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M O N TA N A
GRASS ROOTS
F E E D I N G T H E F U T U R E T H R O U G H F A R M E R S U N I O N E D U C AT I O N A P U B L I C AT I O N B Y M O N TA N A F A R M E R S U N I O N PAGE 4 MFU Announces Lineup of Speakers for 2022 Women’s Conference
PAGE 5 Value Added Business Connects Producer & Consumer
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS FACE FIERCE FIRE SEASON IN CENTRAL MONTANA B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
This fall, three major wildfires in central Montana reminded Montanans of the critical role volunteer fire departments play in protecting our rural communities. Farmers Union member Laurie Lohrer is a firefighter and head training officer for the Hilger Fire Department located near Lewistown. Lohrer is on call 24 hours a day, ready and willing to help her neighbors and beyond. The Hilger Fire Department covers over 300 square miles in
PAGE 2 Calumet Refinery Commits to a Renewable Future
PAGE 7 Update on Legislative Interim Committee Work
PAGE 9 MWBC Releases “Bone Dry” Documentary
partnership with the Lewistown Fire Department and other departments.“The hardest part of being a firefighter out of the gate is finding the fire,” said Lohrer. “We depend on the information provided by dispatch, so detailed reporting is essential.” This summer, the Hilger Fire Department responded to three major fires: the West Wind Fire in Denton, the Taylor Fire 16 miles northeast of Denton, and the Moccasin Fire near Lewistown. In the case of the Denton Fire, Hilger provided mutual aid. However, the Moccasin Fire was in their backyard. Lyle Shammel is the new Hilger Fire Chief. Shammel said the fires were all located in Northern Fergus County. “This year was unusual to have three fires in our area. These were the biggest fires I have seen since being on the department for over five years.” The South Moccasin Fire burned nearly 13,000 acres.
The Hilger Fire Department was the responding department for the Moccasin Fire pictured above. Photo courtesy of Hilger Fire Department.
The DNRC’s County Assist Team (CAT) assumed command of the fire. Five structures burned, none of which were primary residences. High winds made the fire challenging, which is often the case with wildfires. Crews conducted strategic burn operations on the southwest and southeast side of the fire. The strategy burns fuels between the manufactured dozer line and the 1
main fire burning the ground vegetation that would fuel the fire. Additional containment lines were developed to contain the fire further.
more than 10,000 acres.“It was to the point where it wasn’t trying to keep it out of town; it was trying to mitigate the damage that did happen,” said Shammel.
In the case of the West Wind fire in Denton, residents were evacuated in the nick of the time before the fire tore through the town and destroyed nearly 50 structures, including two grain elevators that symbolized the very essence of this small farming community. The fire burned
“The hardest part about the fire was the drought and the strong winds,” said Lohrer.“There was no snow cover. The winds were C O N T I N U D O N PA G E 8
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PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
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This foundation has recently grown to over a million dollars. If you are a student or parent, you should go to our website at montanafarmersunion.com and click on the education tab to see available scholarships. MFU is planning to help fund a meat processing curriculum at MSU Northern. If you want to help us support educational opportunities, contact me, and we can discuss the many ways you can help.
the fire. They hold fundraisers and apply for grants to buy the equipment they need. They are our local heroes.
Montana Farmers Union wants to recognize these hometown heroes. We have put together a volunteer firefighters fund and plan to match others to build this fund. Our goal is to buy as many gas cards as possible and give these gas cards to the unpaid fire chiefs of each of the volunteer fire departments in Recently we have seen and heard about the fires Montana to share with their volunteers. There in Denton and how our volunteer firefighters is taxpayer money and grant money available rallied to save most of the town. Among those to fund the equipment and operating costs of firefighters were some of my neighbors who the fire stations. MFU would like to support fought that fire for two days. I read in one the volunteers spending their own money and story that there were over 187 firefighters on time to help us. the scene. Volunteers from a 100-mile radius showed up to help save Denton. We don’t hear If you want to help recognize our volunteer or see the stories of thouands of other fires firefighters and EMT’s contact me at or accidents that volunteers resolved. wschweitzer@montanafarmersunion.com or call me on my cell at 406-799-3782. These volunteers are just that - volunteers. B Y WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R They leave their farm, ranch, or job to get to The holidays are a season of giving, and the scene of an accident or fire. They spend Montana Farmers Union has made great countless hours of training and planning to be strides to do our part. In 2015 MFU set better and more organized volunteers. These up an educational foundation to help fund efforts are all on their dime and time. They educational activities and scholarships. pay for their gas to get to the fire station or
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE BY RACHEL PREVOST G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S A N D M E M B E R S E RV I C E S
The Montana Legislative Interim committees have been meeting regularly following the end of the 67th Legislative session. Interim Committees work on study bills passed through the legislature, and some committees work on administrative rule reviews and receive agency updates on budgets and programs. The ARPA Commissions have also been meeting to allocate federal funding in a wide variety of grant programs. Montana Farmers Union has been following the Economic Transformation and Stabilization and Workforce Development Commission (EWAC) for grant opportunities in agriculture, commodity processing, and the work of other commissions on rural broadband funding. Furthermore, MFU has tracked the Board of Livestock meetings, Wheat and Barley Committee meetings, and Pulse Crop Committee meetings. A few brief updates
about what some of these boards and com- updates on ARPA Commissions and projects mittees are working on: and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The committee last met on December Revenue Interim Committee: Working on 15, 2021, and is slated to meet again on March the following study bills: HJ 6 “Coal Severance 16, 2022. Tax Trust Fund” and HJ 36 “Residential Property Taxes.”The Revenue committee Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC): also has administrative rule review, draft The committee is working on the following legislation review, program evaluation, and study bills: HJ 37, “Study of selenium standard monitoring responsibilities for the Montana for Lake Koocanusa,” and SJ 28, “Study of Department of Revenue and the Montana Flathead River erosion” (MFU supported SJ Tax Appeal Board. The committee last met 28 during the 67th legislature). Drought is an Nov. 8-9, 2021, and will meet again Jan. 20- issue the committee is also focused on, water 21, 2022. projects, storage, nutrients, and management. The committee last met Oct. 12-13, 2021, and Interim Budget Committee Section C will meet again Jan. 18-19, 2022. (Natural Resources and Transportation): The subcommittee receives Fiscal Summary Environmental Quality Council (EQC): Reports, Budget updates, and agency program The committee is working on the followupdates from the Department of Natural ing study bill: HJ 27 “Study of funding for Resources and Conservation, Department conservation districts.” The EQC has agenof Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department cy oversight of the Department of Natural of Environmental Quality, Department of Resources and Conservation, Department of Livestock, Department of Agriculture, and the Fish Wildlife and Parks, and Department of Department of Transportation. Their work Environmental Quality. The EQC received includes joint meetings with other Interim C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 6 Budget Committee sections for reports and 2
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Harbaugh Ranch Co, Jordan Brandon & Jennifer Lantis, Newcastle OK Richard Thompson, Forsyth Clinton & Gaylene Casterline, Wolf Point Don & Penny Pearce, Broadus Jon Drew & Susan Arata, Columbus Chris & Brandy Hansen, Bainville Troy & Rachel Sundheim, Brockton Timothy & Nina Scherer, Conrad Tim & Judy Powell, Emigrant Kristy Saier, Ennis Edwin Marc Seifert, Belgrade Robert & Phyllis Walter, Billings Cory & Lisa Jassen, Belt Joshua & Ingrid Hill, Power Dale Ostrom, Choteau C Lazy R Ranch LLC, Cardwell Jensen Cattle Services LLC, Philipsburg Kenneth & Sheila Brunkhorst, Dillon Trudi Whitmore, Fort Shaw Kristin & John Skasick, Ulm
IN THIS ISSUE
MONTANA FARMERS UNION
The 2022 Women’s Conference is Around the Corner! Get the the Scoope on How to Register! Page 4
Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Kaylen Lehner Jesse Fleming K J Fauth Austin O’Dea
PO BOX 2447 300 RIVER DRIVE NORTH GREAT FALLS MT 59403 PHONE: (406) 452-6406 1-800-234-4071 FAX: (406) 727-8216 mfu@montanafarmersunion.com www.montanafarmersunion.com Board of Directors:
Member Profile: Mary Jenni Launches Montana Beef & Lamb to Connect Producers & Consumers Page 5
Austin O’Dea Dirk Elings Daryl Hansen Craig Parker Craig Parker Judd Long Aeric Reilly Scott Allaire Scott Allaire Art Hoffart Andre Marcure Judith Siring MFU Office MFU Office
Legislative Update Continued Page 6 Farmers Union Launches Fairness for Farmers Page 7
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FU AGENTS FOR SUPPORTING THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM!
Find Out Ways to Support the MFU Foundation! Page 8
Dirk Elings Farmers Union Insurance, Conrad K J Fauth Farmers Union Insurance, Billings Bryan Jones Farmers Union Insurance, Hamilton Tom McKenna Farmers Union Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe Farmers Union Insurance, Kalispell Aeric Reilly Farmers Union Insurance, Great Falls
Walter Schweitzer, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Jan Tusick, Secretary/Treasuer, District 6, Ronan Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Jeff Bangs, At-Large Director District 1& 2, Inverness Tom Clark, District 1, Fort Benton Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan William Downs, District 5, Molt Ben Peterson, At-Large director, Judith Gap Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director Sarah Rachor, Sidney, District 3 State Office Staff: Matt Rains, Chief of Staff Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director Rachel Prevost, Government Relations/ Member Services Violet Green, Education Coordinator Audra Labert, Digital Marketing Specialist Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2021. Montana Grassroots is the official publication of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Montana Division. MFU reserves the right to reject any advertisements. Third Class bulk postage paid at Great Falls MT 59401. Membership: $50.00 per year Montana Grassroots is published monthly. Article submissions are requested by the 15th of the month.
Washington Corner; Copy Editor: Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Lyndsay Bruno MFU is Hiring Membership Organizers. Learn More! Page 9 Mrs. Robert (Leona) Elings,
IN MEMORIAM
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS BOOSTERS FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Conrad Mrs. Mel (Betty) Vegge, Glasgow Meet MFU’s Youth James Lewis, Lewistown Leaders Mrs. Joe (Margo) Lowery, Page 10 Choteau
Great Falls Development Authority, Great Falls Douglas Wilson & Company, Great Falls Lewistown Honda, Lewistown Dirk Elings Farmers Union Insurance, Conrad Mission Mountain Food Enterprise center, Ronan
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Join women from all across the state for an Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference!
exciting
connections celebrate
with a Build new supportive community of women and together!
CONFERENCE KEYNOTES: Becca Skinner is a photographer, writer and National Geographic Young Explorer based out of Bozeman, Montana.
Amber Smith is a rancher near Cohagen, MT who draws on her extensive experience to advocate for women in agriculture through her work in Women in Ranching.
Amanda Nigg This Farm Fit Momma found her passion serving the Ag community with her nutrition and fitness business, Farm Fit Training.
WORKSHOPS: • Signs and Symptoms of Mental Distress, Learning and Sharing Stress Management Tools, and Connecting with Resources with Dr. Alison Brennan and Dr. Michelle Grocke-Dewey of MSU Extension • Visual Legacy - What are you Leaving Behind? by Tammy Copenhaver • Increase Your Sales with a Social Media Plan by Aly Robins • What is the rural “Brain Gain”? Who is coming, why, and how do we make the most of our new neighbors? by Tara Mastel • Panel discussion—Women in Ag • Panel discussion—Rural Entrepreneurs
Register before December 31 and save!
Registration include lodging, meals and conference registration! Special Student Rate! Registration ends January 19, 2022. For an event agenda and to register visit montanafarmersunion.com. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION RATES: Student Rate Room: $50 Early Bird Member Single Room: $175 Early Bird Member Double Room: $125 Early Bird Non-Member Single Room: $225 Early Bird Non-Member Double Room: $175
AFTER DECEMBER 31: Student Rate Room: $50 Member Single Room: $200 Member Double Room: $150 Non-Member Single Room: $250 Non-Member Double Room: $200
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Aly Robins
Tara Mastel
Fairmont FEBRUARY 4-6, 2022
HOT SPRINGS
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MONTANA LAMB & BEEF: CONNECTING THE PRODUCER AND CONSUMER AT THE DINNER TABLE
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MEMBER profile
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MARY JENNI
If Jenni sells her meat retail, she uses Pioneer Meats in Big Timber The Jenni family moved to the because they are USDA Cottonwood Creek area near certified. Mary went through the Lewistown in the late 1800s from process necessary to get her laSwitzerland. The Jennis were bel approved. “I decided to start primarily cattle ranchers. Mary is Montana Beef and Lamb to cona third-generation Montanan who nect the consumer and the prolives on the family's property. She ducer. I do all that hard stuff like works as an office manager for source the beef and lamb, deliver a fleet trailer leasing company, the product to the processor, pick the meat up from the processor among her other roles. and work with clients to ensure A conversation with a co-worker they have enough freezer space. during the pandemic would take That is a big question. How much Jenni on another professional freezer space does a full beef p a t h a s a n e n t r e p r e n e u r . take, or if we want to buy a quar"Through the Covid situation, I ter, how much freezer space do was talking with my co-worker we need for that? I work out all about the supply chain problems those details, so the process is in the grocery stores. I asked her seamless for the consumer.” why she doesn't buy beef from a local producer. She said, 'I don't Jenni has done business with cliknow how but If you teach me ents in New Jersey, West Virginia, how that is what I will do.' Our and Washington D.C. Her exconversation got me thinking that pansion plans do not include reif she has the same problem and tail or sourcing her product to the same question, then everyone restaurants. “I want to keep the grocery stores out of it because I does." don’t want to increase my prices. Jenni started talking to her I hardly mark up anything. I do circle of friends, and discovered this right now at barely a profit a massive disconnect between because I want the consumer the producer and consumer. to put an amazing product on Consumers are settling for a their table and feed their families sub-par meat product when they with beef, and beef is expensive could be enjoying locally sourced right now. Being able to provide beef and lamb. She decided to an amazing product to the contake the plunge into value-added sumer at a relatively low price is agriculture and launched Montana rewarding.” Lamb and Beef to connect Montana lamb and beef has two consumers and producers. divisions, Montana Loves Beef Jenni handles all the logistics of and Montana Loves Lamb. Both sourcing the meat and getting it are USDA-approved. Mary supdelivered to the processor and ports Country-of-Origin Labeling back to the consumer. She sourc- (COOL) and says it needs to be es her lamb and beef from the EL mandatory for COOL to work. Peterson Ranch in Judith Gap. “When you go down the meat The Petersons raise Simmental aisle, you buy what looks good. Angus. Her business has grown I like to have that conversation mainly through word of mouth. with people. We all know where B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
our ketchup on the table comesfrom today, but do we always know where our beef comes from? Some people don’t care, but some do. If you care, there are options to buy directly from the producer. You will know what that animal was fed and if they were given any antibiotics. If someone asks me what I feed the animals I am selling, I can tell them exactly, and I think that transparency is super important.” Jenni is also getting into the ranching business of raising a small herd of Belted Galloways, or as she calls them “oreo cows,’ on the Peterson Ranch. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
Pictured is a Belted Galloway from Jenni’s herd on the Peterson Ranch. Galloways do well in dry, arid conditions. Photo courtesy Ben Peterson. 5
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Jenni’s goal for Montana Beef and Lamb is to expand her client base and sell more live off the hoof. She has found success selling through social media and word of mouth and has discovered that lamb chops are a customer favorite. "Prices are high because the supply chain is not keeping up with the demand. I try to treat my customers well. I will deliver the animal for free. I will sometimes pick up their finished product and deliver it to their doorstep. Local sourcing is a win, win for the rancher and the consumer. I am thrilled to get back to my roots of agriculture and look forward to growing Montana Lamb and Beef." If you are interested in learning more about Montana Lamb and Beef or purchasing their products, go to montanalambandbeef.com
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spread a tablespoon of apricot jam/jelly on a corn or flour tortilla, add shredded lamb, top with diced red onion, cojita cheese and cilantro.
MARY’S MEATBALLS My meatball recipe is not “fun” but many of my dinner guests have raved about how good they are. The not-so-secret secret is ricotta. Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 1/2 onion minced 2 TBSP olive oil 3 cloves garlic minced 1 C ricotta Parsley 1/4 C fresh minced or 1 TBSP dried 1 egg Red Pepper flakes 1/3 bread crumbs
and Livestock. The EAIC committee met most recently on Dec. 9 and Dec. 13.The committee will meet again Feb. 9-10, 2022. Wheat and Barley Committee: The Wheat and Barley Committee last met on November 30 for a budget meeting where the committee discussed Wheat and Barley’s research and budget for funding research and projects for 2022. Pulse Crop Committee: The Pulse Crop Committee met on November 9 and discussed trade and marketing opportunities and updates for Montana pulse crops and growers. Currently, there is a request for proposals from The Montana Pulse Crop Committee as they invite proposals to fund market development projects and educational projects designed to address Montana’s pulse industry.” The deadline for research proposals was December 17, and the Marketing Proposals deadline is March 1, 2022, at 5 p.m.
L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 2
Check out Mary's recipes for lamb tacos and meatballs:
MARY’S LAMB TACOS:
Ingredients: 1 TBSP cumin 1 TBSP crushed coriander seeds 1 C dry wine (red or white) or sherry vinegar 1 C olive oil 10 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1 cinnamon stick 2 TBSP brown sugar 2 tsp chile powder or 1 Chipotle pepper minced 16 oz crushed tomatoes 5 lb lamb roast, seasoned with salt and pepper Place lamb in the crock pot. Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup. Add all of the ingredients. Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Remove lamb, discard bones and fat and shred. Return shredded lamb to crockpot and mix well with the liquid. To assemble the taco
E c o n o m i c Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n a n d Stabilization and Workforce Development updates on Sage Grouse Conservation, Wolf C o m m i s s i o n ( E WAC / A m e r i c a n Re s c u e Management, Fire Season, and Water Supply Plan Act commission) THE EWAC allocated and discussed Drought, among other depart- $7.5 million for the ARPA Agriculture ment and state agency updates. The commit- Infrastructure Program. February 28, 2022 tee last met Sept. 14-15, 2021, and will meet is the full application deadline. On March 25 again Jan. 24-25, 2022. award recommendations will be given to the commission. December 31, 2024 is the final Energy and Telecommunications Interim day to incur expenses.” Committee (ETIC): The committee is working on the following study bills: SJ 3 The commission is also working on other Study: “Advance Nuclear Reactor Feasibility programs for workforce development and in Montana” and SJ 33 “Study of Montana training. Electric Grid Capacity.” The committee also reviews administrative rules proposed by the Board of Livestock: The Board of Livestock Department of Public Service Regulation and is currently in the midst of a Department code the Public Service Commission. The commit and rule review for identifying and prioritizing tee last met on September 23, 2021 and will code or rules that need to be repealed or meet again on January 18, 2022. updated/modified. At the time this article was written the Board of Livestock completed Economic Affairs Interim Committee section reviews for Montana Code Annotated (EAIC): The committee is working on the (MCA) Title 81 - Chapter 3 - Parts 1 and 2 following study bills: HJ 49 “Study Benefits (Marks and Brands), Administrative Rules of Cliffs in Public Assistance Programs.”The Montana (ARM) 32.18 (Brand Inspection), term cliffs refers to barries low-income fami- MCA Title 81 – Chapter 5 (Unlawful Driving lies face when advancing economically. and Transporting of Livestock), MCA Title HJ 48: “Study Facial Recognition Technology,” 81-Chapter 8 (Marketing), ARM 32.15 SJ 31 “Study the Implementation of Montana’s (Marketing of Livestock), and MCA Title 81 Recreational Marijuana Program.” The com- – Chapter 4 (Containment of Livestock). If mittee also handles agency oversight and ad- members have any questions or comments ministrative rules review for Departments of regarding the current code and rule review Agriculture, Commerce, Labor and Industry,
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be sure to reach out to MFU. The Board of Livestock plans to meet on January 26, 2022. Another exciting update with the Board of Livestock is the progress of the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Program. As of the November 3, 2021 meeting, Montana has received an initial determination from USDA that Montana can operate its meat inspection program in a “same as” manner, contingent on contracting with a properly accredited laboratory. We look forward to future progress and having the CIS program finalized so Montana producers will have access to expanded marketing opportunities for their state inspected and processed meat. Another recent announcement from USDA is the allocation of “$90.2 million in grants awarded to strengthen local and regional markets for U.S. Agricultural Products.”
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The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) “as part of the Local Agriculture Marketing Program, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships.” In total, 203 projects were funded. Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs awarded $75.4 million to 172 projects in 41 states “to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer to consumer markets and local and regional food business enterprises.” The Regional Food Systems Partnerships awarded “$14.8 million to 30 projects in 24 states to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems.” These grants will help bolster and create greater opportunities for local products and commodities grown by agriculture producers around the country. The New Year will kick off with a whole host of Interim Committee meetings, commission
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meetings, and more, along with state and federal programs and grant opportunities for all things infrastructure following the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package -- so be sure to stay tuned! If you would like to follow along with any interim committees or ARPA Commissions yourself, streaming and recording of the meetings can be found at leg. mt.gov and arpa.mt.gov. I wish you and your family a happy and restful holiday season!
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VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER CONTINUED
estimated at 60 miles per hour. The conditions for the firefighters just stepping out the truck were hard.” Becoming a volunteer firefighter for the Hilger Fire Department requires completion of an eight-hour introductory wildland firefighter course. “Training is the base to understand what current and expected fire behavior is and to understand how to communicate within the incident command system,” Lohrer said. Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer said many who helped with the West Wind Fire are friends and neighbors. “We are incredibly grateful to the men and women who sacrifice their time to help protect our rural communities. Farmers Union is excited to start a fund to recognize volunteer firefighters.” Those interested in learning more about volunteer firefighter opportunities are Chief Lyle Shammel at the South Moccasin Fire near Lewistown. encouraged to contact their local fire department or county Disaster and Emergency Services division.
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March 2021 INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT SIGNED INTO LAW President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in mid-November. NFU President Rob Larew was in attendance at the White House signing ceremony along with Congressional leaders and Cabinet secretaries.
NFU SUPPORTS NEW CATTLE MARKETS LEGISLATION On November 12, the Cattle Price Discovery On December 5, former Senator Bob Dole and Transparency Act were officially of Kansas, who at times served as Senate introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (RIA), Majority Leader, ranking member of the Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Senate Agriculture Committee, and the 1996 Ron Wyden (D-OR). Companion legislation Republican nominee for the presidency, died was also announced in the U.S. House of at the age of 98. Senator Dole was a leader, Representatives, co-sponsored by Reps. Cindy along with Senator George McGovern of “Today is a great day for American agriculture. Axne (D-IA) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA). South Dakota, in fighting hunger in the U.S. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this and around the world. While they were in the will provide a much-needed boost to our rural bill and urges Congress to act quickly to pass Senate, Senators Dole and McGovern led the economy and will help keep family farmers, this critically important legislation. effort to reform the food stamp program (now ranchers, and our communities linked and known as SNAP), expanded the domestic connected with the rest of the country,” “Corporate consolidation in the cattle school lunch program, and established the said NFU President Larew on November industry has given multinational meatpackers WIC program. 15.“We thank President Biden for his strong undue control over cattle markets,” said leadership in passing this legislation and offer NFU President Rob Larew, “Uncompetitive Even after retiring from public office, the special thanks to the Congressional leaders markets hurt family farmers and ranchers two former senators were instrumental in who crafted and negotiated the bill.” and undermine our food security. NFU has the creation of the Food for Peace program. been—and will continue to be—steadfast Now called the McGovern-Dole International The newly enacted law will invest $550 in our support for legislation that ensures a Food for Education and Child Nutrition billion over ten years and directs $110 billion fair market for family farmers and combats Program, the effort provides donations for roads and bridges, $55 billion for water the monopoly power of multinational of U.S. agricultural products and technical infrastructure, $66 billion for rail, and a historic meatpacking corporations. assistance for school feeding programs in the $65 billion for broadband infrastructure. An developing world. additional approximately $6.5 million will be appropriated for USDA Natural Resources In 2010, NFU presented Senator Bob Dole Conservation Service (NRCS) watershed with an Award for Meritorious Service to programs to help address climate-related Humanity for his work in advancing nutrition disasters. assistance around the world.
WE ARE EXPANDING - JOIN OUR TEAM!
ability and skills to work independently and as part of a team, have strong community ties and a background in agriculture.
ship Organizer please send a cover letter and resume to mfu@montanafarmersunion.com. Visit montanafarmersunion.com/employment for a full job description. Call the MFU state office Regional travel within the state is required. at 1-800-234-4071 or 406.452.6406 with We offer competitive pay and paid holidays! questions.
Are you a self-starter with strong people skills and a background in agriculture?Are you interested in a flexible work schedule and the opportunity to advocate for the family farm? Duties include membership recruitment,outMontana Farmers Union has the job for you! reach, assist with events in their area and help grow local Farmers Union chapters. We have multiple openings for regional membership organizers. These positions Positions are open until filled. If you are are remote, however candidates must be interested in joining our team as a MembersMontana-based. Ideal candidates will have the 9
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Meet Garrett LeFurgey: I am Garrett LeFurgey, and I am 12 years old. I am a 6th grader at F.E. Miley Elementary in Big Sandy. I live on the family farm North of Loma with my dad Scott, mom Misty, and sister Bailey. I enjoy playing football and wrestling. I am excited to try track this spring. When I'm not going to school and playing sports, I like camping, spending time with my family and friends. I also like spending time with my 4-H swine. I look forward to Farmers Union Camp every year. Thank you for choosing me to receive the Mildred K. Stolz award. Meet Cade Sampson I am Cade Sampson. I was born on March 19, 2010. I love to hunt, fish, play basketball, ride my dirt bike and attend Farmers Union Camp. I especially like the dancing at camp. I moved from Helena to Lincoln. I like the smaller community. We don't go to school on Friday, so I go with my grandpa to the Lincoln County Commissioner meeting once a month. Meet Tenley Jones My name is Tenley Michael Jones. On December 31, 2010, I was born to Jeremy Jone and Erin Jones. I am a 5th grader at Belt Elementary School. I have three sisters Taylor, Maci, and Ahmia, and a brother Slater. I live with my dad and stepmom on a ranch outside of Great Falls and with my mom and stepdad Luke and his two daughters, Lily and Camree, in a home outside of Belt. I love riding horses, camping, playing basketball, football, and I like running. I love animals, and between both houses, I have horses, cows, five dogs, four cats, four fish, and two guinea pigs. My favorite color is teal, and art is my favorite subject in school. I want to be a nurse and live on a ranch when I grow up. I like playing daycare because I love babies and want four kids when I grow up. I love helping others, and my parents say I am very helpful, creative, caring, and smart. They also tell me, 'I am a hard worker.
The 2021 Mildred Stolz Award winners were recognized at the MFU State Convention in Great Falls. Pictured are Markki Arndt,Tenley Jones and Garrett LeFurgey. Not Pictured is Cade Sampson.
I am very excited and appreciative, and my family is very proud of me for winning the Mildred Stoltz Cooperative Education Award from the 2021 Montana Farmers Union Camp. I want to thank everyone for picking me as one of the recipients. Meet Markki Arndt My name is Markki Grace Arndt. On December 2, 2010, I was born to Jeff and Jacqui Arndt. I am one of three children. My siblings are Karson (15) and Parker (8); oh, don't forget the dog Groot and two kittens, Fly and Button. When I was three, my mother was killed in a car accident. My grandmas, aunts, and uncles have all helped take care of us. My family means a lot to me.
next summer. I enjoyed the people I met. My favorite things were slow dancing, games, and movies. In school, I like to play sports such as volleyball and basketball. I enjoy being with all my friends and learning new things. Family and friends are the most important things in my life.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
The 2022 scholarship period is now open. Scholarships available include MFU county scholarships ranging from $500-1,000.; the Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship valued at $1,000, the John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship for $1,000, and the Stanley Moore We all attend Belt Valley School. I am currently Scholarships each for $1,500. in the 5th grade. My teacher's name is Mrs. Metrione. My best friend is Adianna LaPlaunt. Scholarship applications must be post-marked We have been together since we were babies. by March 15, 2022. For more information We like to ride bikes, swim, roller skate, play and to apply go to montanafarmersunion.com/ games, and visit other friends. My favorite education/scholarships-grants/. foods are sushi, tacos, chicken tenders, and Dino nuggets. I enjoy cooking, baking, and browsing the internet. This summer was the first year that I attended Farmers Union Camp, and I can't wait for 10
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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER: a bipartisan letter with 15 of his colleagues urging U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to listen to the concerns of those in the cattle industry and immediately suspend beef imports from Brazil. Last month, Tester introduced legislation to suspend Brazilian beef imports to the United States until experts can conduct a systematic review of the commodity’s safety.
TESTER CONTINUES HIS FIGHT TO SUSPEND BRAZILIAN BEEF IMPORTS, DEFEND MONTANA CATTLE PRODUCERS Continuing his aggressive push to defend Montana cattle producers, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today sent
“Cattle producers across the country work hard to produce the highest quality beef in the world,” Senator Tester and his colleagues wrote. “This industry should not be jeopardized by Brazilian beef imports that may contaminate U.S. herds and our food supply. We support the requests to suspend Brazilian fresh beef imports until a thorough investigation can be made into Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and
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Food Supply food safety review process.” In 2017, Brazilian fresh beef imports were suspended due to food safety concerns, and USDA allowed these imports to resume in 2020. The senators are concerned with Brazil’s recent failure to quickly disclose two cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) – a neurological disease of cattle. On September 3, 2021, Brazil announced two cases of atypical BSE that were detected in June of the same year. Most countries report similar cases to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) immediately – with both the United Kingdom and Germany this year reporting cases to OIE within days of their occurrence earlier this year – but Brazil reported its cases more than 2 months after the fact, breaking trust with the OIE and global trading partners. This has been a routine occurrence, with Brazil also waiting months or even years to report similar cases
in 2019, 2014, and 2012. Brazil enjoys preferential market access on the global stage due to its designation as a “negligible risk” exporter by OIE. While rare, one-off instances of atypical BSE do not necessarily indicate systemic issues with the health of Brazilian cattle herds, repeated delays in reporting suggest an overly lax food safety regime and raise concerns about the reporting of additional dangerous diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, and Avian Influenza. Tester's legislation would ensure that Brazilian beef is safe to eat before it is brought back into U.S. markets by imposing a moratorium on Brazilian beef until a group of food safety and trade experts has made a recommendation regarding its import status.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES In 2017, Brazilian fresh beef imports were I will always have the backs of Montana suspended due to food safety concerns, and farmers and ranchers and fight for policies the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that support and promote Montana ag. allowed these imports to resume in 2020. Recently, Brazil failed to quickly disclose two cases of atypical spongiform encephalopathy – a neurological disease of cattle – which could pose a significant threat to food safety and the health and safety of Montana cattle herds. I recently joined a bipartisan effort to support Montana ranchers by calling on the USDA to immediately suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil until a thorough investigation can be made into Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply food safety review Montana ranchers work hard to produce some process. We must put Montana ranchers first of the highest quality beef in the world. Their and ensure that they are receiving the support herds should not be jeopardized by Brazilian they need. beef imports that may contaminate our country’s food supply. As your voice in the United States Senate,
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