Montana Grass Roots November Edition

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NOVEMBER 2017

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

THE FARM BILL, HEALTHCARE, SOIL HEALTH & VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE AMONG HIGHLIGHTS OF CONVENTION

PAID

GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

In October Montana Farmers Union held its 102nd annual convention in Great Falls at the Best Western Heritage Inn. Attendees enjoyed workshops on the state of rural healthcare, what to expect in the 2018 Farm Bill, a tour of Pasta Montana and presentations by industry experts including Dean Folkvord of Wheat Montana, Mary Tuck of Kalispell Kreamery and Charles Good of MaxAg of Montana. Senator Jon Tester also made remarks at the event’s Friday night reception.

Dean Folkvord shared his journey dating back to the family’s first farm near Helena to the purchase and growth of today’s farm near Three Forks. Dean’s parents were Farmers Union members. He talked about the production of his products and the company’s innovation of incorporating the first sealable flour bag on the market.

Friday afternoon featured workshops on water rights led

by Judge Russ McElyea and a presentation on soil health and precision agriculture by Charles Good, president of MaxAg of Montana. Eric Belasco of Montana State University shared insights on the cattle market.

Friday concluded with a fasinating presentation by National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson. Jim told the story of agriculture dating back decades and how it has changed through the years. He talked about his many trips around the world featuring farmers from many backgrounds. The combination of his imagery and storytelling made for a very memorable presentation.

C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E

IN THIS ISSUE....

PAGE 2 2017 Annual Convention Coverage

PAGE 7 Looking Ahead: Preview of Upcoming Events!

PAGE 11 iHemp Workshop Peaks Producers’ Interest

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ence in our communities in reducing hunger.”

Among the other Saturday morning presenSaturday morning began with a breakfast tations included one by Fabian Menalled on sponsored by Farmers Union Enterprise fea- climate change and Mary Tuck of Kalispell turing this year’s FUE couple Scott and Misty Kreamery. Mary shared her experiences runLeFurgey. ning the Hedstrom dairy and the growth of Kalispell Kreamery. Betsy Miller with the The LeFurgey’s shared their journey in the Montana Department of Agriculture providleadership program and some of what they ed an overview and update of FSMA regulalearned. “Even though it’s a short amount of tions. time we developed friendships that last a lifetime,” said Misty. “No matter what you are At the youth luncheon banquet MFU youth going through there are others going through were recognized for their achievements with the same things you are.” the Torchbearer and Mildred Stoltz Awards.

The recipients of the Torchbearer Award were Saturday’s education featured a panel dis- Lilly Green, Levi Smoot and David Shane. The cussion on the Farm Bill featuring a fantas- winners of the Mildred Stoltz Award were Lotic lineup of panelists including Lorianne gan Farris, Riley Molinario, Miles Zanto, and Burhop of the Montana Food Bank Network, Meredith Sackman. Jim Parker also presentRob Larew of National Farmers Union and ed Dr. Charles Boyer of MSU with a $5,000 Jeff Bangs, a producer from Inverness. The check, proceeds of the Ralph Parker Memopanel was moderated by Rick Haines, Ag Di- rial Tournament. The money raised will go rector of KMON radio. towards scholarships for students enrolled in cooperative learning.

Rob Larew shared his thoughts on the importance of the Farm Bill. “Having that certainty The banquet keynote was Parker Sebens who as you are planning for the next year and fu- shared his story of triumph after overcomture years and knowing what is coming ahead ing a tragic farm accident at the age of three is critically important.” which resulted in the loss of both his arms.

The audience was very moved by his story.

Jeff Bangs talked from producer’s perspective.

“The reason we need a Farm Bill is the ability With the ever changing environment of to provide some certainty to our food sup- healthcare, which was a priority of MFU delply both domestically and internationally. The egates who attended the annual Fly-In in Sepother point that hits home to me is that food tember, a panel on the state of rural healthproduction will continue no matter what, but care provided insight as to the challenges will look a whole lot differently without the rural Montana faces with possible program protections of the Farm Bill every five years. cuts. The panel was moderated by Taylor In our Farm Bill action plan we advocated for Chase of ABC FOX Montana and included: increasing the funding and availability of the Dick Brown, President of the Montana HosCSP program. If you are an enterprising pro- pital Association; Sarah Nordlund, Director ducer that wants to take that step you are able of Nursing for Garfield County Health Systo. It has been great for people who get in it tems and Beth Ann Carter with the Montana and also creates a competitive environment. Rural Healthcare Program. The group shared To me it is an incentive to do things the cor- their concerns about the healthcare landscape rect way.” and fielded question from the audience.

CONVENTION CONTINUED

The nutrition component is one that is often left out of the discussion about the Farm Bill, but is a very important piece of the legislation.

The Farm Bill is largely comprised of funding for nutrition programs including SNAP. Lorianne Burhop talked about the dangers of splitting SNAP from the Farm Bill.” It would be detrimental to remove the nutrition title from the Farm Bill. It is imperative to keep them together as SNAP makes such a differ-

Jamie Edmundson, the Director of the FFA Foundation, presented her workshop Elvis to Bieber which looked at the generational differences in the workplace. She discussed how millennials operate in a professional environment and some of the programs FFA has in training youth on how to transition in to the workplace.

Concluding the convention was the Mem-

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bers’ Banquet. Rob Larew of National Farmers Union and Ben Thomas of the Montana Department of Agriculture provided keynote addresses. The night concluded with the Centennial Farm & Ranch honors recognizing the Shane Farm, a live auction benefiting MFU education programs and the installation of officers. Officers elected include: President, Alan Merrill; Jeff Bangs for District One and Two- At Large; Brett Dailey, District Four; William Downs, District Five; Tom Clark, Conductor and John Wendland, Doorkeeper.

Delegates selected to represent membership at the National Farmers Union Convention were also selected. They are Tom and Joellyn Clark, Scott LeFurgey, Levi Ostberg, and alternate Doug Crabtree.

S PONSORS: A special thank you to our event spon-

sors including Farmers Union Industries, Farmers Union Enter prise, CHS, Farmers Union Insurance, First Interstate Bank, Stockman Bank, Northwest Farm Credit Services, BNSF, Mountain View Co-op, Amer prise, Wendt Advertising , Tintina Resources, RBC Wealth Management, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, 2J’s Fresh Market, Central Montana Radio Network, Malteurop and Montana Electric Cooperative.

Jeff Bangs Bangs Family Farm

Parker Sebens speaks at youth banquet C O V E R A G E C O N T I N U E S O N PA G E 7 & 8

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NOVEMBER 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!

Member

Young Ag Leadership Conference Wrap-up Maggie Shane Page 4

Recruited by

Shane Anderson Jerome & Ruby Hould, Havre Sandra Anderson, Miles City Tayler Kennedy Justin & Arden DeWitt, Wolf Point Del Hansen Bainter & Sons Inc, Plevna Ron Watts Delbert Hofer, Miles City Ron Watts Q Livestock, Terry Ron Watts Carol Jensen, Circle Kaylen Lehner Veronica Anne Stulc, Winifred Tom McKenna Jon & Shelly Harmon, Turner Cindy Schubert Robert Hurley, Ledger Dirk Elings Gerald Maloney, Hysham Melissa Wacker Michael Bakken, Whitefish Rial Gunlikson Daniel & Cheri Marie Carr, Libby Colleen Wood David & Michelle Anderson, Sally Miller Thompson Falls Teri Bell, Columbia Falls Charlie Monroe Allan Allsop Revocable, Bozeman Art Hoffart Lonnie & Lorraine Meyer, Manhattan Art Hoffart Jackie & Shawn Heinert, Clancy MFU Office Michael Phelan & Donna Helms, Andre Marcure St Ignatius Matt & Alexa Bolton, Great Falls MFU Lodge Jake & Marley Leise, Manitowoc, WI MFU Lodge Lori Benjamin, Fort Benton Tom Clark Wayne & Mary Garfield, Circle MFU Office Wendy Palmer, Raynesford MFU Office Bruce Shultz, Raynesford MFU Office Blayne Watts, Miles City MFU Office Cody & LaNae Loch, Great Falls Justin Loch Mark & Kristi Farris, Great Falls MFU Camp Gary Rutkowski, Big Sandy Kristie & Kelly Rutledge Kyler Johnson, Dutton Andrew Bishop Keith & Christina Ballantyne, Fort Benton Tom Clark Wayne and Mary Garfield, Circle Hannah Anderson, Loma MFU Lodge Joni and Miriam Dewey, Fort Benton MFU Lodge

Washington Corner Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union Page 5 Update on My Student/My Neighbor in Need, Dave Snuggs Page 6 2017 Annual Convention Converage Page 7 - 8

Upcoming Events Preview Page 9 Member Profile: the 2017 Centennial Family Page 10 Workshop Examines Growth of iHemp, Justin Loch Page 11 Wildfire Report, Dana Rogge, FSA Page 12

In Memoriam Message from Senator Tester & Senator Daines Page 13

Mrs. Warren(Patricia) Wood, East Helena, MT Drury Phebus, Baker, MT Steve Hutton, Conrad, MT

Leadership Great Falls Program Highlights Agriculture, Lyndsay Bruno Page 14 3

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: Alan Merrill, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Jeff Bangs, District One and Two- At Large Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan William Downs, District 5, Molt Ben Peterson, At-Large director, Judith Gap Kelly Rutledge, District 1, Big Sandy Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director Paul Kanning, Distric 5, Flaxville Jan Tusick, District 6, Polson State Office Staff: Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director Chris Christiaens, Legislative & Project Specialist Justin Loch, Membership Director Dave Snuggs, Facility Director Violet Green, Youth Education & Camp Coordinator Maggie Shane, Continuing Education Coordinator Copyright Š Montana Farmers Union, 2016.

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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YALC CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER YOUNG LEADERS FROM AROUND THE STATE

BY MAGGIE SHANE C O N T I N U I N G E D U C AT I O N

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place in Helena, Montana.

YALC is a conference geared towards developing leaders in agriculture. There are a group of host organizations that come together to find the best workshops, speakers, and tours that will help these young leaders thrive.

These host organizations include Montana Farmers Union, Montana Farm Bureau, MSU College of Ag, MT Wool Growers, MT Grain Growers, MT FFA, MT 4-H, MT Stockgrowers, and AGR Alumni.

We started the conference on Friday by touring three different places around Helena. We visited the Capitol Building where we saw the governor’s office along with other rooms throughout the building. After the Capitol we headed over to Tizer meats where we toured their facilities. Our final stop on the tour was at Lewis and Clark Brewery where we had the owner give us a tour and show us the behind the scenes work at the brewery.

ing and labels on foods that are promoted to be GMO free, hormone free, gluten free, plus more, but those types of food (no matter the brand) really don’t have GMO’s or hormones.

Companies are now labeling foods to get everyday customers to think theirs is healthier and safer than the competitions. Dave Pratt was another great speaker at the conference.

He is a ranch management consultant who talked about “The 3 Secrets to Increasing Profit”. We were lucky enough to have Dave Pratt as not only a speaker, but he also did some workshops. Two of his workshops were “The Most Important Skill In Business That No One Ever Taught You” and “Applying the 3 Secrets To Your Ranch”.

We also had a bunch of other wonderful workshops throughout Saturday. We had people learning about advancements in beef cattle genomics, year-round intensive grazing, ag financing, improving cash flow in drought, leading a GMO conversation, and even more!

Some of the people we had the pleasure of listening to were Brandi Frobose and Dave Pratt.

I really enjoyed listening to Brandi speak on her topic “How to Combat Fear-Based Marketing”. She talked about all the false advertis-

We finished up Sunday having one of the largest Young Ag Leadership Conferences so far. We are looking forward to an even more successful one next year down in Billings!

busy advocating for those same issues in D.C. In August, NFU launched a new initiative to encourage the transition to homegrown, renewable energy. As part of that initiative, the organization is advocating for the Renewable Fuel Standard, E30 and higher blends of B Y RO G E R J O H N S O N ethanol, and advanced biofuels. Additionally, N AT I O N A L F A R M E R S U N I O N NFU has ramped up its 2018 Farm Bill activities, urging lawmakers to provide an adequate Last month, during the Fall Legislative Fly- safety net, address corporate consolidation in In, 350 Farmers Union members traveled to agribusiness, and strengthen the legislation’s the nation’s capital to speak with members conservation title. As the farm bill process of Congress about the most important issues progresses, NFU will continue to advocate they’re facing, including the farm safety net, on behalf of this nation’s family farmers and renewable fuels, and access to health care. ranchers as well as the rural communities in Though they have since departed, NFU is still which they reside.

NFU Provides Administration with Pathway to Expanded Ethanol Use

The weekend of October 13-15, Montana Farmers Union helped host the Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC) that took

Between a persistently weak farm economy and grain surpluses, family farmers and ranchers have had a tough go of it for the past several years. But there is a bright spot among in the agricultural gloom and doom: biofuels.

Biofuels, including ethanol and advanced biofuels, offer myriad benefits. For farmers, they open new markets and cuts into surpluses, thus bolstering incomes and stabilizing prices At the same time, biofuel production brings thousands of new good-paying jobs to rural communities, strengthening local economies and stemming rural flight.

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The advantages extend beyond the communities in which ethanol is produced: wider adoption of biofuels decreases transportation fuel prices for consumers, reduces American dependence on foreign fuel sources, improves air quality, and decreases carbon emissions.

to allow the rule to be finalized on schedule.

Farmer Fair Practices Rules Due to Go Into Effect

The Farmer Fair Practices Rules' (FFPR) "competitive injury" provision is due to go into effect in late October. The rule will eliminate the unreasonable burden that for livestock producers to be able to sue for abusive practices, they must prove that harm was done to the entire industry rather than just to themselves.

In a letter sent earlier this month, NFU joined a coalition of 210 farm, rural, worker, and consumer advocacy groups to urge Congress to address the lack of competition in the food chain.

The FFPR, once known as the Grain Inspectors, Packers, and Stockyards Act (GIPSA) rules, are intended to protect farmers from fraudulent and anti-competitive practices that are all too common The current state of the farm in the highly-concentrated liveeconomy, coupled with biofuels’ stock and poultry sectors. Howevpotential to mitigate the problem, er, for almost a decade, Congress has led National Farmers Union has prevented the rules from beto promote policies that support ing fully implemented through the production and adoption of the appropriations process. biofuels. In October, NFU President Roger Johnson submitted This particular rule, which is a comments to the U.S. Environ- clarification that is required for mental Protection Agency (EPA) family farmers to remain protectoutlining regulatory changes that ed under the Packers and Stockwould promote use of higher yards Act, has been debated thorblends of ethanol. A week prior, oughly for the past seven years NFU joined 10 prominent biofuel - the U.S. Department of Agriculorganization to urge the agency to ture has solicited comments and maintain its commitment to the rewritten it several times, only Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). to have industry groups funded Additionally, Johnson joined the by the meatpacking conglomeradvisory board of New Energy ates stall their progress through America, a new organization cre- backchannel legislative and reguated to promote clean energy jobs latory means. This has occurred in rural America. at the expense of family farmers and ranchers, who have long been These actions are part of NFU’s waiting for the basic protections larger initiative, launched in Sep- the rule will offer. tember, to promote legislative and regulatory solutions for expand- Farm Bill Should Address Coring markets for higher blends of porate Consolidation ethanol and advanced biofuels.

Farmers and ranchers have been dealing with rapid consolidation in the industries that both supply and buy from their operations over the past several decades. It is hard to think of a sector in which this isn’t true - fertilizer, seeds, NFU and the U.S. Cattlemen's agrichemicals, biotechnology, Association released a joint state- farm machinery, slaughter houses, ment emphasizing the importance meatpacking, cane sugar processof FFPR and urging U.S. Secre- ing, food distribution, processed tary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue food, and supermarkets are all

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heavily consolidated, with only a handful of companies controlling the majority of the market.

The farm bill’s conservation title programs provide farmers with technical and financial assistance to implement practices that conserve natural resources, protect wildlife, improve soil, water and air quality, and enhance on-farm sustainability. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more common, these programs are increasingly critical to ensure the future of American agriculture.

This level of consolidation has serious consequences. As the letter notes, “the consolidated economic power in the hands of few agribusiness and food companies captures most of the economic value in the food system, leaving little for farmers, workers and consumers throughout the food chain. These trends play a significant role in the ill health of our rural economy.”

The coalition’s recommendations, which were sent to congressional This manifests itself in several agriculture committees this week, ways. For one, input producers are call for a farm bill that ensures able to increase the cost farmers farmers and ranchers can both must pay, while meatpackers and increase the productivity and sussupermarkets lower prices paid to tainability of their operations and farmers and ranchers, cutting al- have access to a variety of tools ready slim profit margins. At the they can choose from to conserve, same time, consumer prices con- manage, and enhance shared tinue to rise. This can wreak hav- natural resources. Among the oc on rural communities, as small specific requests were adequate and mid-size farms are priced out funding, increased flexibility, imof the market. Consolidation re- proved conservation benefits, moves money and power from lo- and strengthened accountability cal communities, leading to rural of program outcomes. The letter depopulation and depletion of also included specific asks for inessential services and infrastruc- dividual programs, including the ture. Additionally, monopolies Conservation Reserve Program and oligopolies have little motiva- (CRP), the Environmental Qualtion to compete or innovate, leav- ity Incentives Program (EQIP), ing farmers and consumers with and the Regional Conservation fewer and worse choices.

Partnership Program (RCPP).

NFU and the rural coalition are urging Congress to include commonsense protections to level the playing field for farmers, workers, and consumers by prioritizing antitrust enforcement, anticompetitive behavior and market transparency.

Conservation Coalition Makes Farm Bill Recommendations NFU joined a coalition of 20 farm, food, wildlife, and environmental organizations in establishing principles and recommendations to strengthen the 2018 Farm Bill’s conservation title.

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Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner.

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MY STUDENT IN NEED CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

B Y DAV E S N U G G S

On Wednesday, August 30. “Today is the first day of school and it is no coincidence that today begins our 5th year of service,” said Dave Snuggs, Founder of My Neighbor in Need.

“Once again, thanks to the community’s kindness, we are ready to answer the call for help.”

At the start of the 2017/2018 school year, My Student in Need is now available in 161 schools in 29 cities. “It is hard to imagine that what started out as an idea written on a dinner napkin in 2013 is now available to help thousands of students in need throughout Montana,” Snuggs said.

At the end of the 2015/2016 school year, My Student in Need had completed a total of 2,138 need fulfillments.

The website and system is the creation of Great Falls resident and Montana Farmers Union, Facilities Director, Dave Snuggs, and through a partnership with numerous school districts throughout Montana, allows for selected School Teacher/Administrators to submit a request for help with a specific need, such as school supplies, clothing, lunch money, etc. for their Students in Need. Need requests are posted live on the website where anyone in the world can review them and of-

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was easy…. Saint Vincent De Paul.” fer help to fulfill the request in an anonymous setting. The only information provided to the The strategic alliance will allow both organistaff at My Student in Need by the School Adzations to continue to operate independently, ministrator is the age, gender, grade, school each focused on their own specific mission and the details of the need request. and goals, however Saint Vincent De Paul will help to fulfill need requests submitted diOnce the need request has been received by rectly by My Neighbor in Need. the staff at My Student in Need, the request is posted live on the website where anyone in Effective October 9, when My Neighbor in the world can offer to help fulfill that need. Need has a verified and approved need reThe donor and the Student in Need – never quest for a bed, couch or other piece of furmeet. niture or equipment, they will immediately call Saint Vincent De Paul and if that item Montana Farmers Union has been a proud is available, the neighbor in need will receive sponsor of My Student in Need and My a voucher for that specific item. The item Neighbor in Need from the very beginning will be held for that person at Saint Vincent and their support has allowed the projects to De Paul. “The neighbor in need could litergrow throughout Montana. ally leave our office with a voucher for a bed, drive to Saint Vincent De Paul and pick-up The original My Student in Need and My their bed and be off the cold floor that same Neighbor in Need systems were developed day, Snuggs said. “By eliminating the hours,

by Tom Penwell of Tom’s Web Designs in we would spend each day driving, we now can 2012. 406 Marketing and Design, designed spend that time vetting more need requests and manages both www.myneighborineed.org and together, we (My Neighbor in Need and and www.mystudentinneed.org websites and Saint Vincent De Paul) can Help More People current systems. www.mystudentinneed.org – Faster!” is available for free to any school wishing to help their Students.

If at any time the needed item is not available at Saint Vincent De Paul, or if it is a financial need request such as assistance with purchasing a bus pass, car repair, fuel-only MY NEIGHBOR IN NEED AND gift card, etc., then the need request would be posted on www.myneighborinneed.org in SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL hopes that an anonymous donor would conFORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE tact My Neighbor in Need and offer to help B Y DAV E S N U G G S fulfill that need.

The website.myneighborineed.org is a revolutionary and proprietary website that provides local citizens a way to ask for help from their community and a way for the community to give back has formed a strategic alliance with Saint Vincent De Paul, Great Falls.

My Neighbor in Need, My Student in Need, the Community Coat Closet and the Free Pet Food Pantry will continue to operate inside Times Square; however with the launch of the new strategic alliance, the thrift store will be closed. “Having Saint Vincent De Paul help us to fulfill non-financial needs means Created by Great Falls resident, Dave Snuggs, we can eliminate the costs associated with and launched on March 20, 2012, My Neigh- operating a thrift store and use that money to bor in Need has completed over 9,900 need Help More People – Faster.” fulfillments. “Although we are very close to completing 10,000 need fulfillments, the My Neighbor in Need is located inside Times requests for help show no signs of slowing Square at 525 Central Ave #M5A Great Falls, down,” Snuggs said. “When someone is in MT 59401. Saint Vincent De Paul is locatneed, time is critical. We needed to create a ed at 426 Central Ave West, Great Falls, MT new system that would Help More People, 59404. Both organizations are 501c3, tax exFaster so we asked ourselves what other so- empt, non-profit organizations. cial service organization best mirrors our mission and beliefs while having the capacity to Help More People – Faster. The answer 6

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NOVEMBER 2017

Youth Awards: front row left to right: Meredith Sackman, Riley Molinaro, Miles Zanto and Logan Farris Back row: Levi Smoot, David Shane and Lilly Green

Dr. Charles Boyer of Montana State University makes remarks after the acceptance of a $5,000 check that will go towards cholarship funds for students enrolled in cooperative education classes at Montana State UniversityBozeman.

The scholarship money was generated from The Ralph Parker Memorial Golf Tournament held this summer in Fairfield.

Officers elected: left to right: John Wendland, Brett Dailey,Tom Clark, Alan Merrill, Jeff Bangs and William Downs.

Members visit with National Geographic Photographer and Friday night keynote speaker Jim Richardson( 3rd from the left)

Tammy Good and Kristie Rutledge 7

Farmers Unoin Enterprise Leadership Couple Scott and Misty LeFurgey address attendees

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NOVEMBER 2017

HAPPY FACES ALL AROUND!!

SYAC -

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Montana Farmers Union Sponsors V O L U M E 2 7

NOVEMBER 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS

C ON F E RENCE

Women’s

HAVRE BEST WESTERN PLUS FEBRUARY 9–10, 2018

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS FEBRUARY 23-25, 2018

(REGISTRATION OPENS IN DECEMBER)

(REGISTRATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER)

CONFERENCE

For more details on both events and to register visit: montanafarmersunion.com

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NOVEMBER 2017

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 CENTENNIAL FARM - THE SHANES!

B Y D A V I D E . , S H I R L E Y, M A R C , M A G G I E , A N D ANNIE SHANE

of land where the original home once stood, in October that same year. The boys worked On July 8, 2017 the Shane Farm celebrated alongside their parents until 1935 when Lester their centennial out on the farm with many and Lucy retired from the farm. Harold and friends and family, including members from Hubert took over after their parents moved the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generations. into Great Falls and the two sons bought the farm in 1947. Lester and Lucy passed away Lester Shane was born December 6, 1879 and simultaneously in August of 1956 in Great Lucy Aitchison was born February 6, 1881. Falls.

They were married in Spear, Illinois on December 23, 1902. Their two sons, Harold and Hubert took over the original farm from his Hubert, were born in Speer, Illinois on De- parents, while Harold farmed just north of cember 4, 1903 and June 23, 1913 respectively. his brother on property he had been leasing Lester and Lucy Shane moved from Illinois to for several years prior to his parents retirMontana with their two boys Harold and Hu- ing. Harold married Helen Bell in 1926 and bert on February 6, 1917. Lucy purchased the started a family, raising two daughters, Gail first piece of land west of Portage in March and Sharlee, and one son, David. In 1931 Harof 1917 and Lester bought the second piece old’s family moved further north and in 1935

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bought the current home of David and Shirley Shane. Over the years Harold and Hubert purchased more pieces of land that are all currently parts of Shane Farm.

David married his wife Shirley Stillman of Choteau, Montana on June 10, 1956. They had three daughters, Tara, Darci, and Karel, and one son, Marc, that all grew up on the Harold Shane farm. David took over the farm in 1962 after his father passed away. Hubert continued on the properties he owned until the early 1970’s when he retired and David purchased his land. David and his son Marc worked together on the farm until David retired in 1993 and Marc took over.

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CENTENNIAL CONTINUED

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Torchbearer Award.

of fertility, and selection of the proper hemp variety. Hemp has very little pest and disease Montana Farmers Union wants to congratulate the problems. For the most part is a very hearty Shane family on reaching this milestone and and crop. Harvesting is done by straight cutting appreciate the opportunity to share it with them! it with a combine. It is done while the plant is still green to minimize stem fiber wrapping.

Hemp grain should be allowed to dry and aerate in a bin immediately off of the combine.

WORKSHOP ON IHEMP Left over stubble can either be cut and baled PROVIDES VALUABLE or simply cleaned up with a disc into the soil INFORMATION FOR for next year’s crop.

Harold and David were both very conservation oriented. Harold was on the original committee for the Soil and Water Conservation District in Cascade County and his son David continued in his footsteps. Over the years they started to use many conservation focused practices including grass waterways and adding over 30 miles of Caragana windbreaks.

Practices like this earned them the Outstanding Cooperators Award from the Conserva- PRODUCERS tion District in both 1965 and 1997. David was a very innovative farmer with advanced B Y J U S T I N L O C H crop rotations including mustard for 29 years. M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C T O R He started to practice no till and minimum till farming in the late 1970’s and his son still con- On October 12, MFU hosted a meeting for its tinues this practice today. members and the public on industrial hemp.

The meeting was held in Power, MT and drew Marc purchased his first piece of land in 1982 a nice crowd of about 50 people. south of the original farm where Hubert had lived. In 1993, he married Rachel Pachek and We have been getting several calls from prothey had three children, Maggie, Annie, and ducers wanting information on this crop David. Marc continues operating the land his which is new to Montana. Due to the demand family has accumulated over the years, includ- for information we brought in Jeff Kostuik ing a piece of property his sister bought in of Hemp Genetics International out of Sas2003, with the help of his father and children. katchewan, Ian Foley with the Montana DeMarc has also joined the Conservation Dis- partment of Agriculture and producers Colby trict like his father and grandfather, continu- Johnson of Conrad and Andrew Long with ing in their conservation practices.

The Oil Barn in Big Sandy.

Harold and Helen were very active in Montana Farmers Union. Helen was a big advocate for the Farmers Union Education Program. Harold was on the Board of Directors for the Farmers Union Oil Company of Great Falls and Farmers Union Elevator of Portage.

David grew up being very involved in Farmers Union too. He attended the Fort Assiniboine Camp in Havre, Montana, went to AllStates in Colorado, traveled to New York for the Encampment of Citizenship, and received his Torchbearer Award. He also followed in his father’s footsteps in both the Farmers Union Oil Company of Great Falls and Farmers Union Elevator of Portage Board of Directors. David’s children were very active in Farmers Union as well. They grew up going to the summer camps at Arrowpeak Lodge, working as summer staff, and also attending All-States.

Marc’s three children have also stayed very involved by attending the summer camp since an early age, working as summer staff, traveling to All-States, attending many State and National Farmers Union Conventions and Conferences, and all three have received their

This past year Montana was approved to allow producers to grow industrial hemp. Producers must apply for a license with the State of Montana. Then producers are allowed to order seed through the Department of Ag which was provided to the state by Hemp Genetics International. This year 18 producers applied for licenses of which 14 of those producers actually acquired hemp seed for production.

Jeff Kostuik of HGI presented on all aspects of crop. Currently HGI offers three different varieties of hemp. Hemp grows best on clean, fertile, medium textured soil that is free of herbicide residues. Seeding of hemp is done .5 to 1 inch below the surface in to moist soil. Hemp is frost tolerant for the most part. Average seeding dates range from late May to mid June. Germination takes place in 2-4 days with emergence in 4-7 days. Seeding rates are 25-30lbs an acre with an estimated cost of $50-$60 an acre. Hemp responds very well to fertilizer and producers should use rates similar to growing canola. Weeds are best controlled through adequate field selection, pre-seeding burn-off, adequate rates

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Ian Foley from the Dept. of Ag presented on the licensing process for producers and the regulations a producer must follow. Currently seed has to be ordered through the department. Applications for the upcoming year will be available soon through the Department of Ag. As this crop becomes more familiar to the state of Montana producers can expect to see the regulations relax a little bit in the future.

For more information on licensing, regulations, and acquiring seed, please contact Ian Foley at the Montana Dept. of Ag. Colby Johnson and Andrew Long are both producers who recently finished up their first year working with the crop. While the crop is relatively new, Colby Johnson of Conrad found it interesting to work with and not overly hard to deal with across all aspects. He showed the crowd a video he made of him actually harvesting it with his combine. He thinks this crop will start to become more popular down the road and has hopes of potentially putting in an oil seed press to extract hemp seed oil and market it. Andrew Long with The Oil Barn in Big Sandy experimented with the crop to see how they could incorporate it into their current business of pressing safflower oil.

They recently harvested their first crop and are experimenting with it. Time will tell how it will work into their current business.

This workshop was organized with the goal of answering producers’ questions on the potential of this crop.

MFU plans on setting up more meetings throughout the state in regards to this iHemp.

We hope it will attract producers to learn and ask questions about iHemp and its growth in Montana.

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NOVEMBER 2017

A MILLION ACRES SCORCHED BY MONTANA WILDFIRES B Y DA N A RO G G E , F S A P U B L I C A F FA I R S S P E C I A L I S T

Dry conditions plagued Montana this summer, with multiple wildfires torching over 1 million acres throughout the state. The largest fire, the Lodgepole Complex fire, impacted over 270,000 acres. Recent rain and snow, and the forecast for continued precipitation, help to suppress the fires and provide welcome relief for Montana residents.

ducers recover from eligible losses, such as the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Tree Assistance Program. The programs can assist farmers and ranchers who lost livestock, grazing land, fences or eligible trees, bushes and vines as a result of the qualifying natural disaster.

56 counties have been declared either primary or contiguous disaster areas.

“The short term impact is FSA can do a lot of good for producers. Producers can get some relief, fix fences and get feed purchased,” Garcia said.

Garcia said hay donations came into the state Fires aren’t too uncommon in Montana, but from other areas to help out ranchers in this year’s fire season has been different. In addition, the FSA Emergency Conservation need. Additionally, FSA employees from othSpring brought plenty of moisture from an Program provides funding and technical assis- er states, including Missouri and Oklahoma, abundant snow-pack and provided adequate tance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate have spent time helping Montana producers moisture for grass growth. The moisture farmland damaged by natural disasters. Low- enroll in FSA disaster programs. quickly depleted leaving most of the state in interest emergency loans are available to help drought condition. producers recover from production and phys- “It is proof that the agriculture community ical losses. Compensation is also available to is one big small town where you have a lot of “Ranchers saw this as great grass and feed. producers who purchased coverage through folks that have camaraderie,” he said.

Firefighters saw it as fuel,” said Dennis Gar- the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance cia, Farm Service Agency (FSA) county ex- Program, which protects non-insurable crops Detailed information on all of these disaster ecutive director for Glacier County, Montana. (including native grass for grazing) against assistance programs can be found online at: Garcia was activated to serve in the National natural disasters that result in lower yields, www.fsa.usda.gov/disaster. Or at the USDA Guard during the wildfire suppression efforts crop losses or prevented planting.

Disaster Resource Center. near Lolo, Montana.

As a result of the ongoing drought condiFSA provides assistance to farmers and tions, all Montana counties were approved for ranchers who have been impacted by natural emergency haying and grazing of Conservadisasters, including wildfires, by administering tion Reserve Program (CRP) acres. Due to a suite of safety-net programs to help pro- drought and fire conditions, 53 of the state’s

Fires blaze from the Blacktail Fire, located in the Blacktail Creek area, east of Loco Mountain in the Crazy Mountains, in Montana.The Blacktail Fire engulfed a little over 5,000 acres, with over 1 million acres impacted across Montana through various wildfires.

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The Lolo Peak Fire, southwest of Lolo, Montana, has impacted over 53,000 acres.

The National Guard was activated to help with evacuation efforts near the wildfire.

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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES

NOVEMBER 2017

has one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the nation. Programs like Bridges to Opportunity give tools to Montana veterans so they are equipped to pursue a career in agriculture. Last year I secured a commitment from USDA that they would expand the Bridges to Opportunity program nationwide, and I am pleased to share that it has been, including in Montana.

drought, it is critically important to have access to the information and tools you need to maintain profitability when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

I am working hard to ensure Montana farmers and ranchers have every opportunity to succeed. Negotiations are underway to write the next Farm Bill before its expiration in September 2018 and as Montana’s only representative on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I encourage you to contact me with your priorities and any feedback that you may have regarding that critical piece of legislation.

We have seen it before, when we invest in agriculture research, we see returns that boost family farms and help create jobs in rural communities.

A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER Secretary Sonny Perdue has done a great job as our United States Secretary of Agriculture.

It was great to have him in Montana earlier this year at the Montana Ag Summit 2017 and I am confident that he took what he learned from Montana’s farmers and ranchers back with him to Washington, D.C. Secretary Perdue is a leader, but to be a leader, he also needs a full team. That’s why it’s so important that we staff up the USDA as soon as possible. I’m happy to share that the U.S. Senate recently confirmed Stephen Censky as Deputy Secretary for USDA and Ted McKinney as the first Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and both have recently been sworn into office. Having these positions filled is critical as we continue to push Montana’s number one economic driver forward, but we need more. The U.S. Senate is responsible for considering and confirming Presidential nominations for key administration positions and I am working hard to get qualified nominations through the Committee vetting process and to the floor for a confirmation vote as quickly as possible. Having a fully staffed USDA is critically important as we continue to push for more opportunities for Montana agriculture.

Agriculture is a rich part of our Montana heritage – as is military service. Our great state

That is why I am using my position on the Appropriations Committee to defend Montana farmers from irresponsible budget cuts to critical agriculture research initiatives.

Unfortunately, the Administration proposed damaging agriculture cuts to research that unfairly target rural communities and family farmers.

In the president’s proposed budget, USDA aims to cut millions of dollars in public agriculture research—including the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative.

Over the past decade, changes in our climate and the introduction of non-traditional crops are causing wheat and barley scab, sawflies, and other pests to spread. As you know, these diseases can have catastrophic impacts to Montana producers.

Important research projects like the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative provides producers with access to the resources needed to fend off damaging diseases. That is why I will keep fighting to protect family farmers and ranchers and our access to critical research.

As I have said for years, budgets reflect priorities, and it is time for this administration to understand that if family farms and ranchers are going to remain financially sustainable, we need to keep responsibly investing in our world-class agriculture research.

It was great to see so many friends at the Montana Farmers Union Convention last month in Great Falls.

During my day at the convention, I spoke with many folks about a number of topics from the Farm Bill to market consolidation, but one issue that I heard from folks is very timely: agriculture research.

As all farmers know, in the midst of a long

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LEADERSHIP GREAT FALLS FOCUSES ON AGRICULTURE

BY LYNDSAY BRUNO COMMUNIATIONS DIRECTOR This year I am pleased to be a part of the 2017-2018 Leadership Great Falls Class. LGF is a program designed to identify, educate and motivate potential leaders for the betterment of Great Falls. Since it began in 1978 nearly 1,500 leaders have graduated from the program. The LGF class is a combination of leaders from various industries. Participants attend ten leadership days from October to May where they learn about industries including banking/finance, healthcare, agriculture, retail business, government and many others.

The class also chooses a community service project to benefit a local nonprofit.

NOVEMBER 2017

the Amazon Campus. The Great Falls facility is a hard shelled facility that employees 26 people in the area. A USDA officer is on-site during processing. The operation includes a robotic arm which sorts the eggs that are then washed, examined by infrared cameras for any imperfections and ultimately hand inspected for quality.

A tour of Malteurop completed the day. The tour of this facility was quite impressive.

Malteurop is the largest malting plant in the state. The company has contracts with over 100 producers and many brewers across the state. The tour guides explained the three step process of making malt which includes steeping, germinating and drying. The steeping starts with raw barley that has been sorted and cleaned then transferred to tanks and covered with water. Next the germination process breaks down the protein and carbohydrates opening up the seeds’ starch reserves.

This year’s class has chosen the Grace Home This process is temperature controlled and as their partner organization. The Grace maintained by turners that keep the bed from Home is located in Great Falls and provides compacting. transitional housing for homeless veterans.

The LGF project will be to help the Grace Next the germination is completed by a drying Home create an on-site wood working shop process. It’s during the drying phase that the for the men to use, whereby community kernel will continue to grow. Specialty malts members with experience in woodworking are dried at higher temperatures for longer will have the opportunity to mentor the men. periods of time. Also, varying the moisture LGF will be responsible for raising funds and level, time and temperature also develops the marketing the project. The class project will flavor and color. I would highly recommend be completed by graduation in May. you take tour, it is quite fascinating! On behalf of the Leadership Great Falls I would October’s leadership day concentrated on like to thank Fairhaven Colony, Wilcox Farms agriculture. The day included various speak- and Malteurop for having us! ers from local Ag groups and a tour of the Fairhaven Hutterite Colony, the new egg processing facility, Wilcox Eggs and Malterup.

Wilcox Eggs, which opened this fall, is a cooperative of 35 Hutterite colonies including the Fairhaven Colony near Ulm. To meet the increased demand for eggs, the colony is building a much larger facility. The colony will then sell the eggs to Wilcox Montana Egg LLC. The colony provided a tour of the building and also of their dairy operation.

The next stop on the tour was to the new egg sorting facility located on 38th street in Great Falls. The facility was constructed for Montana Egg, a cooperative of 35 Hutterite colonies. The company is owned by Wilcox Farms located in Washington. The plant manager said the top three clients of Wilcox Farms are Costco, the Google Campus and Leadership Great Falls Class Tours Montana Egg Processing facility 14

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 CONVENTION VENDORS: Bruce Auchly, Beekeeper, Great Falls Catholic Rural Life, St Paul MN Deliberately Zoe, Big Sandy Electric City FFA, Great Falls Lakeside Decoys, Helena Magnolia & Vine, Floweree Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, Ronan MT Cooperative Development Center, Great Falls MT Department of Agriculture, Helena MT Department of Labor & Industry, Helena MT Land Reliance, Helena MT Organic Association, Havre MT State Grain Lab, Great Falls NCAT, Butte Pathwise Partners, Cascade USDA/NASS/MT FO, Helena West Coast Companies, Great Falls

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NOVEMBER 2017

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION SPONSORS!

AMERIPRISE

BANGS FAMILY FARM

MT DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

2J’S

MALTEUROP

MONTANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

FARMERS UNION ENTERPRISE MT AG SAFETY MT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION FIRST INTERSTATE BANK FFA FOUNDATION

MT FOOD BANK NETWORK 15

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