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M O N TA N A
GRASS ROOTS MFU REPRESENTS ORGANIZATION AT NATIONAL CONVENTION B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
In March, Montana Farmers Union members and staff attended the 118th National Farmers Union Convention in Savannah, GA. More than 500 Farmers Union members from across the country convened. The delegation elected Rob Larew to succeed Roger Johnson as president and re-elected Patty Edelburg to serve as NFU Vice President. “The reason for Farmers Union’s longstanding success – and the reason why I am so enthusiastic about leading this organization – is its grassroots structure,” said Larew. “Each year, our members set organizational directives and federal policy priorities in a democratic process, which ensures that the work we do in our national office is really in the best NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID LIVINGSTON, MT PERMIT NO. 93
MFU staff and delegates at National Farmers Union Convention in Savannah , GA. Back row: Lyndsay Bruno,William Downs, Erik Somerfeld, Cory Kelly,Walter Schweitzer, Paul Neubauer, Kirby Hancock, Justin Loch and Tyce Erickson. Front row: Cindy Palmer, Kim Mangold,Violet Green, Lilly Green, Maggie Shane, Jeri Copenhaver, Jan Tusick and Sarah Rachor.
interest of the hard-working family farmers and ranchers.” MFU sent ten delegates to represent the organization. President Walter Schweitzer said the national convention is a great chance for Farmers Union members to come together.“I always enjoy getting together with other farmers,” said Schweitzer.“The National Farmers Union Convention brings together farmers from all over the world to discuss issues that affect family farms. It is therapeutic to share experiences with others fac- Rob Larew sworn in as president of National Farmers Union; photo courtesy of NFU ing the same concerns.It always amazes me how much I have in common with another family farmer even if they are from California, New York or South Africa. We are all struggling to survive in a world where the multinational corporations control our inputs and our markets. The only way the family farm will survive is through education, organization, cooperation and legislation. We have to Montana delegates vote for NFU president; photo courtesy Montana delegate flag of NFU ban together to fight for the famC O N T I N U E D PA G E ily farm or lose it.”
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT It is calving season. We are just getting started as mother nature is blasting subzero weather our way. It is 4 am. I have one calf in the warming box and another calf on the floorboards of the pickup. I moved my calving date from Jan/Feb to March/April to avoid subzero weather during calving. Mother nature has different plans. Every season brings different challenges. Our country faces a new challenge, on the news and social media is nonstop discussion of the coronavirus. The situation is frustrating, but we need to do our part to flatten the infection curve. To help our health system we need to try to delay infection as long as possible so as to not overrun our hospitals. Consequently, MFU staff can work from home until further notice, both for “social distancing” and to care for their children and grandchildren. MFU had a busy month planned for April with workshops in eight different communities. We had arranged speakers to talk about the ag economy, soil health and farm stress. We postponed these events because of the Coronavirus. The irony is that we titled the events “Cultivating Healthy Communities.” Now the best way to “Cultivate Healthy Communities” may be to not gather. As a farm organization, it is noteworthy that during this time of distress the one area where images of panic can be seen is the empty grocery store shelves. People are buying more than they need. People are hoarding. Clearly, during a time of uncertainty people are certain about one thing; they need food. Whether eating at home or at a restaurant, food is necessary for survivial so why commodity prices continue their downward trajectory is unconceivable.
ECONOMY GRINDS TO A HALT BY PRESIDENT WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R
What to do now: The coronavirus has taught us our markets and supply chains are vulnerable. I saw a presentation by an Agricultural Economist that showed how every commodity boom that depended on export had a total bust going back 500 years, starting with cotton and tobacco during the colonization. The more secure and sustainable markets are in our own country. Supplying our agriculture products to a local processor to package it for retail makes more sense than shipping raw product overseas and then bringing it back in packages. Instead of giving $100’s of billions of dollars to corporations and multinationals like JBS, Cargill and Delta we should invest in the infrastructure to process our own food locally and to produce our own biofuels. This will not only create a more secure and sustainable economy, but it will create good paying jobs in America.
kets. This will require multiple trade missions. Bringing buyers to the USA to see firsthand our production. Sending representatives to explore new market opportunities. Producers have been doing this for decades with our own checkoff dollars. It is now time that Washington DC step up and match or exceed our investment in building our markets.
During the trade wars our customers found new suppliers. Just because a trade deal is signed doesn’t mean we get our trade back. For example, after the China Phase 1 deal was signed, China purchased one million ton of wheat from Australia, Canada and France none from the USA.
Farmers have invested checkoff dollars and four decades developing markets that have been lost due to trade wars. These wars were Our economy is grinding to a halt and com- not started by farmers and were never meant modities prices are dropping like a rock from to help the farmers, but the farmers are paythe already low prices caused by our trade ing a heavy price. Trade deficiency payments, wars with our customers. Each year brings a bypassed USDA rules which cap the amount new set of challenges some are preventable, given each entity. Consequently, payments and others are not. All we can do is learn and mostly went to large corporate farms and try to become more adaptable. multinational corporations leaving little for the family farm. The trade wars could have been prevented, but would have required a well thought out ON THE FAMILY FARM TV plan and a willingness to negotiate to a common solution. Ideally, we would have worked SEGMENT with our allies to leverage China, Instead, we Watch the monthly segment On the Family had a lot of bluster, threats and ultimatums Farm filmed at the Schweitzer Ranch every against our major customers with no clear Sunday night on the following stations: Great goals or solutions. The fact commodity prices Falls:ABC, FOX and SWX; Missoula/KaAfter the crisis we need a marketing strategy to dropped as each agreement was signed is an lispell: ABC, FOX and SWX; Helena: ABC, get our customers back and to find new ones. indicator that the agreements were not good FOX and SWX; Billings: NBC and SWX BozInstead of corporate handouts we should be for farmers. eman/Butte: ABC, FOX and SWX. investing money and time rebuilding our marHow we got here:
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APRIL 2020
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!
IN THIS ISSUE National Farmers Union Convention Recap Page 4
Member Recruited by
Cedric & Jeanne Coolahan, Broadus Mike & Betty Simonitsch, Ekalaks Beefland Inc, Terry Logan & Kacie Eayrs, Ismay Orville Myran, Kinsey James & Tammy Durbin, Lindsay Ila Mae Cerkoney, Shepherd Gary & Mary Schmidt, Huntley David & Lerae Vigil, Roundup Ostrom Revocable Trust, Conrad P J Farms Inc., Brady Roger & Janice Guenther, Belgrade Clayton Miller, Billings Gene & Sallie Small, Lame Deer Wailes Yellowtail, Wyola Carl & Catherine Johnson, Billings Hampton Family Ltd Partnership, Chester 406 Farms LLC, Shelby Helen McLane, Fort Shaw Teri Ziebko, Eureka Raymond & Helen Zimmerman, Kalispell Timothy & Dawn Clark, Dell Florence Johnson, Sidney Briana & Terry Ceynar, Great Falls Lisa Matovich-Brooke, Billings Nicole Wickens, Livingston Suzi Berget White, Bozeman Lexi Preszler, Bozeman Linda Owens, McAllister Rita & Brett Owens, McAllister Buzz & Laurie Mattelin, Culbertson Desiree & Jason Raymond, Wisdom Fiona Jensen-Hitch, Columbia Falls Christopher Jeffrey, Joliet Mariah Stopplecamp, Bozeman Kelly Sullivan, Havre
Tayler Kennedy Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Kaylen Lehner James Mathews James Mathews K J Fauth Dirk Elings Dirk Elings Craig Parker Wes Schwend Melissa Wacker Melissa Wacker Judd Long Gary Seubert Korey Fauque Mathew Luedtke Lisa French Charles Monroe Sara Nye Cathy Hintz MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office Farmhands Walter Schweitzer MFU Office MFU Office
MFU Women’s Conference Page 5 MFU Events Page 6 Winter Thaw in Billings Page 7 MFU & Partners to Hold Primary Debates Page 8 Current Conditions; There’s a Co-op for that! Page 9 Summer Camp Preview Page 10 MFU is Hiring for Summer Camp Positions! Page 11
American Camp Association Conference Offers Workshops on Best Practices for Camp; Education News on Day Camps Page 12 Christy Clark Selected as Montana Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Page 13
IN MEMORIAM
There’s a Co-op for that, Continued
EDMUND SOMERFELD, POWER
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Washington Corner, National Farmers Union Page 15
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MONTANA FARMERS UNION 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: 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 Eric Bergman, District 1, Fort Shaw 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: Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director/ Editor Justin Loch, Membership Director Kim Mangold, Government Affairs Director Dave Snuggs, Facility Director Violet Green, Education Coordinator Vicky Jo Reeves, Education & Program Assistant
Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2020 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 10 times each calendar year with two combined issues. Article submissions are requested by the 15th of the month. Advertising space is available. Copy Editor: Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Lyndsay Bruno
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N AT I O N A L C O N V E N T I O N C O N T I N U E D
Jeri Copenhaver testifies during policy dicussion
Sarah Rachor on the NFU Policy Committee
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue spoke to the group, and NFU President Roger Johnson delivered his final State of the Farmers Union address. Attendees also heard from a panel on black land loss and voting rights and breakout sessions on precision agriculture, the history of grassroots organizing, regenerative farming, farm to table, and hemp production. MFU Member Kirby Hancock served on the hemp production panel and spoke to the potential of using Hempcrete as a building material. One of the special orders passed by the body was truth in labeling. MFU Board of Director and delegate William Downs said truth in labeling is a key policy item. “Consumers want to see truth in labeling in the markets. Consumers are being misinformed and as an organization we are addressing that with policy.” Delegate Jeri Copenhaver said many of the policy items discussed relate to Montana because of the diversity of the state’s agriculture industry. Specifically Copenhaver mentioned consolidation in agriculture and truth in labeling as two main policy items. “Farmers Union is a grassroots organization so we bring policy items from our counties to the state convention and then the national convention to make sure Montana is heard.”
Havre; Maggie Shane, Floweree; Walter Sch- Member Sarah Rachor served on the national weitzer, Geyser; Will Downs, Molt and Jan policy committee. She said it’s important to Tusick of Polson. have representation from Montana at the national level. “Serving on the 2020 National Each year MFU takes a youth delegate to ex- Farmers Union Policy Committee was a great pose them to the policy making process and experience,” said Rachor. “Montana does provide a voice for the next generation of not always get a representative so I wanted ag leaders in Montana. Tyce Erickson served to make sure all areas of our state had a say. as the youth delegate and comments on his There were plenty of interesting updates to experience. “I enjoyed the National Farmers our national policy after 2019, especially in Union convention in Georgia from the people regards to our safety net and how we as a nato the sites,” said Erickson. “The convention tion help our farmers and ranchers in years was everything I thought it would be and then of need. Plus Montana was able to remain at some. The policy meetings were entertain- the forefront in industrial hemp policy to help ing with the debates and learning how other shape this industry and any regulations needstates differ from Montana. It is essential to ed by our producers and processors.” stay involved with an agriculture organization to determine what is new and happen- Farmers Union delegates approved the foling within the farming community. In total, I lowing six special orders for the coming year. learned a lot about farmers around the nation and the importance of attending policy meet- - Family Farming and 2019: A Most Challeng ings, which help gives a voice to the agriculing Year ture community. - Family Farming and the 2020 Election - Family Farming and Climate Change - Family Farming and Cooperatives - Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform - Family Farming and Truth in Labeling and Promotion of Meat Products Visit www.nfu.org to view the special orders and changes/additions to the National Farmers Union Policy Manual.
Delegates representing Montana included Jeri Copenhaver, Helena; Tyce Erickson, Dutton; Lilly Green, Great Falls; Kirby Hancock, Bozeman; Cory Kelly, Chester; Paul Neubauer, Youth delegate Tyce Erickson 4
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MARCH 2020
ENTREPRENEURS SHARE CHALLENGES AND SUCCESS AT MFU WOMEN’S CONFERENCE B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
The Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference is an opportunity for members to come together to celebrate their contributions to agriculture, learn about the diversity in the industry and take in some personal and professional development workshops. As a bonus attendees are able to soak in the hot springs of people has led to her success. Fairmont! Red Ants Pants has expanded to include a foundation, annual At the 2020 women’s conference music festival and now a leaderin February the Founder of Red ship mentoring program for high Ants Pants Sarah Calhoun kicked school juniors. off the event. Calhoun shared her story of the personal and financial Saturday morning Calhoun led struggles she overcame to start the women in agriculture panel the first company dedicated to featuring panelist Caroline Reese, making work clothes for women. Abby Majerus and Liz Matovich. It began with a chance encounThe panel focused on how each ter with a prominent designer at of the ladies got started in their a coffee shop who provided her respective fields, challenges they with the industry contacts to get faced and what they have learned the business up and running. She along the way. started sewing backpacks to learn the trade and soon after moved to Caroline Reese owns Little Creek Montana after being inspired by Lamb Ranch in Townsend. She Ivan Doig’s This House of Sky. shared her story of growing the “There are three things I prombusiness using Instagram as the ised myself when I started Red sales platform. “I found if you are Ants Pants,” said Calhoun. being truthful and authentic peo“Number one if I can’t be auple will notice that and keep on thentic with my customers then I coming back.” Reese has a farm don’t deserve to be in the busiclub clients can join for discounts ness. Number two; if I can’t opon her products and a digital only erate and manufacture clothing in membership for her Instagram the U.S. then I refuse to operate page @bigskycaroline for those a clothing company and Number who love seeing the images from three, if I can’t make it personal her Townsend Ranch. and have fun connecting with my customers then I don’t want to be Panelist Abby Majerus is a third in business.” generation farmer and rancher in Central Montana. She had some Calhoun said her strong work words of advice for aspiring ethic, good sense of right versus entrepreneurs.“Become comfortwrong and knowing how to treat able with failure,” said Majerus.
“Hone in on your mission statement and make sure everything you do feeds back to your mission statement. And if it doesn’t re-examine your purpose.” Other workshops included estate planning by Jennifer Bishop and Ashley Mahoney of KLB Business Law. Deanna Fusillo-Hinsz with Sassy Girl Entrepreneur shared her story and Nancy De Pastino with the Missoula County Health Department presented on suicide prevention. Alisha Hadfield did a demonstration on goat milk soap and attendees also had the option to enjoy a Zumba workshop or learn photography.
MSU, PARTNERS TO LAUNCH WEBSITE TO SHARE RESOURCES AND SOLUTIONS FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS UNDER STRESS B Y M S U N E W S S E RV I C E
A group of individuals and organizations from across Montana, led by Montana State University Extension, are collaborating to provide resources and solutions for farmers and ranchers under stress. Now, a team of Montanans known as the Montana Farm/ Ranch Stress Prevention AdviAttendee Laurie Lohrer of Lew- sory Council is working to create istown said she enjoys connect- a new website that will host reing with other women each year sources to help farmers, ranchers at the conference. “I loved this and other community members year’s MFU Women’s Conference better understand the causes of at Fairmont,” said Lohrer. “There stress – as well as how to manwere great speakers, food, and hot age it. The website is expected to springs to boot. Maybe the best launch this summer. part was getting to know women from across the state, learning The website is a direct response their stories, and especially seeing to a need MSU Extension staff all the younger women active in continue to hear about from peoranching and farming. We had a ple across the state, said Suzanne Stluka, associate director of MSU blast.” Extension. More information is available at montana.edu/wellness_extn/stress-management/ mt_farm_stress_clearing_house/ project_page.html. 5
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AT T H E TUSICK E AMBER FERENC ’S CON WOMEN
WA L K E R S G R ILL HOSTED THE WINTER T H AW L U N C H
MARCH 2020
U N AT SARAH CALHO NFERENCE O C S ’ N E M O THE W
J A N T U S I C K , TA M M Y C O P E N H A V E R A N D J E R I C O P E N H A V E R A F T E R A W O R K S H O P AT T H E WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
AGGIE C O P E N H AV E R , M D E L E G AT E S J E R I GREEN LY L I L D N A LY L E K SHANE, COREY N O I T N E NV AT T H E N F U C O
P AY S A U C T I O N AT T H E W I N T E R T H AW
AMBER TUSICK AND ALISHA HADFIELD L E A D A D E M O N S T R AT I O N I N G O AT M I L K SOAP MAKING
WOMEN IN RANCHING P A N E L AT T H E WINTER THA W
T H A N K YO U TO O U R 2 0 2 0 W O M E N ’ S CONFERENCE VENDORS!
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WINTER THAW CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS CATTLE INDUSTRY selves as a respected member of BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
Each year Montana Farmers Union works to put on a producer conference. This year, MFU partnered with the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) to put on Winter Thaw Conference in Billings. The event was held in conjunction with the MATE farm and ranch show. The conference was well attended with more than 100 participants. The event featured virtually something for every type of producer from women ranchers, beginning farmers, to established producers. Saturday morning kicked off with a women in ranching panel. The entertaining panelists came from different backgrounds.Each showcased their effort to help the family farm succeed, whether it be implementing more modern techniques or finding niche markets, they have established them-
seminar by Bill Pelton. The USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach took time to tour around MATE with their ranching community. MFU President Walter Schweitzer and other Winter Thaw sponsors. Every producer is looking for Under Secretary Ibach stopped ways to add profit to their opera- by the MFU booth to visit about tion. The next panel of the day ATV safety with President Schfeatured ideas like incorporat- weitzer and MFU camp counselor ing ag tourism with hunting and Philip Prewett. The ATV safety fishing and using cover crops to display touched Under Secretary generate income and make land Ibach as he lost a family member more productive. Markets and the to an ATV accident. future are on everyone’s mind. We had a panel focused directly If you were a cattle producer, on markets and planning for risk. Power Hour at Pays Livestock was Brett Crosby discussed planning the place to be. Two speakers reyour cattle marketing strategy go- ally stood out during this time. ing into the future. Jamey Koha- Joe Goggins, owner of Pays Liveke of Paragon Ag Advisors dis- stock, talked about the need for a cussed commodity and livestock large-scale processing plant closmarkets for 2020. Tait Berlier of er to Montana. ELD mandates Ag Risk Advisors talked about and current packers manipulating risk management how to plan for the boxed beef market have made the future. it necessary for Montana and surrounding states to support a After a nice steak lunch at Walk- large-scale facility closer to home. er’s Grill all attendees loaded a Joe and Corbitt Wall of DV Aucbus and hit the MATE show for tions stated producers need to a few hours to tour around. Some start thinking about when they attendees took in a cattle handling market their calves. Currently, a
A participant at MFU’s MATE booth tests out the ATV simulator
majority of producers are calving in January through April and selling freshly weaned balling calves in the fall. This in turn overflows the feedlots which impacts price. Producers need to think about some other times and strategies when it comes to marketing calves. Summer and fall calving have started to gain popularity. This enables producers to sell a heavier, healthier calf in slower months which can help gain a better price and enable feedlots to feed out a better product. If you are interested in what’s going on in the cattle industry I encourage you to check out Corbitt Wall’s daily Feeder Flash online show on nationalbeefwire.com or youtube. In wrapping up this event, both MFU and USCA agree this event was a success and we plan to cohost it again next year. Please feel free to contact me with ideas for workshops or topics that you would like to see at the conference in the future.
Walter Schweitzer, Under Secretary Ibach and Phillip Prewett at the MATE
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CURRENT CONDITIONS BY KIM MANGOLD G OV E R N M E N T A F FA I R S D I R E C TO R
The President recently released his new budget which includes cuts in farm programs. Specifically, his 2020 budget proposed a 15 percent cut for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, calling its subsidies to farmers “overly generous.” Farmers across the nation are going through the worst crisis in decades because of depressed commodity prices and trade conflicts over the last two years. All Montana farmers and ranchers know that global and national developments can have significant consequences for agriculture in this state. However, we are a particular region that depends upon positive trade relationships in order to ship our wheat, barley, pulse, canola and beef out of the country. These past few years of trade barriers have negatively affected agriculture more than any other industry. While some of the dust has settled with Japan and perhaps China, the question remains on how long it will take to get back into those markets? While the United States was “negotiating” trade, other countries stepped into those foreign commodity markets. Canada, Russia, and Argentina sold commodities to markets that were previously enjoyed by Montana farmers and ranchers. Now we all know that there are other outside factors that affect Montana agriculture beyond trade agreements. Global economies, exchange rates, interest rates, and energy all play a role in whether foreign buyers can or want to buy from the United States. The point is that other countries have stepped up their operations to engage foreign buyers and are working hard to expand their global share. For example, Russia has a very strong interest in securing markets previously enjoyed by the United States. They have improved and expanded all export infrastructures to accommodate an increase in their commodity exports. We have the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee to market our grains and they have some great strategies to try to secure more market share with our foreign buyers. Since we have exported approximately 80 percent of our wheat annually, this committee will need all our support. But it is going to take lots of time and effort. Recently, farmers were asked about the financial health of their operation and their out-
MARCH 2020
look for the next year. Compared to a year ago, 54 percent of Montana farmers say their operation is worse off financially. Forty two percent said things are roughly the same, while just 4 percent said they are better off. Producers weren’t much more optimistic about the future at the time of the survey. When asked their opinion on the profitability of farming in Montana over the next 12 months, only 10 percent said it would improve. Over half expect profitability to diminish in the next year, while 38 percent are projecting profitability to remain the same.
dress the farm stress crisis in their own communities. This training is free to all Farmers Union members and employees and will teach participants how to recognize the signs of stress and offer help. Visit https://nfu.org/ education/farm-stress-education/ for information.
In light of all the issues with trade recovery, low commodity prices and lack of affordable health insurance or health care, the landscape for agriculture shows signs of continued struggle. Coming back now to the issue of the president’s budget. Are agriculture budget I recently attended the MFU Women’s Con- cuts really appropriate right now? We know ference at Fairmont where I heard a lot a con- that agriculture’s share of the federal budget cerns about the landscape of agriculture in is very small in the big picture compared to the state and the nation. Many expressed frus- defense, transportation, etc., but what agricultration with the availability of effective farm ture does receive in federal programs is critiprograms offered by the USDA. It seems that cal now more than ever. most believe that Montana did not receive a fair share of the trade assistance dollars that THERE’S A CO-OP FOR THAT were intended to take the sting out of the U.S. B Y C O L T E R D E V R I E S trade conflicts with China, Mexico, and Japan. Need a ride from the airport on a moment’s A great deal of those funds went to large cornotice?There’s an app for that.Much like Apporations rather than filtering to the family ple’s marketing campaign in 2009 to let confarm in this state. sumers know of this new technology called “applications” that would provide wide-rangMontana Farmers Union and National Farming services to mobile devices, then in their ers Union recently responded to rules regardinfancy of use and ability, this last week I ing the Undue and Unreasonable Preferences learned that there’s also a Co-op for that. and Advantages under the Packers and Stockyards Act. These new rules favor the Packing When Apple launched the App Store, the Industry and didn’t take into consideration world had no idea we had just entered the inthe individual livestock rancher. We provided formation age, and thus digital services would comments requesting rules addressing a fair drive our economy to record-low unemploymarket environment. We are hearing from ment rates along with a record-long expanproducers and bankers that the monolithic sion; no small thanks given to Millennials, packing industry has the ability to manipulate America’s largest and soon to be wealthiest prices to the point that smaller livestock progeneration who like me, coincidentally reached ducers cannot compete and can be driven out child-bearing age at this time and purchased of business. arguably frivolous discretionary items such as $8.00 coffees and $11.00 craft brews. Because of the current market conditions we are seeing some producers who are really When co-ops began to really take off in the struggling with financial and health issues. early 1900’s, the radical impact of technologiOften health problems accompany financial cal advances had created a painfully changing problems. Montana Farmers Union has liseconomy, not unlike today as we learn to hartened to these concerns and is working to proness the power and capabilities of data, invide information about services available to formation, quantum computing, and artificial assist producers with building positive menintelligence.Switching from horse and plow to tal health strategies. In light of these issues, mechanized production, from locally-sourced Montana Farmers Union had scheduled the to mass-produced, preserved, and canned traveling workshop series Cultivating Healthy items with centralized means of production Communities in April which has since been required farming more acres with more inputs postponed.Additionally National Farmers per acre causing bottlenecks, supply chain arUnion is offering an online training to help bitrage, and monopolies along the way. family me mbers, friends and neighbors ad-
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MARCH 2020
JOIN US FOR THE 2020 CAMP SEASON AS A CAMP COUNSELOR!
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions. Job Summary: Camp counselors are the pri- • Assist in the planning of any special events. mary caregivers of each camper. The Coun- • Identify other tasks or duties that this posiselor is responsible for planning, teaching, tion may be expected to perform but are not coordinating and carrying out activities and necessarily the primary focus of this position. guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. Equipment Used: Counselors may be asked to use fire protecGeneral Responsibilities: tion equipment, washers and dryers, dish1. Assist in the direction, supervision, and washers, and specialty program equipment. organization of campers in their living unit, Some may be asked to drive camp vehicles. within activities and throughout camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes. Qualifications: 2. Participate in the development and imple- • Must be available for all camp dates and mentation of program activities for campers training. within the mission and outcomes. • Must be 18 years of age. 3. Maintain high standards of health and safe- • Must be able to obtain or become certified ty in all activities for campers and staff. in First Aid/CPR. Training will be provided. 4. Be a role model to campers and staff in • Ability to interact with all age levels. your attitude and behavior.
CAMP COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Other Job Duties: • Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested. • Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
Skills & physical aspects of the job: • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas • Work long hour shifts and carry 50lbs
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HOW TO APPLY: Go to mfu.campintouch.com. Must be 18 years of age to apply. Contact Education Coordinator Violet Green with questions at 406-452-6406.
SUMMER AG. DAYS:
May 6, 2020 in Choteau May 7, 2020 in Teton County May 14 – 15 in Cascade County We look forward to seeing students and teachers there!
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AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE OFFERS WORKSHOPS ON BEST PRACTICES FOR CAMP BY VIOLET GREEN E D U C AT I O N C O O R D I N AT O R
While planning for MFU summer camp is full speed ahead, I was able to attend the National Camp Association Conference (ACA) in San Diego, CA. There were about 1,500- nearly 2,000 people who participated in the ACA Conference from across the nation. This included participants from other countries. The conference allowed me to focus on best practices in a camp setting, and bring back fantastic training tools for myself, staff, and outreach programs that MFU will incorporate in our camp. During this four-day conference, I was able to attend sessions related to healthcare in our camp and how MFU can better suit the needs of campers through camp nurses. Other topics included different types of communication techniques that can help staff connect with each camper and best practices on child safety by creating, maintaining, and developing boundaries. Also we learned about the mission of the summer staff and how to motivate them to engage with their peers and campers. The ACA Conference allowed me to bring essential tools back to Montana so MFU staff can better engage with our camp parents, campers, and staff. .
MFU 2020 DAY CAMP SEASON BY VICKY JO REEVES E D U C AT I O N A N D P R O G R A M A S S I S TA N T
We are trying something new at Montana Farmers Union.We will be offering day camps at your schools, community centers and churches year round. These camps are designed for students to have a day to share with their friends and pick up new information related to agriculture, community and cooperatives while having fun. I require a place to
set up and assistance in spreading the word. If your group is larger than 10 students please provide a volunteer. Students will need to bring a sack lunch and dress appropriately for the day. We can customize the agenda to meet your needs. All lessons and programs are free of charge. The summer day camp season runs June through August. Contact me with your questions and to schedule a camp at vreeves@ montanafarmersunion.com or at 406-452-6406.
MONTANA FARM TO SCHOOL REGIONAL SHOWCASES
community. Those in attendance will also get the inside scoop on how stakeholders work together successfully, and specific examples will prove to be beneficial This spring, two Montana Farm to anyone wanting to grow the to School Regional Showcases movement in their community. provide opportunities for any- Lunch is provided. one interested in the program to see how sites around the state The March showcase schedsuccessfully implement farm to uled in Fairview was postponed. school. Attendees will discover The May 6 showcase in Hardin how the schools’ teams imple- is scheduled to take place. To ment farm to school in the cafe- register and for more informateria, classroom, and community, tion visit http://www.montana. and be equipped with the infor- edu/mtfarmtoschool/resources/ mation and resources to start training-event.html. or grow farm to school in their
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MARCH 2020
CHRISTY CLARK SELECTED AS MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPUTY DIRECTOR B Y C H E L S I B AY M O N TA N A D E P A R T M E N T O F A G R I C U LT U R E
The Montana Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce Christy Clark has accepted the Deputy Director position. Christy has served at the department since 2015, most recently as the Agricultural Sciences Administrator, and formerly as the Agricultural Development and Marketing Bureau Chief.“Christy has a deep connection to agriculture and her work across the agency makes her the right person to help lead the department,” said Di-
rector Ben Thomas.“I’m thrilled to serve Montana’s producers and the larger ag industry alongside someone with such expertise and passion.” Clark, a native of Choteau and 5th generation rancher, previously served three terms as a representative in the Montana Legislature. Her governmental knowledge and appreciation for agriculture make her a strong advocate for the industry. As the head of the Agricultural Sciences Division, Christy ensured regulatory programs served and protected
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Montana’s producers and consumers.This experience complements the efforts she led to promote Montana’s high-quality ag products by enhancing markets as bureau chief for the department’s development and marketing bureau.“I’m grateful for the wealth of information I’ve gained serving both the sciences and development divisions at the department,” said Clark. “Agriculture is our number one industry and vital to rural communities across the state. I’m eager to build on my experiences and to continue to support our hard-working ag producers in this new role.”
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COOP CONTINUED
From the industrial revolution came the formation of Farmers Union and CHS, the Granger Movement, Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, along with Sherman and Clayton Anti Trust Laws as the small family farmer was now in the minority and feeling the pinch of input dealers, distributors, marketers, and competition in the world markets.Those who had the overheads in place could easily organize around new technologies, distribution methods, and large capital expenditures creating their own competitive advantage while those who were not able to grasp the change were left in the dust bowl. Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google are leading the way in the data-IT-age and have become the new monopolies by which everyone else is just trying to keep up and adjust to the change, but they are not the only concentrations of mega-power benefitting from having the capital, capabilities, and controls on distribution in today’s economy. Multinational corporations such as JBS(Brazil), Cargill(private), Smithfield(Chinese), Bayer(German), and the legalmonopoly of BNSF(Warren Buffet) have cornered all the major agricultural markets ensuring that they are the bottlenecks, the gatekeepers, and no major ag-product in the world will change hands without their piece of the action. As CHS was created in the early 20th century to adjust to rapidly rising input costs at the farm level, so was Recreational Equipment Incorporated developing around the costs of necessities. REI was a very small group of outdoor recreationalists who wanted access to the best gear and equipment “technologies” of that time. Picks, ropes, climbing carabiners and boots for example were extremely expensive to ship to the US from manufacturers
with the most experience, highest quality materials, and best technology that generations of Swiss and German climbers were using in the Alps. Like the farmers of CHS, these outdoor enthusiasts needed a way to come together to buy in bulk, reduce shipping costs, and ensure that they have access to the best technology that would allow them to thrive in their passion.This same concept has been applied to news and media; the Associated Press (AP) had to come together in an effort to have equal access to the latest and greatest headlines, cooperating with all members who had “the scoop.”
MARCH 2020
the “pay the piper” in the middle for processing, marketing, and distribution.When imbalances of costs and benefits are not being competed-away due to economies of scale, large barriers to entrance, and concentrations of wealth in human and intellectual capital, I believe co-ops need to answer the call to competition. Many problems have been created by our multinational oligopolies, many needs unmet by entrepreneurs due to cost and scale.
While ranchers are arguably the most difficult demographic to organize because everyone is a maverick, everyone is ruggedly independent, it is now more imYour local-food co-ops formed portant than ever to come togethin urban areas to provide organic, er and compete with Five Rivers natural, locally-sourced, and “fair Feedlot, JBS, Cargill, and even the trade” food items creating a share Chicago Mercantile Exchange. model that rewarded cooperation Remove them from the picture between consumer and producer, much like Country Natural Beef and ensured economic viability has been able to do.With the help through the production, distribu- of Famers Union Industries, I am tion and marketing chain.While leading a steering committee to most of us are fairly familiar with launch the first grass-bank co-op co-ops since we all belong to an for the benefit of small and beelectric co-op, CHS, or Town and ginning producers in particular. Country for our inputs of fuel, fertilizer, and feed, many of us are Like any venture, we are starting unaware how far-reaching or spe- small. We are solving the need cific a co-op can be… like climb- of reliable access to grass in an ing equipment.There have been ultra-competitive lease-grazing co-ops for vacuum-and-cleaning- market. Where economies of supply stores when small-town scale are needed to operate landmom-and-pop storefront retailers holdings at a cash-flow positive, needed access to volume-rates, the small producer feels the pinch quality products, and reliable dis- the most. To keep the industry tribution. young and our rural communities vibrant, we need young famiThere are community-housing, el- lies coming through replacing the derly housing, and even travel co- quickly retiring Baby Boomers.It ops. All co-ops serve the purpose is no secret that the big are getof solving a problem or fulfilling ting bigger; large ranches can a need. I speculate that in today’s control a regional market through ag-economy where input costs are over-priced leases just as easy as not in parity to commodity prices, outside acquisitions, and I don’t we will see more co-ops such as think we even need to get in to Country Natural Beef who chose the negative impacts that absento break away from the controls, tee-owned recreational ranches costs, and manipulation of mo- have on a local producer’s access nopolies to benefit the producers to grass. and consumers without having
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Just like the “yin” and the “yang” however, where there are problems and chaos there is also opportunity and growth, and you cannot have darkness without the light. We see an opportunity for young producers to come together collectively and manage absentee/hobby ranches and even multi-generational family holdings that lack a succession plan. We see an opportunity for young and beginning producers to apply holistic, regenerative, and progressive grazing practices in an effort to differentiate themselves as competent manager; adding value to the soil, ecology, and local community along the way. The co-op we are forming for small/young producers is filling the need of cost-effectively developing replacement heifers, the problem we are solving is access to reliable grazing. Replacementheifer in small family operations are usually the most expensive enterprise, and because of having separate breeding programs, this enterprise is most detrimental to having a robust rotational-grazing program where Dad’s cows are comingled with Jr’s cows. We are in the formation stage and seeking young, small, and beginning producers to join our coop. Just like REI only serving the needs of mountaineers in the beginning, we are not for everyone and we are not fulfilling all needs out there. We are only for the progressive operator who is willing to subscribe to the “underdevelop your heifers” program as coined by legendary ranchmanager Burke Tiechert. We are only for the progressive operator who supports a regeneration of soils, wildlife habitat, and ecology through holistic, rotational, and multi-species grazing. If you are in this camp, or you know a young/small operator who is, please have them reach out to me. Lacking access to grass? There’s a co-op for that.
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American food production and security, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a new, department-wide innovaB Y RO B L A R E W tion initiative “to align resources, N AT I O N A L F A R M E R S U N I O N programs, and research to posiFollowing the organization’s an- tion American agriculture to betnual convention and the recent ter meet future global demands.” passage of two major trade deals, Farmers Union members were hoping for a return to normalcy. But a global pandemic has interrupted global trade – and everything else. There is still a great deal of uncertainty about how this will affect American agriculture, both in the short term and long term. National Farmers Union is closely monitoring the situation and will advocate for policies that ensure food security for all American consumers and financial security In broad strokes, the initiative for food producers. outlines strategies to half the “environmental footprint” of U.S. agDELEGATES SET POLICY riculture while boosting producPRIOIRITES tion 40 percent within the next At National Farmers Union’s thirty years. More specifically, it (NFU) 118th Anniversary Con- calls for a reduction in food loss vention in Savannah, Georgia, and waste, a reduction in the ag199 delegates from 33 states par- ricultural sector’s current carbon ticipated in the organization’s footprint, a reduction in nutrient grassroots policymaking process. loss from soil, and an increase in During a day-and-a-half long dis- biofuel production efficiency and cussion, they debated, amended, competitiveness. and voted on NFU’s policy book, which will determine the na- Among the first national farm tional office’s official positions organizations to sound the alarm on a variety of issues. Delegates on rising global temperatures, elected Rob Larew to succeed National Farmers Union (NFU) Roger Johnson as the organiza- has consistently pushed for urtion’s president and reelected gent and decisive federal action Patty Edelburg of Scandinavia, to help farmers curb greenhouse Wisconsin, to serve as NFU Vice gas emissions, sequester carbon President. in agricultural soils, and adapt to increasingly frequent and seUSDA ANNOUNCES vere weather events. Though the INNOVATION PLAN organization was encouraged by Responding to mounting envi- the USDA’s efforts to address ronmental challenges confronting the issue of sustainability, it em-
MARCH 2020
phasized the need for swifter and more dramatic action.“The White House and USDA need to treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves,” said then-NFU President Roger Johnson. “We stand ready to work with this administration towards the right public policy and economic incentives to ensure that family farmers and ranchers are a meaningful part of the solution.” TRUMP HINTS AT THIRD ROUND OF TRADE ASSISTANCE Though the Trump administration has promised that China will import $40 billion worth of U.S. farm products this year, his administration officials are indicating that the value may, in fact, be significantly lower. During the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Outlook Forum in February, the agency’s chief economist, Robert Johansson, suggested that fiscal year agricultural exports to China will be closer to $14 billion. Though this would be $26 billion shy of earlier estimates, it would still be a $4 billion increase over last year’s exports. Johannson emphasized that there are still many unknown variables at play, including a global Coronavirus outbreak and competition from other countries.
ent process” in the event that additional trade assistance is administered. PROPOSED RULE UNDERMINES PACKERS & STOCKYARDS ACT A rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would exacerbate the power imbalance between farmers and the livestock, meat, and poultry industries, according to comments submitted by National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew. The rule in question outlines criteria for determining whether a company has shown “undue or unreasonable preferences and advantages” for one farmer over another. An action may be permissible if it can be justified on the basis of either cost savings or meeting the terms or prices offered by competitors, or if it’s a “reasonable business decision that would be customary in the industry.”
Larew expressed concern that the rule would not only fail to provide necessary protections to family farmers and ranchers from abusive and anticompetitive businesss practices, but also could shield corporations from legal challenges to such practices. He urged the administration to “revoke the proposed rule” and National Farmers Union (NFU) instead “develop criteria that are appreciates the administration’s clear and specific and provide ongoing support for farmers af- family farmers and ranchers the fected by trade disputes but has protections they need and debeen critical of its haphazard ap- serve.” proach to development and implementation. In a letter sent to Secretary Perdue, then-President Roger Johnson urged the USDA to follow a “public and transpar15
Since 1915
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