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JUNE 2021
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY
WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R
I was privileged to help represent NFU at an unprecedented meeting bringing together 6 diverse groups representing the cattle industry to discuss livestock market issues. Members from NFU, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef
to be done then they would work towards a common goal. This was achieved at the Phoenix meeting. The livestock groups Association, R-CALF USA, and the United reached a consensus. We agree that there is a States Cattlemen’s Association talked openly problem with packer concentration, and that and candidly about a wide range of important we need to have oversight of the packers. An issues facing our industry today, including but interesting side note JBS, the world’s largest not limited to: packer concentration, price packer, quit NCBA after this meeting. transparency and discovery, packer oversight, Packers and Stockyards Act enforcement, This issue is nothing new. Over 100 years level of captive supply, and packer capacity. ago livestock producers and elected officials We agreed on several action items including created the Packers Stockyard Act. We must but not limited to the following: Expedite join forces once again to enforce the Act. the renewal of USDA’s Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR), including formula base prices subject to the same reporting 2021 CONVENTION NEWS: requirements as negotiated cash and the NEW BYLAW: ADDITION OF creation of a contract library. Demand the MAIL-IN BALLOT VOTING Department of Justice (DOJ) issue a public During the last MFU convention the meminvestigation status report and as warranted, bership passed new bylaws that allowed for conduct joint DOJ and USDA oversight of mail-in ballots. A member has to have atpacker activity moving forward. Encourage tended at least one MFU sponsored event investment in, and development of, new or a local MFU meeting to qualify for a independent, local, and regional packers. mail-in ballot. This will allow members to I think this was an important first step and hope we can continue to work together on a common message. I have often heard our elected officials say if the livestock groups could reach a consensus on what needs
be able to vote on policy and leadership if they attend a MFU event or meeting in their area. Convention Details: October 29-30 Heritage Inn Great Falls
MFU FOOD SECURITY FOR US CAMPAIGN RECEIVES EXCELLENCE AWARDS
and 2J’s Fresh Market for telling their story Individual Category: Social Responsibility to help elevate the issue of food security Award of Distinction nationwide.” • Montana Farmers Union: Food Security Video “Wendt is pleased to receive Communicator Individual Category: Activism Wendt Advertising is the recipient of the Awards for both excellence and distinction,” Award of Distinction Communicator Awards of Excellence and a said Brenda Peterson, Wendt CEO and • Telly Award Telly Award for their work on the Montana President. “We work closely with our clients To learn more, and to take action for food Farmers Union Food Security for US campaign. to produce creative products that deliver security visit foodsecurityforus.com. According to Wendt the Excellence Awards results. These awards are well deserved, and are the highest honor given to entrants whose we are honored to be recognized as one of the ability to communicate is the best in the field. best in the industry.” Below is a list of awards The Communicator Awards received over given for the Food Security for Us campaign: 6,000 entries world-wide. The Telly Award • Montana Farmers Union: “Food Security was given for MFU’s “Food Security for Us” for Us” video. Campaign Category: Integrated Campaign Award of Excellence “We are so pleased to see our Food Security for • Montana Farmers Union: “Food Security Us campaign recognized at the national level,” for Us” Website said President Walter Schweitzer, Montana General Category: Activism Farmers Union President.“The message of Award of Excellence food security is more important than ever • Montana Farmers Union: “Food Security GROW PROCESS EAT LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL as the pandemic has put a microscope on a for Us” broken food system, and the need for action. Campaign Category: Social Responsibility HELP SHORTEN We appreciate Wendt for their hard work, Award of Distinction MONTANA’S FOOD CHAIN and all the project participants especially the • Montana Farmers Union: Food Security following MFU members: Brett Debruycker, Video Eric Bergman, Jacob Cowgill, Peter Jennings,
WHAT IS FOOD SECURITY?
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