August News Brief 2025 by Rebecca Colnar

MONTANA Farm

Time to sign up for Hoofin’ it for Hunger

Bureau

News Brief

TOP STORIES

August 2025

The MFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Hoofin’ it for Hunger is fast approaching, being held September 20 at Depot Park in Dillon. Ready to run?

Registration is $40 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K.

Can’t make it to Dillon but still want to help a worthy cause? Become a virtual runner for $30 and you’ll still snag that epic Hoofin’ it for Hunger t-shirt while making a real difference.

Since 2011, this incredible event has raised over $96,000 for the Montana Food Bank Network.

For more details, contact Sue Ann Streufert at 406-587-3153 or sueanns@mfbf.org.

Deep dives into tough issues in agriculture

Market Intel, produced by the Farm Bureau economic analysis team, provides market policy insight and analysis for Farm Bureau’s farmer and rancher members nationwide, as well as policymakers on Capitol Hill.

These interesting in-depth reports cover timely topics such as cattle inventory, agricultural trade, H-2A wages, falling ag statistics, details of “One Big Beautiful Bill” and much more.

Visit fb.org/market-intel to read the latest agricultural trends.

Montana leaders advocate in Washington, D.C.

July proved to be a busy month for agricultural advocacy at the national level with Montana Farm Bureau’s leaders on two separate occasions traveling to Washington, D.C.

MFBF President Cyndi Johnson, accompanied by Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Nicole Rolf, participated in the Council of Farm Bureau Presidents and met with Montana’s Congressional Delegation.

In addition to the Capitol Hill visits, the presidents heard from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Johnson, a wheat farmer from Conrad, said it’s encouraging to have cabinet leaders who care deeply about farmers and ranchers.

Two weeks later a group of MFBF leaders had an action-packed visit as part of MFBF’s D.C. Fly-In.

The group met with White House staff, Montana’s Congressional delegation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as well as with the public policy team at the American Farm Bureau. They also had the opportunity to talk trade with the Agriculture, Food and Drink Attache’ from the British Embassy.

“The visits with our Congressional delegation and heads of the agencies went exceedingly well,” said MFBF Vice President Casey Mott, a rancher from Custer. “I believe the concerns we voiced were heard and understood, and I trust they will be acted upon.”

(Continued on page 4)

Montana Farm Bureau members at the Capitol during the Washington, D.C. Fly-In included Buddy Cheff, Vice President Casey Mott, Eric Moore and Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Nicole Rolf.

STATE NEWS

Check out the new MFBF Podcast

If you’re someone who enjoys getting news and information on your phone or i-Pad, you will want to check out Montana Farm Bureau’s weekly podcast hosted by MFBF’s Digital Communications Lead Haley Droogsma.

The podcast offers a variety of information from enjoyable member interviews to the latest hard-hitting agricultural news.

Featured members to date have included Cascade County President Merrill McKamey, YF&R District 4 Chair Zack Weimortz and NW Counties YF&R member Ryan O’Halloran.

The podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon and the Montana Farm Bureau YouTube Channel youtube.com@MTFarmBureau.

MFBF

hosts western Farm Bureau leaders

In July Montana Farm Bureau hosted the Western Region Presidents, Administrators, and Government Relations Conference where western state Farm Bureaus came together to discuss solutions to issues facing agriculture and Farm Bureau in their areas.

MFBF also got the chance to show off our state and its agriculture with exciting tours.

Mark your calendars

The Montana Grazing Lands Coalition is hosting a very educational conference September 4-7, 2025. The event, held at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, will feature 46 breakout sessions, 60 speakers and a tour. Topics include beef cattle nutrition, grazing strategies, the farm bill, labor, succession planning, taxes, agri-technology and many more.

For more information visit montanaglc.org/expo

Interim Committees set priorities

By Karli Johnson, State Governmental Affairs Coordinator

Although the Montana Legislative Session has wrapped up, the work doesn’t end there. In fact, the 2025 Interim Committees are off to a strong start. The Economic Affairs Interim Committee (EAIC), Environmental Quality Council (EQC), and Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC) have each held their initial meetings, setting priorities and laying the groundwork for their work in the interim.

• Economic Affairs Interim Committee (EAIC)

EAIC will spend some time continuing discussions on the future of the Montana Cattle Committee, should ranchers approve a referendum. Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) was present to advocate for addressing key questions raised during HB119 hearings, including the administration of the check-off and the process for appointing board members.

• Environmental Quality Council (EQC)

EQC is dedicating significant attention to wildfire mitigation. Their study will explore how grazing can help reduce fuel loads and examine the impact of noxious weeds. In addition, EQC has been tasked with a broader study on noxious weeds and strategies for improved management. MFBF expressed strong support for both efforts, recognizing these as critical challenges facing Montana’s landscape.

• Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC)

WPIC outlined a robust set of priorities, including exempt wells, water use enforcement, and water reuse with a particular focus on storage and data center water consumption. The committee will begin work in earnest this October, using Senate Bill 358 as a foundation for discussions on exempt wells. While MFBF opposed the bill during the session, we are optimistic that with a few key adjustments, it could lead to meaningful progress.

What are interim committees? They are bipartisan groups of legislators that meet during the months between sessions to study specific issues and consider whether to recommend new legislation. The website legmt.gov/committees provides interim study links, the committees, interim services and assignments. Stay informed about Montana’s legislative process.

Calendar

Long Range Planning & Budget Committees

August 28-29

Bozeman

MFBF Annual Convention

November 17-20

Missoula

AFBF Convention

January 9-12, 2026

Anaheim, CA

MFBF YF&R Conference

January 23-25, 2026

Great Falls

People in the News

MFBF President Cyndi Johnson interviewed with Northern Ag Network and KMON regarding her time at the AFBF Council of Presidents and advocating for ag in Washington.

The D.C. Fly-In generated several interviews including MFBF VP Casey Mott and NW Counties President Buddy Cheff with Northern Ag Network and Custer County President Eric Moore with Western Ag Network. Moore also visited with Aaron Flint, host of Montana Talks about his perspective on the trip to D.C.

YF&R Chair Nick Courville had an in-depth conversation on Lane Nordland’s Lanecast Ag Podcast as did Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Nicole Rolf. Rolf did the podcast from the American Farm Bureau office in Washington, D.C.

COUNTY NEWS

Carbon/Stillwater Counties members and friends watched their racing pig, Albert EinSwine, race at the Bear Creek Saloon and Steakhouse July 24. The betting proceeds will be used for Carbon/Stillwater County Farm Bureau to support activities for 4-H and FFA. The county Farm Bureau is sponsoring Albert EinSwine for the entire racing season which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The county Farm Bureau donated two wheelbarrows, three pitchforks, a metal scoop shovel and a livestock blow dryer for the Stillwater and Carbon County Fairs, all of which sported their logo.

Dawson-Wibaux County held their postponed summer picnic Sunday, July 13. They also had a booth at the Dawson County Fair July 24-26 in Glendive.

Yellowstone County sponsored a day with the Billings Mustangs Sunday, July 13 at Dehler Park in Billings. County members set up a booth with swag giveaways, a “cow and sheep” milking/shearing station and free tickets for Farm Bureau members. Yellowstone County Board Member Greg Gabel’s son, Trent, tossed in the first ball.

Park County saw a full house for their water rights informational evening event featuring Hertha Lund, Lund Law, LLC. Lund answered questions about water issues in Park County.

Chouteau County Farm Bureau hosted its annual pancake breakfast June 28. Local FFA chapters were there to help serve breakfast to over 400 people and

had their farm truck in the Fort Benton Summer Celebration parade.

The MFB Foundation and Cascade County Farm Bureau teamed up to have a display at the Montana State Fair the last week of July in Great Falls. On July 29, the county hosted a seed mosaic workshop where State Fair attendees could make a picture using Montana seeds like lentils, barley, peas and chickpeas, donated by Timeless Seeds in Ulm.

The county Farm Bureau also provided ice-cold water at the county 4-H Show & Sale earlier in July.

Northwest Counties YF&R hosted “Coffee and Conversations” on August 2 at the Brew Thru in Ronan and hosted a county YF&R tour August 8 at Mission Valley Shrimp in Charlo.

The Fourth Annual District 6 Fall Fest is slated for October 4 at the Richland County Event Center in Sidney. Follow the District 6 Farm Bureau Fall Fest page on Facebook for updates.

Kids learn about different seeds while creating mosaics during the Montana State Fair.

Bernie Evans manned the Dawson/Wibaux booth during the Dawson County Fair.

Chouteau County FB and the local FFA Chapter hosted a pancake breakfast at the Fort Benton Summer Celebration.

Yellowstone County Farm Bureau hosted a day at Mustang baseball. Pictured are Trent Gabel, Addi Vogel, YCFB VP Lindsay Harper, President Jodie Drange and Mustangs players.

Carbon/Stillwater’s night at the Bear Creek Pig Races included Carla Lawrence, Spencer and Jodie Drange, Sarah Boyer and Tyler Peterson.

(Left to right): Connie and Bob Phalen, Gene Evans, Bernard Evans and Lynn and Lowell Stevenson at the Dawson/Wibaux picnic.

Park County drew a large crowd for their informational program on water rights.

MONTANA FARM

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Bozeman, MT 59718

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 100 Red Mountain Drive, Suite 101, 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, 100 Red Mountain Drive, Suite 101, Bozeman, MT 59718. 406-587-3153.

Kalispell, MT

NATIONAL NEWS

FACA Issues MAHA Policy Recommendations

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) published a new report “Nurturing Healthy Soils for Healthy Communities.” The report recommends the Make America Healthy Again Commission support policies that reward stewardship and invest in innovation as part of a national strategy to create lasting, healthy outcomes for all communities, rural and urban alike.

The report focuses on three key pillars to help agricultural producers and forest owners keep our soils healthy and our air and water clean.

“Farmers and ranchers are committed to doing right by the land, and we are at the forefront of adopting new practices, innovation, and technology to ensure our soil is healthy for generations to come. That’s why we are urging lawmakers to ensure we have access to the research and tools we need to keep growing safe, sustainable and nutritious food, fiber, and renewable fuel for our communities, our country and the world,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Read the full story at fb.org/news-release.

Farm Bureau leaders in Washingon, cont.

“While meeting with the White House Public Liaison in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, we asked them to share with President Trump our need for a robust agricultural workforce including H-2A workers and the importance of international trade to Montana agriculture,”said Mott.

Custer County President Eric Moore noted, “I’m amazed by the breadth of knowledge of the American Farm Bureau staff who not only need to have knowledge about beef and wheat issues in states like Montana but have to understand citrus issues in states like Florida.”

This was the first time in D.C. for Northwest Counties President Buddy Cheff who said, “This Fly-in was fantastic, with positive, uplifting meetings in many of these beautiful, historic buildings. It’s been very educational and well worth the trip.”

For the full story visit mfbf.org/media/news

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