Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Jeff Bangs, At-Large Director District 1 Inverness

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

BY WALTER SCHWEITZER

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 Association, R-CALF USA, and the United States Cattlemen’s Association talked openly and candidly about a wide range of important issues facing our industry today, including but not limited to: packer concentration, price transparency and discovery, packer oversight, Packers and Stockyards Act enforcement, level of captive supply, and packer capacity. We agreed on several action items including but not limited to the following: Expedite the renewal of USDA’s Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR), including formula base prices subject to the same reporting requirements as negotiated cash and the creation of a contract library. Demand the Department of Justice (DOJ) issue a public investigation status report and as warranted, conduct joint DOJ and USDA oversight of packer activity moving forward. Encourage investment in, and development of, new independent, local, and regional packers.

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 to be done then they would work towards a common goal. This was achieved at the Phoenix meeting. The livestock groups reached a consensus. We agree that there is a problem with packer concentration, and that we need to have oversight of the packers. An interesting side note JBS, the world’s largest packer, quit NCBA after this meeting.

This issue is nothing new. Over 100 years ago livestock producers and elected officials created the Packers Stockyard Act. We must join forces once again to enforce the Act.

2021 CONVENTION NEWS: NEW BYLAW: ADDITION OF MAIL-IN BALLOT VOTING

During the last MFU convention the membership passed new bylaws that allowed for mail-in ballots. A member has to have attended at least one MFU sponsored event or a local MFU meeting to qualify for a mail-in ballot. This will allow members to 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

Wendt Advertising is the recipient of the Communicator Awards of Excellence and a Telly Award for their work on the Montana Farmers Union Food Security for US campaign. According to Wendt the Excellence Awards are the highest honor given to entrants whose ability to communicate is the best in the field. The Communicator Awards received over 6,000 entries world-wide. The Telly Award was given for MFU’s “Food Security for Us” video.

“We are so pleased to see our Food Security for Us campaign recognized at the national level,” said President Walter Schweitzer, Montana Farmers Union President.“The message of food security is more important than ever as the pandemic has put a microscope on a broken food system, and the need for action. We appreciate Wendt for their hard work, and all the project participants especially the following MFU members: Brett Debruycker, Eric Bergman, Jacob Cowgill, Peter Jennings, and 2J’s Fresh Market for telling their story to help elevate the issue of food security nationwide.”

“Wendt is pleased to receive Communicator Awards for both excellence and distinction,” said Brenda Peterson, Wendt CEO and President. “We work closely with our clients to produce creative products that deliver results. These awards are well deserved, and we are honored to be recognized as one of the best in the industry.” Below is a list of awards given for the Food Security for Us campaign: • Montana Farmers Union: “Food Security for Us”

Campaign Category: Integrated Campaign Award of Excellence • Montana Farmers Union: “Food Security for Us” Website

General Category: Activism Award of Excellence • Montana Farmers Union: “Food Security for Us”

Campaign Category: Social Responsibility Award of Distinction • Montana Farmers Union: Food Security

Video

Individual Category: Social Responsibility Award of Distinction • Montana Farmers Union: Food

Security Video

Individual Category: Activism Award of Distinction • Telly Award To learn more, and to take action for food security visit foodsecurityforus.com.

WHAT IS FOOD SECURITY?

GROW LOCAL PROCESS LOCAL

EAT LOCAL HELP SHORTEN

MONTANA’S FOOD CHAIN