Spokesman_Summer2025_lowres

Summer 2025

Montana Farm Bureau Federation

WE CARE FOR THE COUNTRY

SUMMER CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS p16

FIRE SEASON SAFETY p10

BUILDING LEGACIES WITH PHOTOS

RURAL MENTAL HEALTH

p12

p14

A publication for the more than 20,000 member families of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation

“

FROM ELEVATORS ACROSS THE PLAINS, THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS OUT WEST, I’M PROUD TO LINK FARMS-TO-TABLES ACROSS AMERICA, AND AROUND THE WORLD.

”

JEROME, TRAINMASTER, HAVRE, MT

At BNSF, we’ve partnered with American producers for over 170 years. We’re a critical link for delivering agricultural products whenever and wherever they’re needed—in the nation and in the world—and we’re proud of it. Learn more at:

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CONTENTS Montana Farm Bureau Federation

WE CARE FOR THE COUNTRY

SUMMER 2025 ISSUE Published by:

Montana Farm Bureau Federation 100 Red Mountain Drive, Suite 101 Bozeman, MT 59718 406-587-3153 | mfbf.org Publisher Scott Kulbeck Editor Rebecca Colnar Managing Editor Sue Ann Streufert Advertising Sales Rebecca Colnar 406-223-4106 Production Services Provided by: Bobbi Burow, CreativityTank LLC © Copyright 2025. Montana Farm Bureau Federation Spokesman. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication man not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or forward looking statements made by advertisers.

Articles and advertisements in this publication are not solicitations to buy, hold or sell specific securities; they are for information purposes only.

Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees. Investors should be aware that risk is associated with any security, strategy or investment and are advised to seek the counsel of a competent investment advisor before making any investment, or utilizing any information contained in this publication.

Subscription, advertising and circulation information can be obtained from the publisher.

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6

THE VP MESSAGE

MAHA – Make America Hungry Again?

05

THE ZIPLINE

The Urgency of Tax Reform

06

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

From Young Farmers & Ranchers to

08

Prime Cuts: Gil Gasper’s Journey from Ranching to Meat Processing

8

SAFETY TIPS

Storm Prep & Scam Savvy: Don't Let

10

Disasters Double Your Troubles

FIRE SAFETY

Protecting Montana: Essential Wild-

12

fire Prevention and Safety Tips

PRESERVING YOUR PAST

Expert Tips for Safeguarding

14

10

Family Memories

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE

The Montana Phone Booth Project:

Creating Conversations on Rural Mental Health

16 Summer Conference Coverage 20 ACE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ACE Program Cultivates Montana's

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12

Agricultural Leaders

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Heartfelt Support for Ronald

24

McDonald House Charities

YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS

Young Farmers & Ranchers

Committee Surface New Ideas

26 People In The News 28 Ag Chat 30 Book Review

Summer 2025

Montana FarM Bureau Federation

WE CARE FOR THE COUNTRY

SUMMER CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

For publishing and advertising information contact:

Rebecca Colnar Montana Farm Bureau Federation 406-223-4106 rebeccac@mfbf.org Printed 6/2025 mfbf.org

p16

ON THE COVER: MFBF members had a tour of Montana Resources Continental Mine in Butte during the MFBF Summer Conference.

Photo by Haley Droogsma.

FIRE SEASON SAFETY p10

BUILDING LEGACIES WITH PHOTOS

RURAL MENTAL HEALTH

p12

p14

A publication for the more than 20,000 member families of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

3

THE VP MESSAGE

MAHA – Make America Hungry Again?

SCOTT KULBECK Executive Vice President MFBF

D

ozens of theories point to the reason for America’s high rates of obesity and chronic diseases. Too many of us live a sedentary lifestyle, social stressors are ever present, and quality healthcare is unaffordable to some and unavailable to others.

If I look into the mirror for the reason my weight scale screams, “one person at a time!” or why my blood pressure is higher than the national debt, it is not hard for me to find the cause. My blood pressure is high because I have low resistance to the reasons that cause it. My exercise plan is to park in the most distant row of the brewery parking lot.

However, if I and my fellow citizens need to become healthy again, we cannot put the blame on America’s farmers and ranchers.

So why does the recently released Make America Health Again (MAHA) Commission report sow seeds of doubt and fear about our food system and farming practices?

Farmers are identified in the report as critical partners, yet were excluded from its development, despite many requests for a seat at the table. The report acknowledges a mountain of evidence about the safety of our food system and rigorous regulatory process yet is contradictory in that it spotlights outlier studies and presents unproven theories that feed a false narrative.

The MAHA commission cited “some

Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman (ISSN 08863075) Published quarterly by the Montana Farm Bureau Federation at 100 Red Mountain Drive, Suite 101, Bozeman, MT 59718. Periodical postage paid at Bozeman, MT and additional mailing offices. Subscription rates $4 a year covered by annual dues to Montana Farm Bureau Federation members.

Non-member subscription $25 per year. Advertising rates available upon request. The Montana Farm Bureau Federation Spokesman reserved the right to reject any advertisements. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Montana Farm Bureau Federation Spokesman, 100 Red Mountain Drive, Suite 101, Bozeman, MT 59718

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

studies” that raise concerns over the safety of scientifically backed pesticides like glyphosate and atrazine. In fact, hundreds of studies have affirmed the safety of properly applied pesticides. The commission noted United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) findings that 99% of food samples are compliant with EPA’s safety limits. EPA continually reassesses pesticides to ensure their safety for human health and the environment.

Pesticides play a key role in regenerative farming practices such as no-till and cover cropping. Without pesticides, farmers would lose these critical practices which help absorb carbon and protect against soil erosion.

To be clear, Farm Bureau’s concerns with the MAHA Commission report are not about the goal of improving the health of Americans.

I can confidently say Montana farmers and ranchers share that goal. They live and work on the same land where they raise their children, and they feed their families the same food as they are growing for rest of the country. They welcome the opportunity to share more about the decisions they make every day to grow nutritious food for their families and yours.

The MAHA report notes that farmers are critical and should be “at the center” of the health discussion. I agree! Any proposed changes to American agriculture, must include input from those directly involved.

Limiting farmers and ranchers from using essential tools would increase the cost of food for all Americans and could put the nutritional needs of many families out of reach. And the last thing anyone wants is to…

Make America Hungry Again! ◾

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Officers Cyndi Johnson – President Casey Mott – Vice President Scott Kulbeck – Executive VP Diana Bailey – Exec Sec/CFO Montana Farm Bureau Board Beth Blevins – District 1 J.M. Peck – District 2 Kris Descheemaeker – District 3

Jese Stetson – District 4 Darcia Patten – District 5 Don Steinbeisser, Jr. – District 6 Wayne Stahl – District 7 Ed Bandel – District 8 Karl Christians – District 9 Jim Willis – District 10 Nick Courville – YF&R Carla Lawrence – Women’s Leadership Comm.

mfbf.org

THE ZIPLINE

The Urgency of Tax Reform

F

armers and ranchers are natural planners. From mapping out our daily to-do lists to strategizing next year’s planting, we are always thinking ahead.

Preparation is fundamental to what we do, but with essential tax provisions set to expire this year, there is uncertainty we may not be able to plan around.

Many of the tax provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped farmers reinvest in their businesses and strengthen the farm’s financial stability. The critical tax provisions laid out in the law included reduced individual tax rates, a qualified business income deduction, higher capital expensing deductions and an increased critical estate tax exemption.

If the provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are allowed to expire, however, farm and ranch families will face an increase of billions of dollars in taxes. The increase could potentially be anywhere from 9% to 20% per family depending on the size of the farm.

WHY TAX REFORM IS AN URGENT MATTER The farm economy is already facing a variety of pressures with inflation, commodity prices and market uncertainty, so a massive tax bill could push many of our farms – especially our small and medium-sized farms – completely out of business. In 2024 alone, we lost 15,000 farms and we simply can’t afford to lose any more.

Our farmers deserve a tax code that provides certainty and helps protect the family farms who work to keep our nation's food supply safe, sustainable and secure.

Many of our small and medium-sized farms operate on razor-thin margins, and they would be hit hardest by a tax hike.

Farmers simply can’t afford another year of guessing if they will be hit with a massive tax bill.

The expiration of these tax provisions also threatens the future of agriculture with higher mfbf.org

rates for beginning farmers and a loss of critical estate tax relief. The weight of losing a family member is already burdensome enough, farm families shouldn’t have the added stress of a hefty tax and worry about selling the farm to pay it off. We need to ensure that farmers can pass on the farm without the looming threat of a tax bill destroying everything they’ve worked for.

In addition to the estate tax, our beginning farmers and ranchers face high upfront costs and significant financial risk, so without beneficial tax provisions, it can be nearly impossible to get things off the ground.

America needs the next generation ready and able to take up the mission of growing our nation’s food, fiber and renewable fuel, but that also means having a tax code that gives them a chance to succeed.

ZIPPY DUVALL President, AFBF

THE STATUS OF TAX REFORM The longer it takes to pass a tax bill, the more uncertainty will be added, especially as farmers are well into making decisions for 2026.

Congress promised to make taxes a priority this year, and now is the time for them to deliver.

The future of our family farms and our nation’s food supply depend on it.

Fortunately, we recently saw movement in the House with their budget reconciliation bill providing needed increases to these provisions and making many of them permanent.

This includes a permanent increase to the 199A deduction, a nearly tripled estate tax exemption, permanent lowered individual tax rates and a five-year bonus depreciation (expensing) extension. The tax reform laid out in the House bill would provide certainty for many of our family farms, and now we must urge the Senate to swiftly pass legislation and cement these tax provisions into law.

Farmers simply can’t afford another year of guessing if they will be hit with a massive tax bill. It’s time to have a permanent tax code that encourages investment, supports our farm businesses, and protects the dream of passing the farm on to the next generation. ◾ Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

From Young Farmers & Ranchers to Prime Cuts: Gil Gasper’s Journey from Farming to Meat Processing

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n our ongoing Producer Member Series, we're thrilled to spotlight Gil Gasper, a former Young Farmer and Rancher Committee Chair (2016-2021) who deeply understands the value of member involvement and community service.

Gil currently serves as the secretary for the McCone County Farm Bureau.

My wife Tracy and I live in Circle, Montana, where we operate T&G Processing. Tracy is a K-12 physical education and health teacher in Circle. Our two boys, aged 6 and 8, are entering 1st and 3rd grades, respectively. We reside 12 miles outside of Circle, where we manage our cattle operation. We've leased out our farm ground to focus on our bustling meat processing business.

WHY START A MEAT PROCESSING PLANT? We initially started the meat plant in 2016 to process wild game. There was not a processing plant in Circle, and we were asked by several members of the community to fill that need. In 2017 we moved into processing domestic animals. The fall of 2020 brought significant expansion due to the increased demand for local processing, driven by both COVID-19 and a growing consumer and rancher desire for local meat. The expansion allows us to hang 50 head of beef at any time.

We installed a larger commercial smoker to process and smoke more hams and bacon. I really enjoy working with producers to provide excellent finished products and especially enjoy processing animals from the local fairs.

It is awesome to see the finished product that the kids work so hard to produce.

HOW DID YOUR TIME ON THE YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS COMMITTEE HELP YOU WITH YOUR MEAT SHOP AS WELL AS IN YOUR AG BUSINESS? Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers & Ranchers 6

Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

(Above) Gil Gasper in 2020 shows some of the offerings in his T&G Meat Plant. (Inset) Gil and his wife Tracy.

program provided invaluable industry connections for both our meat processing and our broader agricultural business. The resources offered and outreach to people not directly involved in agriculture are crucial. They ensure the public understands where their food comes from and helps them grasp what we do every day.

WHY IS IT CRUCIAL TO STAY INVOLVED IN FARM BUREAU AT THE COUNTY LEVEL EVEN WHEN YOU’RE BUSY? It’s important to stay involved because the agricultural industry is changing at a rapid pace. We have a lot of people making decisions that do not understand farming, ranching and ag-related businesses. We need to make sure good decisions and policy are brought forward that benefit everyone. ◾ mfbf.org

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Let’s find the perfect fit for you.

Contact your Farm Bureau agent to get started.

Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services. A161 (4-25)

SAFETY TIPS

Storm Prep & Scam Savvy: Don't Let Disasters Double Your Troubles

S

torms will come and go but getting scammed by vendors and unprofessional contractors in a time of need can make the effects of a storm seem to last forever. Although it is tempting to rush

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

to get repairs completed as quickly as possible, take the time to educate yourself and avoid contractor scams. Schedule a time with your local agent to review your current coverage to ensure it reflects the

mfbf.org

SAFETY TIPS unprecedented rate increases in building supplies and materials. Be prepared, be educated and be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings your way.

◾ Check Out the Contractor: ◾ Ask for local references. ◾ Verify with your local BBB and/or state insurance office.

TIPS TO AVOID CONTRACTOR SCAMS: ◾ Work with only licensed and insured contractors and ask for credentials. ◾ Be wary of contractors selling door-to-door and think twice about high-pressure sales tactics. ◾ Make sure the contractor secures required permits. ◾ Do not pay in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is complete and you have taken the opportunity to inspect it. Payment schedules should be based on completed work only. ◾ Never sign a contract with blanks and make sure all conditions are noted in the contract. These should include the cost, work to be completed, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedule and other items discussed outside the original contract.

Do not let the work begin until you are satisfied with the contract.

mfbf.org

◾ If you use an out-of-state contractor, ask if they have a relationship with a local contractor who will do warranty repairs. Once an out-ofstate contractor leaves, any problems, issues, or warranties may not get handled.

Your insurance company will inspect your property when a claim is submitted. Avoid contractors who pressure you to let them do an inspection, write a bid for you to give to your insurance company, or offer to take care of business with your insurance company.

They may make it sound like it is one less hassle for you this summer, but it may create additional concerns or headaches for you and your insurance company.

Keep in mind that it is your property that has been damaged. You are responsible for your insurance policy.

Remain involved and consulted on any damage and subsequent repairs. ◾

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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FIRE SAFETY

Protecting Montana: Essential Wildfire Prevention and Safety Tips

BY DANA JANSEN, DIRECTOR, MONTANA AG SAFETY PROGRAM

M

ontana is facing predictions of a potentially record-breaking fire season. As Smokey the Bear wisely reminds us, "Only you can prevent wildfires." While natural causes like lightning and coal seams certainly lead to fires, a significant number are human caused.

The financial burden of wildland fires is immense.

Annual fire suppression costs for Montana average a staggering $30 million, but this is just a fraction of the true impact. Wildfire destroys generations of infrastructure, resources management and family legacies, not to mention the extreme cost put on local and federal response agencies or to the private landowners that must fight the fire.

Take a proactive approach to fire safety this summer.

The simplest way to reduce wildfires is to minimize opportunities for ignition. Exercise extreme caution with all potential ignition sources including cigarettes and matches, sparks from equipment, motors, electric fence chargers, batteries and even heavy equipment and vehicles.

Equipment maintenance is key, so follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance intervals and immediately replace worn or broken parts. Properly maintained equipment is less likely to cause a fire. During service, remove excess dust and inspect major components for wear or excessive heating.

Whether you have equipment, or any kind of trailer, make sure its chains are not dragging.

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

When driving or working in the field do not drive in tall grass, or "flashy" fuels like cheatgrass or harvest-ready grains, and consider shifting operations to cooler, higher humidity times of day (earlier or later) when feasible. On days with significantly elevated fire danger or Red Flag Warnings, consider shutting down all field work, yes, even for hay and grain with narrow harvest windows.

Be especially vigilant when haying. Monitor hay moisture levels frequently using baler-mount and handheld probes and stop baling if moisture levels are too high (or marginal on thicker-stemmed hays). Never stack or bunch wet bales and monitor the temperature of haystacks, silage pits, and composting sites. Take quick action to reduce heating when necessary. Consider multiple hay yard sites to minimize risk and impact if a fire occurs.

CREATE DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND BE PREPARED: ◾ Maintain short grass, especially in areas with vehicle traffic and around buildings. ◾ Use proper grazing techniques in fields to reduce fuel load. ◾ When harvesting, plan your direction so the wind pushes fire into already harvested areas, away from standing grain.

ESSENTIAL FIREFIGHTING TOOLS TO KEEP ON HAND: ◾ Readily available and routinely maintained fire extinguishers. mfbf.org

FIRE SAFETY Got horses? Here are some fire safety tips.

– JEANNE RANKIN, DVM

When disaster looms, waiting until the last minute to evacuate your horses or other livestock is a gamble you can't afford. A solid, pre-established plan isn't just helpful— it's absolutely essential. You need to be ready to roll at a moment's notice, ensuring the safety of your animals before a threat even fully materializes.

Possibility of fire:

◾ Bring stock closer to loading area- winds can shift in minutes.

◾ Secure in paddock or corral. ◾ Keep barn/corral areas trimmed from excess fire fuel. ◾ Ensure your horses will load on a trailer; this is not the time for trailer loading practice.

◾ Do you have enough trailer space for all your animals? If not, make additional arrangements.

◾ Have documents ready including registration papers, vaccination history and brand inspections.

◾ Shovels, fire rakes, and flappers. ◾ Helpful improvisations: Rubber floor mats, watersoaked old jeans, a tractor attached to a disc, or even a leaf blower. ◾ Ensure an adequate water supply: Fill temporary storage, or have easy access to existing ponds, creeks, wells, or tanks.

RAPID RESPONSE AND SAFETY FIRST: ◾ Call 911 immediately to request assistance, even for small fires. Fires are much easier to control when they are small. ◾ Rapid response is critical! Your knowledge of your property is invaluable to firefighters. ◾ Work closely with firefighters and support crews by providing information on: ◾ Terrain and access (roads, trails, gates) ◾ Water sources ◾ Current operations (e.g., uncut fields, cattle locations) Remember that human life is the number one priority.

Material goods can always be replaced. Create a plan with your family and neighbors before a fire starts to clearly outline evacuation routes and responsibilities.

Fire conditions change rapidly. Stay informed about fire conditions and heed all warnings. If you are going to help fight the fire, or try to rescue livestock, do so only when safe. ◾ mfbf.org

Fire is imminent:

◾ Identify your horses by marking your last name or phone number on the horse with a livestock marking crayon, on hooves with permanent marker, or braid an ear tag or luggage tag into the mane.

◾ Monitor local emergency info for the best routes, road closures or fire status before evacuation.

◾ Calmly hitch vehicle to trailer if not already. Take time to ensure all lights and flashers are functioning properly.

◾ Load each horse into the trailer at your practice spot. ◾ Know where you are going to evacuate to—which shelter—private or public.

For detailed livestock disaster preparedness information, visit: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/ emergency-care/large-animals-and-livestock-disasters.

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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PRESERVING YOUR PAST

Expert Tips for Safeguarding Family Memories

D

o you have dusty shoeboxes filled with unlabeled photo. This simple practice transforms a static photos tucked away under your bed? Or perhaps image into a rich historical document. Without this a collection of old VCR tapes context, future generations will likely capturing precious family moments slowly have no idea who the people in the deteriorating in storage? You’re not alone. picture are or the significance of the In an age of digital overload and physical event. If you're unsure about a person clutter, the vital task of preserving our or event in a photo, Copenhaver family’s visual history often falls by the suggests sharing it with extended wayside. Fortunately, guidance is available family members, perhaps by sending a from experts like Tammy Copenhaver, an link to a private album, to gather more alumna of the Montana Farm Bureau ACE information. program and a first-generation rancher, Embarking on a photo organizing who has dedicated her business to helping project can feel daunting, given the individuals and families safeguard their lifetime of memories often accumulated.

Tammy Copenhaver invaluable photo and video legacies.

Copenhaver offers a structured, step-byCopenhaver credits the Montana Farm Bureau step approach to make it manageable.

Federation's (MFBF) book Legacies, part of the ACE Book Club, with opening her eyes to the profound importance PHASE 1: PREPARATION AND INITIAL SORTING of documenting family history. Copenhaver explains. "ACE First, identify a dedicated workspace, whether it’s an gave me the understanding that I can help rural families entire office or just a corner of a room. This is where move their stories forward, and they won’t be lost." you'll bring all your "buckets" of photos. Begin by simply opening a box and sorting by size. Don’t even look at THE PERILS OF DIGITAL NEGLECT: WHY SOCIAL the front of the photos initially; just group similar-sized MEDIA ISN'T A STORAGE SOLUTION prints together. Be sure to use cotton or nitrile gloves In our increasingly digital world, many assume that social while sorting the images. media platforms like Facebook are adequate for photo storage. Copenhaver strongly debunks this myth. "Facebook PHASE 2: DECLUTTERING AND PRIORITIZATION is not a storage site," she warns. "When you download Once you’ve sorted by size, it’s time for the crucial photos from a social media site like Facebook, they are decluttering phase. pixelated, and you can’t enlarge them. Understandably, Cull the Clutter: Immediately remove blurry photos, a small image is better than no image, but a clear, good generic landscapes that lack personal significance, and image is best." The compressed nature of images on social any other irrelevant images. ◾ The "A" Pile: Look at each remaining photo. If it sparks media means a significant loss of quality, rendering them an immediate emotional connection or tells a clear unsuitable for printing or high-quality preservation. story within two seconds, place it in the "A" pile. These are your keepers, your most important memories.

THE POWER OF CONTEXT: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, ◾ T

he "B" Pile: If a photo takes longer than two WHEN, AND WHY seconds to elicit a strong reaction or you're unsure Beyond mere storage, the true value of a photograph of its significance, it goes into the "B" pile. These lies in its story. Copenhaver emphasizes the crucial need might be photos to consult with family about later. for keywords in photo captions that will follow the image. ◾ T

he "C" Pile: This pile is for photos you've decided to She passionately encourages everyone to meticulously remove. record the who, what, where, when, and why of each 12

Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

mfbf.org

PRESERVING YOUR PAST Captions??

◾ Handle Multiples: If you have multiple copies of the same photo, keep the largest version as it typically scans better.

PHASE 3: LABELING AND DIGITALIZATION Once you’ve curated your collection, it's time to add that vital contextual information and prepare for scanning. ◾ Labeling: Use a photo-safe pencil or a soft #2 pencil with a light touch to write on the back of each photo. ◾ Scanning: If you’re scanning photos yourself, stack them all facing the same direction for efficient auto-feeding. Use index cards to separate photos by decades, years, or specific events, making them easier to organize digitally. ◾ Backup Strategy: As you start scanning, back up your work often. Copenhaver strongly recommends the 3-2-1 backup rule having Three copies of your scanned image on two different media sources (e.g., a USB drive, an external hard drive) and with one of those copies off-site (e.g., a cloud service, or a physical USB/hard drive stored elsewhere).

PRESERVING OTHER MEDIA: SLIDES, NEGATIVES, AND VIDEOS Don't overlook other forms of media. Slides and negatives often contain incredibly beautiful, highquality images and can be stored compactly in archival containers. Copenhaver emphasizes, "Don't throw them away!" They can yield superior scans compared to prints.

Home movies, especially those on older formats like VCR tapes, are even more fragile than printed images mfbf.org

and have a limited lifespan. "Once they deteriorate, there is no restoration," Copenhaver warns. Converting these to modern formats like MP4 is crucial. This allows you to watch them on various devices and even upload them to streaming services, much like Netflix, to easily share with family.

FINDING PROFESSIONAL HELP AND GETTING STARTED For those overwhelmed by the process, professional help is available. Tammy Copenhaver is certified by The Photo Managers and can be contacted through her website. While she has clients ship items, she typically prefers local, hands-on interactions, especially for her Montana clients who often hand-deliver their precious memories due to apprehension about mailing them.

As "Save Your Photos Month" approaches in September, Copenhaver offers a simple advice: just get started. Grab an envelope and begin. The goal isn't to save every single photo but to preserve those that truly tell your family's unique story. While a shoebox can hold 1,000 images, Copenhaver suggests aiming for around 30 meaningful pictures per year for a legacy collection – those that bring joy and tell your most important stories. That’s 300 photos for 10 years. For sports teams or school events where hundreds of photos might be taken, thin them out to the 5-10 most important ones that truly represent the season or year.

Many people feel overwhelmed and burdened when starting this project, but once it's done, the sense of accomplishment and the security of a preserved family legacy are profoundly rewarding.

To find a professional photo manager in your area visit https://thephotomanagers.com/ or reach out to Tammy Copenhaver at https://406digitalimaging.com/. ◾ Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

13

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE

The Montana Phone Booth Project: Creating Conversations on Rural Mental Health

BY COURTNEY KIBBLEWHITE

I

n Montana’s vast and open space, where communities are often small and far apart, isolation can take a heavy toll on a person’s mind. Artist Jim Dolan, known for his public art installations including “Bleu Horses”, is launching a unique initiative aimed at bridging that gap—The Montana Phone Booth Project.

The idea is simple yet profound: Handcrafted phone booths, painted bright red, placed across eastern Montana, each bearing messages like “Call Home” or “Keep in Touch.” These booths, while not functional as actual telephones, serve as physical reminders for people to reach out—to call a friend, check in with family, or seek help if needed.

A phone booth, a seemingly outdated relic, stands as a symbol of direct human connection—something modern communication technologies like social media and texting often fail to replicate. “There’s a difference between sending a message online and actually hearing someone’s voice,” Dolan notes. “That moment of real connection can be life changing.”

Dolan, who has personally experienced the effects of suicide in his own family, sees the project as a way to encourage connection in communities where mental health resources are scarce. “These aren’t memorials for those we’ve lost,” he explains. “They’re for the survivors, the people still here, to remind them to make a call, to stay in touch, to not let isolation take over.”

Dolan considers the project an extension of the “Beyond the Weather” movement which seeks to eliminate stigma around rural mental health, encourage people to talk about the hard stuff, and promote all around good neighboring.

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

(Inset) The red phone booth, designed and manufactured by artist Jim Dolan and his team, was recently placed in Winnett. (Right) This phone booth, being unloaded at the Green Ranch, will be placed in Hilger.

Thanks to a generous donor, the first 10 phone booths have been paid for and have begun to be installed across Montana. The first locations include Winnett, Ringling and Hilger with others slated including Glasgow, Plentywood and Belfry.

With additional booths already paid for and available, Dolan and his team, including metal sculptors Clint Lesh and Kal Hansen, are looking for landowners near main county roads and highways who are willing to have the installations placed on their private land. If all 10 get claimed, Dolan says they’d happily make more. They’re looking for donations around $10,000 for each sculpture in order to continue to raise funds to support Montana’s rural mental health.

If just one person sees a booth, pauses, and decides to make a call that changes their path, or the path of someone else, Dolan believes the effort will have been worth it. In a state where the landscape is wide and isolation can feel overwhelming; a simple phone booth might just be the sign someone needs to realize they are not alone. ◾ If you are landowner or municipality who cares deeply about rural mental health and lives near a highway or county road, please reach out to Jim Dolan, 406-570-4731, jim@jimdolanart.com or Courtney Kibblewhite, 406-698-6932, ckibblewhite@ northernbroadcasting.com. Find out ore about mental horse resources at beyondtheweather.com. If you know someone who needs mental health support now, have them call 988 to talk to someone immediately. mfbf.org

SUMMER CONFERENCE COVERAGE

People

Montana Farm Bureau

e c n e r e f n o C r e m m u S

Makae Reed and Kim Woodring, ACE class, at the Legislative Awards Luncheon.

June 9-11 – Fairmont Hot Springs, Montana

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

s life & Park Fish, Wild st a p d ujala an Quentin K e cutive Vic F B MF Exe erg. b g n u o Y t John Presiden

Speakers

Montana Farm Bureau members had a fantastic opportunity during the organization’s Summer Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs to hear from a multitude of experts, elected officials and industry representatives about the state of agriculture both statewide and nationally during the annual Summer Conference.

Attendees gleaned a wide range of knowledge from Farm Bill updates and discussions on new property tax laws and enjoyed social gatherings, the annual golf scramble and historic tours. Thirteen committees, including topics such as Livestock, Public and Private Lands, Membership, Water, and Taxation, met to discuss issues and surface potential policy for discussion at county Farm Bureau meetings in September.

The MFBF Advocate. Communicate. Educate. (ACE) program kicked off the conference June 9 with seminars on collaborative efforts in rural communities. The Young Farmers & Ranchers program held tours and a committee meeting that day, as well and the Women’s Committee made plans for their activities for summer and fall.

At Tuesday morning’s Opening Session, motivational speaker Karen Grosz provided positive energy with her upbeat message of “quiet leadership” and audience interaction.

National agricultural issues remained front and center for members, with concerns addressed by American Farm Bureau Policy Director R.J. Layher. Layher went into detail on reconciliation and tax reform, the Farm Bill, Make America Healthy Again and Trump Administration’s regulatory agenda.

The MFB Foundation Fundraiser “Off to the Races” Dinner and Auction raised more than $16,000 with attendees having a wonderful time sporting Derby hats and joining in entertaining, fund-raising games.

On Wednesday, tours for conference attendees included the Montana Resources Continental Mine, the Montana Precision Products manufacturing plant and Butte Underground. Other members opted for the Foundation Golf Scramble at the Fairmont Golf Course. ◾

VP Casey Mott than ks AFBF’s R.J. Layher for his presentation on far m policy.

mfbf.org

SUMMER CONFERENCE COVERAGE

Meetings MFBF’s Diana Bailey and Equine Committee Chair Darcia Patten.

The Promotion & Engagement Committee meeting.

Nick Jerke expresses concern about water rights in the Public & Private Lands Committee meeting

MSU Extension talks about using precision agriculture for grazing.

Motivational speaker Karen Grosz provided excellent tips on “Quiet Leadership.”

Touring historic Butte.

Tours

President Cy ndi Johnson interviews w ith Colter Br own, Northern Ag Network.

Harris Wheat and Del Rae and Don Steinbeisser in the 1920s undergroun Speakeasy. d

The Young Farmers & Ranchers at the Montana Prison Ranch.

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Media

The ACE class learned about sharing common values.

District 8 Director Ed Bandel visits with Western Ag Network’s Russell Nemetz.

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

17

SUMMER CONFERENCE COVERAGE

Golf

Derby Night d Monica Sk y Anderson an their Derby in d Switzer dresse l.

Best at the socia

le ou to ho , Thank y M. Peck J. e k li s r o s n o . p h s anc Creek R Trapper

Enjoying a day on the links.

Winning “jockey ” Lauren Ket t and “horse” Jacob “Steady Stenberg.”

Ed Bandel and Mary Hill check out a racethemed gift basket.

Auction

Klayton Lohr won Best-Dressed Guy.

Executive VP Sc ott Kulbeck an d wife, Casey, ch eck out the Dist rict 1 offerings for the silent auct ion.

MFBF’s Alisa Kopp created a hat with the MFB Foundation logo. ates in ille particip Nick Courv ndraiser. fu s” il or Ta the “Manes

The ACE Class looking sharp.

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

And They’re Off!

mfbf.org

… ou y k n a h T

SUMMER CONFERENCE COVERAGE

…to the MFBF Summer Conference sponsors.

Ag West Farm Credit Scott & Casey Kulbeck BNSF Railway Montana Ag Safety Program Polaris/Redline Sports Bank of the Rockies Dakota Access Pipeline Stoner’s Stables Montana Livestock Ag Credit Trapper Creek Ranch Edward Jones- Kris Kumlien Western Ag Network John & Debe Youngberg Equine Align Fergus County Farm Bureau Kay Bright, MWFB Agent Descheemaeker Families: Dennis & Kris, Kyle & Ashley, Nolan & Vanessa Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

Legislators receive awards from Montana Farm Bureau

Six legislators received special awards during the MFBF Summer Conference recognizing their significant efforts in supporting agriculture and rural Montana.

OUTSTANDING FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU AWARD Representative Ken Walsh, (R) HD 69, Twin Bridges, received the Outstanding Friend of Farm Bureau Award. Montana Farm Bureau presents this award to the senator and/or representative who had one of the highest overall scores on MFBF’s legislative scorecard.

Representative Walsh voted with Farm Bureau nearly 100 percent of the time and carried multiple bills that Farm Bureau supported.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE GOLDEN PLOW AWARD Senator Butch Gillespie, (R) SD 9, received the Distinguished Service Golden Plow Award. This award is given to a termed-out legislator who has exahibited exemplary service and dedication to agriculture as their tenure as a Montana legislator.

2025 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to a freshman legislator who went above and beyond in learning the legislative process and doing his best to serve agriculture and rural Montana. This year, the recipient was Representative Eric Tilleman, (R) HD 23, mfbf.org

…to our generous event donors.

Will Johnson John & Gina Stevens JM & Amanda Peck Jese & Emma Stetson Jim & Marilyn Dusenberry Tim & Carol Gill Matt & Bonita Cremer Jeremiah & Dana Jansen Jack & Susan Lake Western Ag Network Jim Geesey

Ben Raffety Jason Schumacher Michael & Becky Stuart Ed & Kayla Bandel Jess & Nicole Bandel Loran Burmeister Sue Ann Streufert Monica Switzer Kyle Hoover Jacob & Lainey Stenberg

Cascade. Representative Tilleman jumped right into his first session legislation that supports agriculture education, and MFBF’s requested bill adding black bears to the Livestock Loss Program.

GOLDEN WINDMILL AWARD WINNERS Senator Josh Kassmier, (R) HD 13 of Fort Benton, is one of the hardest working legislators in Helena. MFBF appreciates his attention to important agriculture policy issues and his role in seeing important legislation across the finish line while also playing an essential role in stopping legislation that would harm our industry.

Representative Jane Gillette, (R) HD 77, Three Forks, is dedicated to both her constituents and to fiscal responsibility. MFBF appreciates her willingness to dive into controversial and complicated issues, consider the needs of farmers and ranchers.

Representative Russ Miner, (R) HD 26, is a long-time Farm Bureau member and excellent advocate for agriculture.

MFBF appreciates his engagement in prominent issues during the Legislature and Interim alike, and his willingness to interact with his fellow Farm Bureau members.

For a brief description of all the bills scored by MFBF, check out our Legislative Report Card at mfbf.org.

MFBF President Cyndi Johnson with Legislative Award recipients Representative Jane Gillette, Representative Ken Walsh, Representative Russ Miner, Senator Butch Gillespie and MFBF Vice President Casey Mott. Not pictured are Representative Eric Tilleman and Senator Josh Kassmier. The legislators received the awards during Montana Farm Bureau’s Summer Conference in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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ACE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ACE Program Cultivates Montana's Agricultural Leaders

T

he Advocate. Participate. Educate. (ACE) Class of 2025 has been busy. Participants have attended a variety of seminars covering essential topics like media training, effective collaboration, and advocating for agriculture. This program equips participants with the skills they need to communicate crucial industry issues and represent Farm Bureau interests at local, state, and national levels. ACE achieves these goals by focusing on leadership development, engaging local communities, and issues advocacy.

AMANDA MARTIN – ULM Amanda Martin is no stranger to the Farm Bureau. She grew up assisting her father, Warren Krone, a Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company Agent, in his office. Starting with filing at age 12, she eventually became an assistant agent. In 2019, when agent Randy Bogden

retired, Amanda stepped up as a full-time agent, specializing in farm and ranch insurance.

Given her passion for the agricultural side of the business, Amanda saw ACE as a perfect opportunity to hone her leadership skills and bridge the gap between Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance and the Montana Farm Bureau Federation.

She found the media training segment of ACE particularly valuable. "Media isn't something I'm naturally drawn to, but even in the insurance world, you need to learn how to market yourself," Amanda explained.

"Learning how to interview gave me a lot of confidence to speak up and talk to different people. I hope to do more for the farm and ranch community, especially helping with tough issues like succession planning."

Amanda also highlighted the insightful presentation

by Bruce Vincent during their first seminar. "You need to come to the table and learn what you have in common with others. ACE helps with that."

MACKENZIE SERRANO – DILLON Mackenzie Serrano grew up near Roundup and now splits her time between Dillon, where she works with

Providing farmers and ranchers with the trainings, resources, and support to increase workplace safety in Montana’s agriculture industry. www.mtagrisafety.com | (406) 850-9978

Protect your legacy. Think safety. Act safely.

20

Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

mfbf.org

ACE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Lakeland Feed & Supply, and the University of Idaho, where she's majoring in agricultural education.

She learned about ACE from MFBF Regional Manager Rikki Swant and her high school ag teacher, Lindsey Harper.

"Ms. Harper was an excellent teacher, and she encouraged us to do ag book readings with younger students," Mackenzie shared. "With what I learned about Farm Bureau and telling your story, I thought ACE was a good fit for me."

While Mackenzie had visited the Capitol in high school, thanks to a motivational history teacher, she found the ACE visit to Helena offered a completely new perspective. "We met directors from the Department of Agriculture, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Department of Livestock, and they all seemed to appreciate Montana people and its rural communities," she noted. "It was fantastic that Governor Gianforte met with us—he let us know that by being involved in leadership roles, we can have a direct impact on Montana agriculture."

MAKAE REED – WHITEHALL Makae Reed grew up on a ranch near Geraldine but currently resides on 20 acres south of Whitehall. She

mfbf.org

works for the Montana Department of Agriculture assisting with grant management and runs a few sheep in her free time.

“The Montana Department of Agriculture Director Christy Clark along with their Communications Officer Logan Kruse suggested I join ACE. After hearing Logan’s experience and enthusiasm for the class, I wanted to join,” said Makae. “I was thrilled to hear of the classes that truly build on leadership skills like effective communication with the press, how to build upon your strengths, and use them in a team setting.”

Makae said that the first ACE seminar in January started with a bang featuring Bruce Vincent talk-ing about hope, Laura Nelson explaining the history of Farm Bureau, and Sarah Bohnenkamp’s encouraging talk on using your strengths.

“All of those speakers were so inspirational,” she said. “During the MFBF Summer Conference, I enjoyed the community collaboration speakers. It reminded me why we value our small towns and why rural communities need effective leaders.”

To learn more about the ACE Program, visit: https:// mfbf.org/Programs/ACE-Program. ◾

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Heartfelt Support for Ronald McDonald House Charities

BY CARLA LAWRENCE, MFBF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

T

he Montana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (MFB-WLC) has a long-standing commitment to supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), particularly the homes in Billings and Missoula. Their efforts provide vital comfort and resources for families with children undergoing medical treatment.

"FILL THE FREEZER WITH BEEF" CHALLENGE This past April, the Yellowstone County Farm Bureau initiated a impactful cam-paign called "Fill the Freezer with Beef." Meeting with Sarah Brockel, Eastern Montana Director for RMHC, they learned that ground beef is one of the most use-ful and requested items at the homes.

Inspired by this need, Yellowstone County Farm Bureau issued a friendly challenge to other County Farm Bureaus across the state: donate beef directly to their local RMHC or contribute $250 specifically for beef

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

purchases. Since April, this call to ac-tion has resonated with several County Farm Bureaus enthusiastically donating both checks and beef to the Montana RMHC houses. Let's keep this momentum going!

THE POWER OF POP TABS Another impactful way the MFB-WLC supports RMHC is by collecting aluminum tabs from soda, beer, soup, and fruit cans. These seemingly small tabs are compact, easy to collect, and their aluminum value adds up significantly. By saving and recycling these tabs, individuals directly contribute to the RMHC's mission of keep-ing families close to their children during medical treatment and help offset opera-tional costs. While the tabs may differ in size and collecting them may seem like a minor task, the collective results are truly amazing. The MFB-WLC diligently gath-ers tabs from members statewide and delivers them to both Montana RMHC houses.

BEYOND BEEF AND TABS: OTHER WAYS TO HELP There are many additional avenues to support Ronald McDonald House Charities. Each house maintains a "wish list" on its website, detailing specific needs. They are consistently in need of food items for preparing meals, and gift cards are al-ways welcome. Furthermore, donations of books, puzzles, board games, cards, and seasonal decorations for holidays are greatly appreciated. RMHC also wel-comes groups to come in and prepare meals or even prepare several meals to be

mfbf.org

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

What is Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)?

– FROM AMERICAN FARM BUREAU WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Geyser High School Science Olympiad contests deliver a 5-gallon bucket of pop tabs to the RMH in Billings.

frozen for later use. Contact your local RMHC to learn more about volunteer op-portunities.

For more information on how you can contribute, please visit the RMHC websites, contact a member of the Women’s Leadership Committee, or reach out to Carla Lawrence directly at carla.at.the.ranch@gmail.com or (406) 749-6280. ◾

RMHC is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to creating, finding, and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

Through a global network of over 260 Chapters in more than 60 countries and regions, RMHC enables, facilitates, and supports family-centered care through three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®. RMHC pro-grams help families with ill or injured children stay together and near leading hos-pitals and health care services worldwide, ensuring they have access to the medi-cal care their child needs while fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care.

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Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

23

YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS

Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Surface New Ideas

BY NICK COURVILLE, MFBF YF&R CHAIR

S

ince March, our committees have been busy and productive, keeping our initiatives on track. Our Collegiate Bridge Committee has been instrumental in supporting graduating seniors. They've finalized and distributed valuable information to Collegiate Farm Bureau leaders, ensuring that students have the resources and contacts they need to connect with a County Farm Bureau wherever they settle after college.

The YF&R Calving Bingo was a huge success! We received fantastic photos and videos from participants,

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

and the contest sparked fascinating discussions about the diverse operations of different ranches. A big thank you to Bronya Willmore for sponsoring tumblers for our winners. The committee is now considering sending the grand prize Calving Bingo winner to the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Convention in Missoula this November – stay tuned for more details!

The FFA Discussion Meet Committee has decided to try a new approach this year. They're exploring an essay contest for their inaugural event to gauge participation from FFA members. While the committee is still finalizing plans, look for this exciting event to be held at the MFBF Annual Convention.

NORTHWEST COUNTIES: A HUB OF ACTIVITY! The Northwest Counties YF&R District is proving to be the most active in the state. In April, they hosted the lively "Brandings and Bad Decisions" dance in Missoula.

May saw them hosting "Ag Olympics" during a successful membership drive barbecue.

They've also launched "Coffee and Conversations,"

mfbf.org

YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS a new initiative that's already a hit. Fifteen people attended the first event, which led to excellent discussions. They plan to hold this enjoyable and educational event at least once a month, recognizing its success in bringing new people into their group simply by making it easy to participate.

KUDOS TO CADY UM-Western Collegiate Farm Bureau President Cady Brown (pictured right) has been accepted for American Farm Bureau Federation’s Leadership, Education and Engagement Internship in Washington, D.C. Cady won the Collegiate Discussion Meet during the MFBF YF&R Annual

mfbf.org

Conference in January and competed in the national Collegiate Discussion Meet during American Farm Bureau’s Fusion Conference in March in Denver.

In an article from UM Western news, Cady said, “I hope to learn about recruitment, retention and how the national programs operate.

I want to bring that knowledge home to benefit Montana Farm Bureau and UMW. UPCOMING EVENTS Don't forget to register for "Hoofin' it for Hunger" September 20 in Dillon. Also, start thinking about participating in the YF&R Discussion Meet held during the Montana Farm Bureau Convention – you could win a Polaris Ranger! Visit mfbf.org for more information. ◾

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS CALVES TO Muscular Dystrophy. The positive way they CURE DMD approach their circumstances and the impact they Paul Heaton’s are making is remarkable, and I am humbled to be mission to a small part of it each year.” find a cure For more information visit www.CureDuchenne. for Duchenne org/calvestocure.

Muscular Dystrophy ON THE RANGE was featured Two Big Horn in the March County Farm 2025 issue Bureau members of Montana were featured Parent in a piece in the magazine.

Summer 2025 Their son, Range Magazine Grant, was highlighting diagnosed with their annual “nut the disease fry.” Pictured is when he was President John three years old.

Stevens with the Duchenne is western ranch a progressive delicacies bubbling disease that away in hot oil. Also Grant Heaton and his sister, Elyse, enjoy appears in featured was the their time on the ranch. Grant was diagnosed boys around poem “Woman with with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as a age 3; between a Knife” by Big Horn young child.

10-14 most Secretary Gina Stevens. boys are in a wheelchair, and most will not live beyond Read all about it at rangemagazine.com. their 20s.

Paul had been working with his fencing business and FEATURED RANCH Laura as an engineer, but as their son’s DMD progressed, Tienna Canen, who serves on the MFBF Young Paul realized he needed to be with Grant increasingly Farmer & Rancher Committee and as Dawson-Wibaux and began ranching full time, which allowed him to County Farm Bureau Secretary, was featured in the always be available for their son.

Prairie Star regarding her family’s ranch. The family The couple developed the idea of the Calves to Cure has been raising registered quarter horses for nearly DMD Fundraiser with ranchers donating all or partial 60 years along with Saler/Angus cattle and feed grains. money from a specific livestock sale. This year the 7th Recently they have expanded their operation to include Annual Calves to Cure DMD will be held September 18 at agritourism. According to the article, the Mahlstedt the Billings Livestock Commission.

Ranch has hosted people from China, Poland, Spain and Yellowstone County Farm Bureau Board Member Germany.

Clint Johannes donates each year to the cause. “As “I love the land and the history behind it,” Tienna said. the fourth generation of our family in this community “I am the fifth generation on the land and I’m so grateful raising the fifth with my wife Cheri, it is important to for the opportunity the horses have provided me. That’s give back and support our community and its members. been super special.” ◾ The Heatons have created a unique fundraiser that Have something to share in the People section? Drop has grown national attention to raise money for future us a note, rebeccac@mfbf.org or call 406-223-4106. research and hopefully someday a cure for Duchenne 26

Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

mfbf.org

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AG CHAT

County News Broadwater County held an ag safety demonstration May 29 at the county fairgrounds. Several county members came out to teach kids about ATV Safety.

Carole Plymale talks to students about having a suitable sized-ATV.

Valley County helped put on a community barbeque at Genevieve Hall on Father’s Day. At press time, Chouteau County was preparing for their Fort Benton Summer Celebration Community Breakfast June 28. They plan to feed more than three hundred people this year and participate in the parade.

Yellowstone County is sponsoring the Billings Mustangs game July 13 and welcomes all Farm Bureau members to attend.

Richland County held their Summer Picnic June 18 at Quillings Park in Sidney. Not only did everyone enjoy delicious food and camaraderie, but they awarded two $1,5000 scholarships to two students.

Richland County President Canyon Rehbein and Secretary Kyra Hagberg present scholarship checks to Brady Selting and Rylee Dean.

Carbon-Stillwater Counties is sponsoring a pig at the Bearcreek Saloon and Steakhouse for the entire racing season which runs Memorial Day to Labor Day. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 24, when they will cheer on Carbon/Stillwater’s racing pig, Albert EinSwine. Reservations for supper start at 5 p.m. and the races start at 7 p.m. If you plan to eat, you must have a reservation. If you are not planning to eat, you can still watch the pig races. Some of the proceeds from the July 24 pig races will go towards activities to support the FFA/4-H. Albert EinSwine will be featured in one race each evening throughout the racing season.

Fergus County will be hosting their annual pool party in Lewistown at the end of July. Postcards and information will be sent to members once the date and time are determined.

The Fourth Annual District 6 Fall Fest (Richland, Dawson-Wibaux, McCone and Prairie County Farm Bureaus) will be held October 4 at the Richland County Event Center in Sidney. Andrea Flemming, also known as ThatFitAgvocate on socials, will be their speaker. She is a 5th generation farmer from southwest Minnesota. Her keynote, titled "Life as a 27-yearold Female Farmer,” will dive into breaking stereotypes, working with family, and sharing her journey on the internet. The Cattle-Ac will provide delicious food. There will be live music following the presentation and dinner.

Stay up to date on the District 6 Farm Bureau Fall Fest Facebook page.

Want to be a sponsor or need more information? Contact Tienna Canen at 406-941-2738.

Hoofin’ it for Hunger

September 20, 2025, Depot Park – Dillon

Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention

November 17-20, 2025, Hilton Garden Inn – Missoula

American Farm Bureau Annual Convention January 9-14, 2026, Anaheim, California

Mark Your Calendar

MFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference January 23-25, 2026, Holiday Inn – Great Falls

MFBF Summer Conference June 15-17, 2026, Kalispell

Stay up to date with the MFBF Spokesman and News Brief. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

28

Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

mfbf.org

AG CHAT

Congratulations to all scholarship recipients!

T

he Montana Farm Bureau Foundation and Women’s Leadership Committee are thrilled to announce our 2025 Scholarship Recipients.

Educating youth is part of the MFBF Mission Statement.

The $1,500 Future of Agriculture Honor Scholarship administered by the Montana Farm Bureau Foundation through generous donations from Seed Source, Inc. of Toston, was presented to Taryn Martinell. Taryn is entering her junior year at Montana State University, majoring in animal science/livestock management and serving as the president of the MSU Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers chapter.

The $1,500 Bernard Greufe Honor Scholarship was presented to Claire Murnin. Claire Murnin graduated from Shepherd High Claire Murnin School and plans to pursue a degree in agricultural business at Montana State University.

The 2025 Collegiate Young Farmer & Rancher Scholarship was presented to Hattie Bumgarner. Hattie is vice president of the CYF&R at Miles Community Hattie Bumgarner College and is working toward a degree in business accounting.

Two $1,500 Montana Farm Bureau Federation Scholarships, sponsored by the Women's Leadership

Committee, went to Sierra Mauland and Regan Comes.

Sierra, who graduated from Sweet Grass High School in Regan Comes Sierra Mauland 2024, is attending Texas Tech University where she plans to become a veterinarian. Regan Comes of Lewistown High School plans to pursue her degree in veterinary medicine/ chiropractic at Black Hills State University.

COUNTY SCHOLARSHIPS Cascade County awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Bryan Johnson.

Gallatin County presented two scholarships to Kaylee Reid and Elias Roden.

Richland County awarded two $1,500 scholarships: one to Rylee Dean, Fairview High School, who plans to attend Williston State College and one to Brady Selting, Fairview High School, who plans to attend MSU. Yellowstone County awarded four scholarships: High school winners receiving $750 each were Ainsely McFarland/Billings - Career Center Nursing/Murray State University and Quinn Logan/Ag Business, Montana State University. Collegiate winners receiving $500 each were Jasmine Torralba/MSU-BillingsMasters School Counseling and Alyssa Robertus/MSU Billings-Nursing.

Fergus County awarded two $1,500 scholarships to Kate Martin and Regan Comes.

Valley County awarded a scholarship to Alexa Reddig who will be attending North Central University in Minneapolis and majoring in English. ◾

May Membership Month The May Membership Month Recruitment Challenge is over with Yellowstone County getting the top kudos for recruiting the most members. They are the recipient of a streak dinner on their own turf prepared by MFBF staff.

Coming in second place was Cascade County with Northwest Counties taking third place.

Yellowstone County President Jodie Drange said her board worked hard to recruit new members. “We went through the list of the non-renewed members and all made a goal to recruit at least one new member. The new member brochure is the best marketing tool we have. Just ask people to join. I tell people Farm Bureau is all about leadership, policy to help all sectors of agriculture and that Farm Bureau is one big family whether you are at a state event or a national event.”

mfbf.org

Summer 2025 Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman

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BOOK REVIEW

A Montana Feud Book Three in the Rodeo in the Blood series Written by Jim Overstreet

REVIEWED BY REBECCA COLNAR, EDITOR, MFBF SPOKESMAN

J

im Overstreet, a Sweet Grass County Farm Bureau Member, is back with A Montana Feud, the third installment in his popular "Rodeo in the Blood" series. In this new book, readers will rejoin familiar characters like Jenny, Warren, Rusty, Casey, Corrine, Buckshot and Todd as they navigate the thrilling world of rodeo and the daily challenges of ranching, all punctuated by plenty of drama.

This series is a personal favorite due to its easy-to-read style, featuring short, dynamic sections that effortlessly transition between ranch life, rodeo arenas and town. If the detailed rodeo descriptions do not immediately hook you—and these characters spend a lot of time rodeoing—a new setting is usually just a few pages away.

Overstreet's deep understanding of his subjects, from rodeo to ranching, truly shines through. His descriptions are remarkably accurate, a refreshing change from many contemporary western novels.

"One of the first things they tell you in a writing seminar is to write what you know," Overstreet shared. "I grew up on a large cattle and horse ranch in southwestern Montana and participated in rodeo for many years. I've noticed that with few exceptions, most writers who set stories in my world don't get the details quite right. One of my motivations is to write scenes that are pretty much right, whether it's doctoring cattle on the range or wrestling a steer at the National Finals Rodeo."

A Montana Feud offers realistic drama to keep the story intriguing, from paternity suits and ranch injuries to a dangerous stalking ex-spouse. The novel also delves into the gut-wrenching concerns ranchers face regarding inheritance taxes and generational transfers, all while striving to do right by the land and their cattle.

His fourth book in the series, Canadian Horse, is in print and he is working on a fifth.

Overstreet’s books are available at Western Ranch Supply, The Bookstore in Dillon, Rocky Mountain Supply, The Isle of Books in Butte, The Fort in Big Timber, Wheatgrass Books in Livingston and Four Corners Saddlery near Bozeman. You can also order from—Amazon.com or other online book sellers—but supporting local bookstores is better! ◾

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Montana Farm Bureau Spokesman Summer 2025

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