V O L U M E 2 7
O C TO B E R 2 0 1 8
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
IN THIS EDITION:
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
Montana delegation: back row: Chris Christiaens, Alan Merrill, Justin Loch,Walter Schweitzer, Ben Peterson,William Downs, Colter DeVries; Front Row: Barry Francis, Cindy Palmer, Sarah Rachor,Wendy Palmer, Bruce Shultz
MFU MEMBERS HEAD TO THE CAPITOL FOR THE THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION FLY-IN
The primary topics of concern for all the states delegations were to pass a strong Farm Bill, trade concerns, and the renewable fuel standard (RFS). Those of us from Montana modified those topics to be more specific to Montana and added BY BEN PETERSON M F U B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R a couple more state specific concerns; rural broadband, rural healthSeptember on Capitol Hill means care, CSKT Water Compact, Indusagriculture shows its face en masse. trial Hemp, and pre-existing health Roughly 350 members of Farmers conditions. We carried our concerns Union from all over the nation con- and personal stories to not just our verged on our federal government. I own states congressman and senawas one of the members represent- tors, but representatives from other ing Montana. This was not my first states as well. time inside the Beltway, my fourth actually. I knew what we were PAGE 7 trying We started with a trip to the USDA to accomplish the goals I wantMFUand Collaborates on building for a briefing from National ed to achieve. Food Safety Program Farmers Union on our primary topics, as well a concise course on “Lo-
bbying 101.” The USDA added to our morning by giving us updates on their activities and latest completed agricultural statistics. Secretary Sonny Perdue was even able to address us in regards to the Farm Bill conference and the economy. “Farmers want to help those who help themselves,” said Perdue. “I hear a lot about sustainability in agriculture – and there’s nothing more sustainable than profitability.” Other officers representing the USDA addressed Farmers Union delegates including Gregg Doud. Gregg Doud is Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. C O N T I N U E D PA G E 8