TOPSTORIES STORIES TOP
August 2016
Win a Polaris at the YF&R Discussion Meet
Yellowstone County Farm Bureau members read Accurate Ag Books to area students as part of a summer reading program.
Take time to promote the TPP While presidential candidates are scrambling to oppose the TransPacific Partnership, Farm Bureau is speaking out in favor of this trade deal which will provide a projected $4.4 billion increase in net farm income. “During the American Farm Bureau board meeting, we had a few speakers visit with us about the TPP, ” noted MFBF Bob Hanson who serves on the board. “The assessment on the chance it has to get passed in the lame duck session is anyone’s guess. Randy Russell, CEO, The Russell Group spoke about the presidential campaign and agricultural issues, and thinks the TPP won’t pass. However, U.S. Trade Ambassador Mike Froman and the American Farm Bureau staff were more optimistic in their comments.” The White Sulphur Springs ranchers says now is the time for the people
to talk to their representatives and senators about TPP. “If you see Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester, as well as Representative Ryan Zinke, back on your home turf, you can talk about what this means to agriculture in our state, and it’s a great time to visit about these issues.” Hanson reiterated the importance of knowing the positives and negatives about the deal. “If we don’t get the TPP passed, it could be the end of trade deals for the U.S. It shows that we’ll spend years negotiating a deal, yet can’t deliver in the end.” The TPP is especially important for agriculture, which imports a large percentage of what is produced. “The TPP will encompass about 25 percent of all of the world trade and ties us all together. If the U.S. doesn’t step in and pass this, China will. Cont. on page 2.
Montana Polaris is again the sponsor of 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 detailed information go to www. mfbf.org or 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.
MSFAG
Recently, the Montana State Fund/ Montana Ag Safety program has made a few changes. The four-percent up-front discount is no longer provided. However Montana Farm Bureau members now have the opportunity to receive two dividends, one dividend as part of the overall ag insured group within State Fund, and an additional dividend as members of the Montana Ag Safety Program group. “Montana has very high premium rates, usually in the top five states, often number one,” noted Les Graham, Montana Ag Safety Program. “The Montana Ag Safety Program is trying to change these high rates for the ag community and Farm Bureau’s members.”
STATE NEWS TPP, Cont. from page 1. If the U.S. is involved in the TPP, then China’s role is highly diminished.” Hanson explained that the TPP would be a true boost for Montana’s economy. “It will provide the opportunity to get beef to the Pacific Rim and open new markets for beef and grain in Vietnam. At this point we are losing Pacific Rim countries’ markets to Australia with their lower tariffs. We need to have a level playing field. I believe if the TPP doesn’t pass, not only will it be detrimental, but we will lose our markets as well.” He indicated that not only is this an economic issue, but the broader issue of the entire Asia-Pacific region, whereby these countries are looking to the United States for leadership. “If we’re not providing it, those countries will look elsewhere. That’s why we need to keep at it and get a vote on this,” Hanson concluded.
Hoofin’ It for Hunger
Register for the Montana Farm Bureau YF&R Hoofin’ It for Hunger Race taking place Saturday Oct. 8 at Fort Keogh in Miles City. It’s time to get in shape to run in the half-marathon, 10K or 5K race that will take you through farm fields and along wooded trails. If you plan to do the mile walk, no need to train, but do plan to come out and have a good time. Get to town early and enjoy dinner from 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 7 at the Range Riders Museum in Miles City. It is free to all race registrants and packet pick-up will be available. “This will be my fourth year running and the fifth year on the committee,” says Staci Ketchum, a Miles City rancher. “I enjoy running and working with Hoofin’ It for Hunger because it gives me, as a young producer, a venue to speak to others that may not understand or know what I do as a rancher in Eastern Montana. In addition, not much beats the scenery along the Yellowstone River in October.” All proceeds go to the Montana Food Bank Network. The MFBF YF&R Committee has donated $29,000 to date to this worthy cause. For registration fees, race times and to sign up, visit Hoofin’ It For Hunger Facebook page or https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/MilesCity/HoofinItForHunger. Questions? Contact Sue Ann Streufert, 406-587-3153 or sueanns@mfbf.org.
MFBF Calendar Long-Range Planning Committee September 1 • Bozeman
MFBF advocacy team
ACE, which stands for advocate, communicate, educate, is MFBF’s newest advocacy program. ACE is perfect for members who are especially interested in visiting with our elected officials and helping them understand the importance of agriculture in today’s world. Comprised of one representative from each district across the state, ACE will hold two trainings each year to help team members enhance their communication and advocacy skills. The next training will be during MFBF Annual Convention in Billings and any interested member may attend. To learn more about ACE and how you can be nominated, check out the blog http://mfbf.org/on-the-trail or contact Chelcie Cargill at 587-3153 or chelciec@mfbf.org.
MFBF makes quota
The Montana Farm Bureau was the second state in the nation to make quota for membership growth with the American Farm Bureau.
Budget Committee September 2 • Bozeman The REAL Montana class by a drilling rig.
REAL MONTANA Montana Farm Bureau members who were selected to the REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership) Class II traveled to Sidney in June for the Oil and Gas Development” seminar. The class learned the basics of oil and gas extraction, environmental regulation, community issues, the Clean Power Plan, and how the Bakken oil boom and slowdown has affected the community. Richland Couny Farm Bureau member Karli Johnson said the drilling rig up close was one of the neatest parts of the seminar. “I was so impressed with the work ethic of the people on site,” she said. “It was a wonderful way to show my community to my classmates. I was able to share what I have learned from living in a community that experiences booms and busts. It takes a special kind of leadership to ride that wave and it’s important for leaders in the natural resource industry to understand that.”
Hoofin’ It for Hunger October 8 • Miles City MFBF Convention November 13-16 • Billings
People
The Meyer family from Stevensville were recently featured in a story on KECI-TV regarding a donated microwave, a cash box and an American Legion garage sale. Fun story about good Farm Bureau members. http:// www.nbcmontana.com/news/keci/ long-lost-cash-box-found-at-garagesale/36659384. Congratulations to the same Jay and Colleen Meyer, as well to Travis Choat of Terry, for being named to the Top 100 Leaders Shaping Rural America and Agriculture by Farm Credit. They are two of only eight winners selected from the Northwest region. The top100 honorees were selected from more than 1,100 nominations.
NATIONAL NEWS Voting info from AFBF
AFBF’s Election16.fb.org website offers rural voters resources and information on the upcoming November elections. The website provides an informative look at everything from the campaign for president to local issues. Visitors can select a state for targeted information on polling, how to do absentee ballots, candidates and issues pertinent to that specific state. Visit this excellent resource regularly to find out what is happening in politics both nationally and locally.
Labeling bill satisfactory to Farm Bureau
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is pleased the RobertsStabenow compromise biotech labeling bill was passed by the Senate and the House and signed into law by President Obama. This law will provide consumers with information to make informed purchasing decisions while giving food processors the ability to conform to a uniform standard across the board. “We reiterate that although this bill isn’t ideal, it is a way to halt complicated and onerous labeling requirements that would have hurt small processors and farmers,” noted MFBF President Bob Hanson. “The issue of biotech labeling has been a long and complicated one. We appreciate our Congressmen’s continued support of Montana’s farmers and ranchers and the sound science of biotechnology,” noted Nicole Rolf, MFBF director of national affairs. “Their vote in favor of the Roberts/ Stabenow compromise bill will get us one step closer to preventing a state-bystate patchwork of confusing and unnecessary labeling laws, which is good for consumers and farmers alike.” Farm Bureau thanked Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke for their support of the bill. The U.S .Department of Agriculture says a timeline for implementation is underway.
CASE IH at zero percent
Are you in the market for tractors or hay equipment that works as hard as you? Through September 30 you could be eligible for 0% financing offers on most new Case IH hay and forage equipment and Farmall® tractors. Montana Farm Bureau members are eligible for a $300 - $500 discount on Farmall & Maxxum® tractors, hay tools and more. Visit http://bit.ly/29J2ImP to download your Farm Bureau discount certificate. See your participating Case IH dealer for details and eligibility requirements.
Commodity Conference Three Montana Farm Bureau members--Gil Gasper, Russell Steinbeisser and Wes Jensen-- attended the 2016 National Commodity Conference and Economic Summit June 27-29 at the Iowa Farm Bureau Facility, West Des Moines, Iowa. The purpose of the commodity conference was for issues to be discussed and ideas taken back to county Farm Bureaus for policy development. Read full story http://mfbf.org/pTZmv or www.mfbf.newsroom.
National YF&R Committee
Nicole and Patrick Hackley continued their work on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee by attending a YF&R committee meeting in Washington, D.C. in June. The Hackleys shared several valuable lessons they learned while at the meeting. “Our individual voice and stories are valuable,” exPatrick and Nicole Hackley, and Flat Stanley, meet with Senator Steve Daines. plained Nicole. “We discovered that people who make the laws and policies at the national level are great listeners who want to hear from their constituents whether in person, on the phone or in an email. Senator Daines was very appreciative of knowing where Farm Bureau stands on issues.” The young couple urged other YF&Rs to contact their national and state legislators to get active. “Get involved in your local Farm Bureau,” Nicole noted. “It all starts there. It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment, but helping out with something you’re passionate about is a good start. Enjoy cooking? Head up your summer picnic. Enjoy talking about policy? Create or join your county policy development committee. There’s a place for everyone so get out of your comfort zone and reach out to someone.” Read their complete blog at http://mfbf.org/O6gyS or www.mfbf.org/on-the-trail.
Farm Bureau joins land use lawsuit The American Farm Bureau Federation and Utah Farm Bureau Federation have asked a federal district court in Utah to overturn a host of illegal land-use restrictions hampering ranchers in the western states. The litigation challenges federal land management plans imposing restrictions on ranching and other human activities in Utah as part of a larger effort to manage federal lands for species protection rather than for “multiple uses” as required by law. “This lawsuit is one of a very few ways American ranchers and farmers have to try to stay in business in the West,” says Gary Heibertshausen, who serves on the AFBF Environmental Regulations Advisory Committee. “Most of us do not have the resources to take on the BLM and Forest Service one-on-one so it’s rewarding that Farm Bureau has stepped up in this lawsuit. The issue of who is governing the land we own and lease and whose animals use those lands as habitat has become a very blurred picture.” The sheep rancher noted, “Many states, including Montana, have received approval from federal agencies on the state Sage Grouse Plans. However, those agencies continue to write policy to govern some of these same lands as they see fit.” For the full story visit http://mfbf.org/y1x1j or mfbf.org/newsroom.
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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 Yellowstone County Farm Bureau volunteers spent time July 19 reading Accurate Ag Books as part of the “Reading Rocks” program in conjunction with the School District’s free lunch program. Reading Rocks travels to different parks four days every week during the summer. YCoFB provided more ag book for kids to take home. Carbon-Stillwater County held an ATV Safety Training July 26 in Red Lodge for 4-H and FFA members. The Northwest Counties Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers held a poker ride July 9 in Dayton, MT. This fun ride held at the Mueli Ranch
provided a free lunch and prizes. Lewis & Clark County Farm Bureau had the Chevy Giveaway pickup displayed at the Last Chance Stampede. Cascade County Farm Bureau provided water bottles with custom labels at the their county Fair. Broadwater County Farm Bureau had a booth and will be selling raffle tickets for half beef at their county fair. Gallatin Farm Bureau and Gallatin Beef Producers held a picnic at the home of MFBF District Director Patti Davis. County Farm Bureau members flocked to hearings in Sidney, Glendive and Billings on the Intake Dam. The Gallatin County Farm Bureau joint picnic had a full house.
Above: 4-H kids share what they learned at Carbon/Stillwater County’s ATV Safety Training. Right: Lance and Conni Moreland at the Rosebud County Fair.
Above: Can’t beat the great scenery on the Northwest Counties YF&R Poker Ride.
Environmental groups want to block the creation of the fish bypass, taking the dam out entirely, which would eliminate irrigation in Richland County, Dawson County and areas of North Dakota. MFBF COUNTY ANNUAL MEETINGS*
Aug 27 Judith Basin Sept 7 Chouteau Sept 11 Wheatland/GoldenValley Broadwater Sept 12 Rosebud/Treasure Sept 13 Custer/Fallon Lewis & Clark Sept 14 Prairie Sept 16 Meagher Sept 19 Roosevelt Valley Sept 20 Dawson/Wibaux Phillips Southwest Cascade Sept 21 McCone Sept 22 Park Richland Sept 23 Sweet Grass Sept 24 Gallatin Sept 27 Powder River/Carter *At time of News Brief printing.