18 minute read
Walter Schweitzer, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Jan Tusick, Secretary/Treasuer, District Ronan
MEMBER PROFILE CONTINUED
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."
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If you are interested in learning more about Montana Lamb and Beef or purchasing their products, go to montanalambandbeef.com
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 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.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
updates on Sage Grouse Conservation, Wolf Management, Fire Season, and Water Supply and discussed Drought, among other department and state agency updates. The committee last met Sept. 14-15, 2021, and will meet again Jan. 24-25, 2022.
Energy and Telecommunications Interim
Committee (ETIC): The committee is working on the following study bills: SJ 3 Study: “Advance Nuclear Reactor Feasibility in Montana” and SJ 33 “Study of Montana Electric Grid Capacity.” The committee also reviews administrative rules proposed by the Department of Public Service Regulation and the Public Service Commission. The commit tee last met on September 23, 2021 and will meet again on January 18, 2022.
Economic Affairs Interim Committee
(EAIC): The committee is working on the following study bills: HJ 49 “Study Benefits Cliffs in Public Assistance Programs.”The term cliffs refers to barries low-income families face when advancing economically. HJ 48: “Study Facial Recognition Technology,” SJ 31 “Study the Implementation of Montana’s Recreational Marijuana Program.” The committee also handles agency oversight and administrative rules review for Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Labor and Industry,
Economic Transformation and Stabilization and Workforce Development
Commission (EWAC/American Rescue Plan Act commission) THE EWAC allocated $7.5 million for the ARPA Agriculture Infrastructure Program. February 28, 2022 is the full application deadline. On March 25 award recommendations will be given to the commission. December 31, 2024 is the final day to incur expenses.”
The commission is also working on other programs for workforce development and training.
Board of Livestock: The Board of Livestock is currently in the midst of a Department code and rule review for identifying and prioritizing code or rules that need to be repealed or updated/modified. At the time this article was written the Board of Livestock completed section reviews for Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 81 - Chapter 3 - Parts 1 and 2 (Marks and Brands), Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 32.18 (Brand Inspection), MCA Title 81 – Chapter 5 (Unlawful Driving and Transporting of Livestock), MCA Title 81-Chapter 8 (Marketing), ARM 32.15 (Marketing of Livestock), and MCA Title 81 – Chapter 4 (Containment of Livestock). If members have any questions or comments regarding the current code and rule review
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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.” 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 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!
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 encouraged to contact their local fire department or county Disaster and Emergency Services division.
Chief Lyle Shammel at the South Moccasin Fire near Lewistown.
On December 5, former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, who at times served as Senate Majority Leader, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and the 1996 Republican nominee for the presidency, died at the age of 98. Senator Dole was a leader, along with Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, in fighting hunger in the U.S. and around the world. While they were in the Senate, Senators Dole and McGovern led the effort to reform the food stamp program (now known as SNAP), expanded the domestic school lunch program, and established the WIC program.
Even after retiring from public office, the two former senators were instrumental in the creation of the Food for Peace program. Now called the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, the effort provides donations of U.S. agricultural products and technical assistance for school feeding programs in the developing world.
In 2010, NFU presented Senator Bob Dole with an Award for Meritorious Service to Humanity for his work in advancing nutrition assistance around the world.
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.
“Today is a great day for American agriculture. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide a much-needed boost to our rural economy and will help keep family farmers, ranchers, and our communities linked and connected with the rest of the country,” said NFU President Larew on November 15.“We thank President Biden for his strong leadership in passing this legislation and offer special thanks to the Congressional leaders who crafted and negotiated the bill.”
The newly enacted law will invest $550 billion over ten years and directs $110 billion for roads and bridges, $55 billion for water infrastructure, $66 billion for rail, and a historic $65 billion for broadband infrastructure. An additional approximately $6.5 million will be appropriated for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) watershed programs to help address climate-related disasters.
NFU SUPPORTS NEW CATTLE MARKETS LEGISLATION
On November 12, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act were officially introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (RIA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Companion legislation was also announced in the U.S. House of Representatives, co-sponsored by Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA). National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this bill and urges Congress to act quickly to pass this critically important legislation.
“Corporate consolidation in the cattle industry has given multinational meatpackers undue control over cattle markets,” said NFU President Rob Larew, “Uncompetitive markets hurt family farmers and ranchers and undermine our food security. NFU has been—and will continue to be—steadfast in our support for legislation that ensures a fair market for family farmers and combats the monopoly power of multinational meatpacking corporations.
March 2021
WE ARE EXPANDING - JOIN OUR TEAM!
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? Montana Farmers Union has the job for you!
We have multiple openings for regional membership organizers. These positions are remote, however candidates must be Montana-based. Ideal candidates will have the ability and skills to work independently and as part of a team, have strong community ties and a background in agriculture.
Regional travel within the state is required. We offer competitive pay and paid holidays!
Duties include membership recruitment,outreach, assist with events in their area and help grow local Farmers Union chapters.
Positions are open until filled. If you are interested in joining our team as a Membersship 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 at 1-800-234-4071 or 406.452.6406 with questions.
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. 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.
We all attend Belt Valley School. I am currently in the 5th grade. My teacher's name is Mrs. Metrione. My best friend is Adianna LaPlaunt. We have been together since we were babies. We like to ride bikes, swim, roller skate, play games, and visit other friends. My favorite 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 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.
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.
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 Scholarships each for $1,500.
Scholarship applications must be post-marked by March 15, 2022. For more information and to apply go to montanafarmersunion.com/ education/scholarships-grants/.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER:
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
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 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.
“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 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.
Montana ranchers work hard to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world. Their herds should not be jeopardized by Brazilian beef imports that may contaminate our country’s food supply. In 2017, Brazilian fresh beef imports were suspended due to food safety concerns, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 process. We must put Montana ranchers first and ensure that they are receiving the support they need.
As your voice in the United States Senate, I will always have the backs of Montana farmers and ranchers and fight for policies that support and promote Montana ag.
Since 1915
