stakeholder’s Summit May 5-6 in Arlington, VA, a panel of consumers said they want their produce and meat to be fresh and smell good, but didn’t mention antibiotics or GMOs as a concern. Montana Farm Bureau Government Affairs Director Nicole Rolf noted, “These panelists were unaware who the audience was. They were asked different questions about their perception of food and what they looked for when shopping,” explained Rolf. “In addition to quality and freshness, many panelists noted that they look for specific brands and certain marketing terms that give them the perception of healthier food. Even the panelists who stated they looked for organic or free range or some other
label admitted they find the labels to be confusing and somewhat undefined. Many were skeptical of the label claims.” The speaker Yvette D’Entremont, blogger and science advocate known as the “Sci Babe,” gave her perspective on myth-busting and the anti-science movement. “She said the internet is rife with misinformation,” explained Rolf. “When she finds memes, posts and articles that are anti-science and blatantly wrong, D’Entremont refutes them. She said people don’t understand the food system and are getting their information from everyone but farmers.” One disturbing topic was that the animal rights movement has started to use religion to advance their animal rights agenda. For the full story visit www.mfbf. org/newsroom.
Leaders from the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) attended the American Farm Bureau Federation State Program Leaders Conference April 30-May 4 in Washington, D.C. The conference brought together chairs and staff of the Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) and the Promotion & Education Committee (P&E). MFB WLC Gretchen Schubert said one informative workshop was dedicated to working with legislative staffs and lobbyists. “We asked if our messages get to the senator or representative when we talk to them. They responded sometimes yes, sometimes no, but keep trying,” Schubert said. “It’s important to make appointments to meet with them whether you’re in D.C. or when they are back in our home state.” Continued on page 2.
Members and a free truck
Is there is such thing as a free lunch and such a thing as a free truck? Yes! Farm Bureau has worked out all sorts of ways you can get entry forms to win a 1500 Chevy Silverado. Test drive a truck at a participating Chevy dealer. Recruit a new member and both of you will receive a bonus entry. How does it work? Twenty-five entries will be drawn prior to the MFBF annual meeting in November 2016. Those 25 will not only win free registration to the 2016 Annual Convention, but the winner of the Chevy Silverado will be drawn from those 25 entries at the awards banquet. For more information, including a list of participating Chevy dealers, visit http:// mfbf.org.
STATE NEWS Leadership Conference Cont. from page 1. Lillian Ostendorf, former MFB WLC Chair, now serves on the national WLC committee. Ostendorf was part of the group who visited the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “We did a tour and heard about their programs. It was a good venue for asking questions, and it was good to be able to meet the staff.” “A great session was one on hosting a candidate forum,” said MFBF WLC member Beth Blevins. “In that workshop, Farm Bureau’s Cody Lyon provided details on how to choose a format and how to control the questions.” Congress was on recess when the leaders were in town, but the Montana women had the opportunity to meet with staff members of Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke.
Hanson to retire as MFBF president Montana Farm Bureau President Bob Hanson has announced that he will be not be seeking re-election. Hanson was elected following the retirement of Dave McClure. He had previously served as MFBF Vice President. “It’s good every so often that leadership changes,” noted Hanson. “My time serving Farm Bureau has been wonderful. I’ve had many educational experiences including the American Farm Bureau trade mission to Brussels and Geneva where we saw how trade agreements work firsthand. I was able to bring that information back to our members. Serving on the American Farm Bureau board allowed me to keep our Montana members’ concerns in front of our national organization.” Hanson feels he is leaving MFBF in the capable hands of Executive Vice President John Youngberg. “I have faith our members with make a wise choice in selecting our next Farm Bureau president.” “I have served in a leadership role at Farm Bureau since 1988 and I am truly honored the membership allowed me to take an active role in Farm Bureau. My time has been well spent, but I am moving on. I hope to enjoy more travel on my own schedule. Remember, you need to do what’s on your bucket list before you kick it!”
MFBF Calendar MFBF Summer Conference June 7-9 • Great Falls
For the full story visit www.mfbf.org/ newsroom.
Hoofin’ It for Hunger October 8 • Miles City
Get shooting
.Grab your camera and start shooting! The Montana Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee has selected “Spacious Skies” for the theme of their photo contest, The photos will be judged during the MFBF annual convention November 1316 in downtown Billings. Photos will be on display and voted on by popular vote. The winners (first, second, and third prize) will be announced at the Awards Banquet, Tuesday, November 15. Entry deadline is October 31, 2016. The rules of the contest include: the entrant must be a current MFBF member; is open to amateur photographers; and no more than three photos per entrant. Send photos to: Carla Lawrence, 270 Boyd Cooney Dam Rd., Roberts, MT 59070, carla.at.the.ranch@gmail.com. Look for the list of contest rules in the 2016 Summer Spokesman. Need some pointers for taking great photos? Check out our On the Trail blog at www.mfbf.org.
Last year’s MFBF Discussion Meet Winner Jennie Anderson, a rancher from Big Timber, excitedly holds the keys to the Polaris Ranger.
WIN A POLARIS
For the second year, Montana Polaris will sponsor the MFBF YF&R Discussion Meet, awarding a Ranger® Side by Side UTV to the winner of the competition. The Discussion Meet, which is open to Farm Bureau members age 18-35, is meant to simulate a committee meeting with ideas discussed and solutions developed. The MFBF YF&R Discussion Meet will take place Monday, November 14 during the MFBF Annual Convention in Billings. For more information contact Sue Ann Streufert, 406-587-3153, sueanns@ mfbf.org. Participating Dealers for the Polaris Ranger YF&R prize are: Adventure Cycle & Sled INC - Dillon, JESCO Marine & Power Sports - Kalispell, Kurt’s Polaris - Missoula, Kurt’s Polaris, INC - Seeley Lake, Redline Sports, INC - Butte, Pure Bliss Cycle - Conrad, Gallatin Recreation – Bozeman, Helena Cycle Center - Helena, Hi-Line Polaris - Havre, Lewistown Honda & Polaris - Lewistown, Riverside Marine and Cycle - Miles City, Sports City Cyclery - Great Falls, Yellowstone Polaris – Billings.
MFBF Convention November 13-16 • Billings
People
Chuck Dallas was pictured in a sheep shearing article in the Summer 2016 Range Magazine. Melissa Rolf and Pam Griffin made the front page of the Miles City Star for the Custer/Fallon County Farm Bureau Accurate Ag Books reading at the Miles City Public Library. Past MFBF District I Director Bill Meadows submitted a Letter to the Editor of the Western Ag Reporter on the CSKT Water Compact. The letter in its entirety can be viewed at http://mfbf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Letter-to-WAR.pdf. Milee Dailey and her mother were featured in an article on barrel racing in Peaks & Prairies magazine.
NATIONAL NEWS Farm Bureau discounts
Did you know that your Farm Bureau membership has lots of member benefits? There is the $500 GM discount, the $300 Polaris discount, up to $2,000 savings on Cat(R) machines, $300-$500 on selected Case IH Equipment and more! Choice Hotels, Grainger, Thrifty and Avis Car Rentals, ClearValue Hearing, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Prescription Discount and the list goes on. Visit http://mfbf.org/member-services/ benefits/ or call MFBF for the MFBF Benefits Brochure or membership card.
Grizzly bear comments
Montana Farm Bureau President Bob Hanson has submitted comments commending the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on their proposal to remove the grizzly gear (ursus arctos horribilis) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from the Endangered Species List. “The best scientific and commercial data indicate the GYE population of grizzly bears has recovered and no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act,” Hanson noted. Hanson explained that grizzly bear recovery means the expanding of the bear’s territory leading to increased depredation of livestock. “According to Montana’s Livestock Loss Board, 59 cattle, 32 sheep and one horse were killed by grizzly bears in 2015. The count only includes verified kills,” Hanson said. “Not only is the loss of livestock devastating financially, it can be emotionally demoralizing. This is especially troubling when there is little, if anything, that can be done to protect livestock animals because the agressing animal is a protected species and the owner would be subject to severe penalties should they attempt to protect their livestock,” he said “Therefore, MFBF finds it refreshing to hear the FWS is considering a move to delist the grizzly bear.”
Rural Challenge continues
There is less than a month to apply for the American Farm Bureau Federation Rural Entrepremeuship Challenge. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. Competitors are invited to submit for-profit business ideas related to food and agriculture online. All applications, which include a business plan, video pitch and photo, must be submitted online by June 30. Visit www.strongruralamerica.com/ challenge.
More data on data
Farmers and ranchers want to control the information their equipment collects every time it passes through a field, a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows. Farmers believe that creating a cooperative-style central repository for their data is the best way to enhance its security and maximize its value. Survey respondents ranked vendor transparency high among their priorities. For the full story visit http://www.fb.org/ newsroom/news_article/429/.
GMOs are A-OK
The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have reaffirmed what thousands of other studies have found, and what farmers, scientists and educated consumers have known all along: genetically engineered crops are safe and beneficial to agriculture, human health and the environment. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall noted, “The Academies also found that we do not need a label for food made from genetically engineered crops because those foods are as safe to consume as any other. This finding is timely, as the Senate has yet to pass legislation to pre-empt state-by-state labeling mandates— mandates that are not based on science or food safety issues and would be misleading and costly for consumers. The study gives senators all the evidence they need to support a national, voluntary labeling standard and we urge them to do so soon— before it is too late to halt the non-science-based labeling mandate in Vermont. “The science behind the safety of modern agricultural technology is clearer than ever,” Duvall said. We thank the Academies for tackling this issue and doing a thorough, scientific review. This report should close the book on any further debate over the safety and benefits of GMOs.” Have questions about GMOs? Visit www.gmoanswers.com or fooddialogues.com.
EPA, Army Corps violate own regulations The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have violated their own regulations and effectively invented new ones in enforcing the Clean Water Act according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Don Parrish, senior director of congressional relations at AFBF, told the Senate Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife that the Army Corps’ novel interpretations of environmental law are threatening the very livelihoods of ordinary, middle-class Americans who happen to farm and ranch for a living. “Based on what we see in California, it is clear that the expansions in jurisdiction over land and water features on the farm are already happening,” Parrish told the subcommittee. “Most ordinary farming activities conducted in areas under jurisdiction will require permits if and when the Corps chooses to demand them. And when they demand permits, delays and costs will mount until most farmers simply give up. Congress needs to step in and give farmers some real certainty so they can plan their farming operations and protect the environment at the same time.” Parrish’s testimony can be found here: http://www.fb.org/assets/news/DonParrishBioAttachmentTestimony.pdf.
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ISSN: 1555-788X The Montana Farm Bureau Federation News Brief is published monthly except for January, April, July and October by the Montana Farm Bureau Federation at 502 S. 19th Ave., Suite 104, Bozeman, MT 59718. Subscription rates are $4 per year, covered by annual dues to the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. Nonmember subscriptions are $25 per year. Mail at periodical postage rate in Bozeman, MT and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Montana Farm Bureau Federation News Brief, 502 S. 19th Ave., Suite 104, Bozeman, MT 59718. 406-587-3153.
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COUNTY NEWS The Custer-Fallon County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee read three Accurate Ag Books at the Miles City Public Library May 17. The Yellowstone County Farm Bureau did an Accurate Ag Book reading of “Peas to the Table” at several schools in the area. The Gallatin County Farm Bureau had an ATV safety station run by Edie Wright during the Gallatin Valley Farm Fair May 10-12 with the Collegiate YF&R manning the pig station. MFBF District Director Patti Davis helped with event planning.
Lewis & Clark, Front Range and Broadwater County Farm Bureaus all held ATV Safety trainings. Northwest Counties Farm Bureau held an ATV safety training during Polson Ag Day. Members of the Ravalli County Farm Bureau presented an ATV Safety Training at the Hamilton Farm Fair. The Wheatland-GoldenValley County Farm Bureau members filled bags with information about agriculture, along with grocery gift cards, which were handed out at local grocery stores May 27 in Harlowton, Ryegate and Lavina.
Below: MWFBMIC Sales Associate Kristin Garber talks about the importance of choosing a correct ATV for size and age during the Hamilton Farm Fair.
Above: Ag teacher Stacy Dietz, foreground, and Cindy Staffanson, back, at Shepherd Elementary help kids with Yellowstone County’s “First Peas to the Table” project.
Above: Pam Griffin and Melissa Rolf, Custer-Fallon County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, work on Accurate Ag Book crafts during book readings at the Miles City Public Library.
Chouteau County Farm Bureau’s Safety Training.
Chouteau County Farm Bureau held their ATV Safety Fair May 16 for 60 fourth and fifth grade students from Chouteau County. The Farm Bureau rewarded the kids for attending with “Fly” riding gloves. The Farm Bureau Financial Services office in Sidney is hosting a Customer Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16 at their office in Sidney. Come on out for food and fun. Powder River-Carter County Farm Bureau is hosting a YF&R/ generational mixer with family fun starting at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 18. There will be a barbecue, tournaments of horseshoes, corn hole toss and cribbage, as well as a speaker from NW Farm Credit Services.