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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 O N B Y M O N TA N A F A R M E R S U N I O N
MFU TO HOLD WORKSHOP ON IHEMP IN BOZEMAN Montana Farmers Union is pleased to offer a workshop on Industrial Hemp in April in Bozeman.
What: Industrial Hemp Workshop Hosted by MFU; Free and open to the public When: April 12 @ 6:30 pm Where: Hilton Garden Inn: Bozeman, MT 2018 Women’s Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs; Photo credit: She She Photography
WOMEN’S EVENT FOCUSES ON PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
with various perspectives, backgrounds and talents. Each workshop and presentation weaved together the theme of exploring the possibility of change, whether it be personal or professional. The event kicked off with speaker and B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R author Rebecca Undem. Rebecca shared her story of leaving her To pivot is defined as to turn on job in banking to move back to or around a central point. Wom- the family farm to help run the en who attended the 2018 MFU family business. Rebecca’s mantra Women’s Conference at Fairmont is to be bold and think BIG. Her Hot Springs delved into the term presentation, “Living B.I.G in pivot and the bigger picture of the Life You’re In”, made a perwhat a pivot for change might fect transition for7the next day’s PAGE PAGE 5 & 6 mean for them. To help explore events which incorporated goal Sneak Peek of the MFU Sponsors Solar this theme the conference featured setting2017 activities with a strong Producers Tour & Ag Technology speakers from all walks of life focus onConference networking and sharing
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
IN THIS ISSUE....
Seminar
challenges and triumphs. Saturday morning began with a focus on the leadership roles of the women of Montana Farmers Union with Cindy Palmer. Cindy and her husband Walter are this year’s Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership couple. Cindy shared a bit about her background in agriculture when she and Walter purchased a farm on the High-Line. The farm had changed hands several times. Cindy tells the story that shortly after purchasing the farm she overheard someone in the local grocery store talking about how PAGE 8 they 2017 couldn’t believe the farm was Arrowpeak sold yetCamp again and implied that the theme new owners would go broke. revealed! C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
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WOMEN’S CONTINUED
“I got in my car and strangely that was the motivation that carried me for ten years, the confidence everyone had that I would fail,” said Cindy. “What the people in the grocery store did not know is that we didn’t buy a failed wheat farm, we bought a potato farm. My point is find motivation wherever you can.”
change or enhance and focus on the steps necessary to meet their goal. “Find a space that makes you uncomfortable and work from there. It is then that you will see real results and personal growth,” said Colleen. At the conclusion of Rebecca’s workshop a panel of attendees shared their goals to the group. “One of things I keep hearing this weekend is finding that authentic place that we can disThe day continued with a presentation by Kar- cover,” said panelist Audra Bergman. oline Rose of KRose Company who shared tips on social media marketing She also urged To wrap up the conference CrisMarie Campattendees to be a part of their communities bell and partner Susan Clark of thrive! Coachas she shared her inspirational story of over- ing and Consulting discussed ways to use concoming a major health setback. flict in a healthy and productive way. They executed a workshop based on their book: The A hands-on workshop led by strategist Col- Beauty of Conflict: Harnessing Your Teams Comleen Rudio of Cascadia Business Develop- petitive Advantage as an illustration of how to ment shifted the conference to an afternoon thrive in conflict. Each attendee went home of goal setting. Colleen encouraged the wom- with a copy of the book. en to pick an area of their life they want to
Photo credit: She She Photography 2
Feedback of the event was very positive. This is Jennifer Birkland’s second year attending the event. Jennifer said the highlight for her was hearing Rebecca Undem speak. “I liked her honesty,” said Jennifer. “She really spoke to everyone in the room. Often times as women we have an idea but don’t get the opportunity to put it on paper. This is a great way to do that.” For Chester resident Charlette Kelly the conference experience was a very positive one. “This is my first time to the conference and it has certainly given me a lot to think about.” Stay tuned for information on the 2019 MFU Women’s Conference. A big thank you to all the speakers, special guests and women of Farmers Union for making this event such a success!
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
Roselle Crawford, Baker Watters Farm Inc., Broadus Daniel & Kendra Hartman, Broadus Vision Enterprises LLC, Miles City B & H Ranch Co Inc., Buffalo Austin McCleary, Hardin Samuel Watkins, Roundup Richard & Adele Padgett, Stanford Bret Smelser, Sidney Josh & Lauren Klucewich, Huson Colby Johnson, Conrad Alisha & David Hadfield, Jefferson City Hayley Frydenlund, Shelby Chelsea Thompson, Bozeman Emily Durkee, Bozeman Sara Bragg, Rudyard Kelly Johnson, Montana City Melissa & Cole Peebles, Valier Erin & Alton Helm, Missoula Kathy & Mark Juedeman, Helena Amy Benjamin, Bozeman Kelly Anne Terry, Lewistown
IN THIS ISSUE Things are Looking Up for Montana Agriculture, Justin Loch Page 4
Recruited by Tayler Kennedy Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Tom McKenna Melissa Wacker Judd Long Eric Hinebauch Cathy Hintz Andre Marcure MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office
Message from the President, Alan Merrill; My Neighbor in Need Celebrates 6 Year Anniversary, Dave Snuggs Page 5 MSU Releases Green Pea Variety, MSU News Service Page 6 MFU Travels to Kansas City, for the National Farmers Union Convention Page 7&8 Preview of Workshops on Industrial Hemp & The Climate Assessment Seminar in Lewistown Page 9
IN MEMORIAM
Livestock producers find Relief through LIP program, Chris Christiaens Page 10
Philip Ferda Highwood
Messages from the Montana Delegation Page 11 Omnibus Bill Promises Stability for the FARM Act; MFU Supports USCA in Truth in Labeling Petition Page 12 Washington Corner, Roger Johnson Page 14 & 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: Alan Merrill, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Bill Courtnage, At-Large director, Geraldine 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, Ronan 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 Assistant Maggie Shane, Continuing Education Coordinator Copyright © 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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a state many producers have pushed through and found success in crops outside of traditional wheat and barley. Many producers have moved into trying pulse crops and as a result Montana has become the leader in pulse production across the nation. More markets and processing facilities are developing to meet this new demand and success of pulse crops. This is exciting for producers in Montana. While pulses may not fit every producer, it’s giving producers another avenue to try and keep the farm moving in a positive direction. In the last year the State of Montana legalized the growing of Industrial Hemp. While this crop is new and markets are still developing, producers are able to trial this new crop and see if it fits their operation. While things at times may seem down in the farming world we have to take a second and look at the positive things going on for Montana producers. In a tough profession our producers are pushBY JUSTIN LOCH ing on and thinking outside the box to stay M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R in the game of farming. For most, it’s payIt’s no mystery that this appears to be one of ing off. We need to hold our heads high and the longest and most brutal winters we have keep this forward thinking as we look to the had on record. With that being said, it’s easy future. Remember for everything we think is to get in a rut and not have a positive attitude. going wrong in production ag, we are develThings can seem way worse as winter drags on oping ag in Montana and finding successes. with no real end in sight. Just when we get a Another Farm Bill is coming and it’s a chance glimmer of hope that winter might finally be to hopefully help producers out and improve over, boom another round of snow hits and upon our last Farm Bill. Farmers and ranchwe fall back into the strong grasp of winter. ers work hard and battle many things that are As hard as it might be, I encourage you all out of their control ultimately. They deserve to find some positive in our long winter. In to have adequate safety nets in place to help most situations, there can be positive if we them through and keep them farming another look hard and long enough. day. Please use your voice and get involved so that we can all come together and get a Farm Last summer, Montana had one of the worst Bill put together that will work to keep profire and drought seasons that any of us have ducers going and families fed. seen. During that time many of us were thinking, “Boy, we sure could use some moisture On the livestock side of agriculture we have about now!” Well, we didn’t get it right away, been dealing with the issue of ELD’s. This, but fast forward four or five months and win- if not handled correctly can have many bad ter was here to answer our call for moisture. It outcomes including higher freight costs, unhit with a force. Where we were once too dry, loading livestock at stops due to having to laywe now have plenty of moisture. We can’t al- off until required rest time is met, increased ways have the best of both worlds. While we livestock stress, and plenty of other issues. may be down because of the long winter and On the bright side, the government had seen endless amounts of snow, we have reason to this mandate needs some work and had has feel better about the spring due to increased extended the waiver another 90 days. This moisture. Our pastures should be greener, shows there is hope for producers and the reservoirs and ponds full, fall/winter planted DOT to come together and hopefully solve crops should thrive and our once fire ravaged the ELD dilemma. We just have to have paareas rejuvenated due to our long winter. tience and keep a bright outlook on this issue.
LET’S LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF MT AGRICULTURE
Fair and sustainable commodity prices are al- Most of you know that my job is memberways a battle for farmers and their success. As ship for MFU. My goal and purpose is to 4
increase membership of the organization, educate members, get members involved, and promote the brand of MFU. With that being said, MFU recently attended the national convention in Kansas City, Missouri. At this convention MFU had the distinct honor and was recognized as being one of ten states that increased their membership over the past year. This was an effort by everyone involved in the organization from members, staff, board members and Farmers Union Insurance agents. We should all feel good as members and supporters of MFU that our organization continues to grow. We have many opportunities for members and their communities to be involved in MFU. Please feel free to contact myself or our office if you have ideas, concerns, or comments on how we can engage our membership. Each member is valuable to us and we want to see them get the most out of their membership. Member involvement is key to the strength our organization. In closing, I just wanted to try and cast a positive light on some of the good things that are going right in agriculture. It’s easy to find the negative, but there is plenty of positive too. So please try and see the glass is truly half full if we look hard enough! Spring will truly be here soon enough and it will hopefully grow some positivity in all of us.
Betty & Lyle Schwarzrock visit with MFU Board Member Sig Rudie at the Farm Expo in Plentywood
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT....
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of 199a was an attempt to level the playing field for cooperative businesses. NFU believes to repeal parts of this important tax break would be to strike at the single most important benefit family farmers received from the tax reform. At this time, a decision to alter 199a is still in the making. Stay tuned for further results.
Electronic Logging Device The Electronic Login Device (ELD) is another area of importance to the transportation industry, especially livestock. At this point in time the enforcing of the law has been put on hold for 90 days. This is to work out the problems livestock haulers would have with certain constraints of hauling livestock. The concern to take care of the livestock is of utmost importance. Education of the use of ELD’s and the adequate education of the law enforcement agents is critical in order for this to work. Hopefully after the 90 days are over The 2018 National Farmers Union Conven- the compliance of the ELD will be much eastion concluded in Kansas City Missouri with ier to understand. an upbeat message. Farmers and ranchers felt an uptake in the markets and hopefully some Farm Bill agreement on NAFTA will be a bright light in the coming year. A popular topic of dis- The new farm bill which is supposed to be cussion was the tax law changes which would coming soon according to sources in Washinclude the sec.199a. NFU’s position on sec. ington DC is still going through the process 199:corporations just received one of the of eliminating some programs of great imlargest tax break in their history, the addition portance. SNAP is at the forefront of split-
MY NEIGHBOR IN NEED CELEBRATES SIX-YEAR ANNIVERSARY B Y DAV E S N U G G S
The website myneighborineed.org is a revolutionary and proprietary website system that provides local citizens a way to ask for help from their community. The site is celebrating their six year anniversary. I created My Neighbor In Need and launched the program on March 20, 2012. To date My Neighbor in Need has completed almost 11,000 need fulfillments. Today we once again celebrate the power of kindness and generosity and we remind people that if you give today, we can help today. What started out as the simple idea of anonymous giving has grown into a movement encompassing other social services needed by members of the community including www.mystudentinneed.org and the free Pet Food Pantry. In six years My Neighbor
In Need has received 13,000 requests for help and has fulfilled 84% of those requests. I originally hoped that we would be able to fulfill about 200 needs per year. I never thought that we would fulfill 1,800 needs each year! On average, we fulfill about eight needs each day. Although the website has been instrumental in connecting those in need with those willing to help, without the community supporting the mission of My Neighbor in Need, we would simply just be a website. I want to thank our sponsors, community partners, board members, volunteers and all the caring individuals and organizations who every day wake up and make the choice to help a neighbor in need. I would like to send out a “You Rock Award” to our presenting partner Montana Farmers Union for six years of generous support. In addition, I want to thank the Great Falls Tribune, who each week prints our column and by doing so connect those in need with those willing to help. Myneighborinneed. 5
ting off from the rest of the Farm Bill. Farmers Union is and will try to discourage any attempt to have two different entities such as a stand-alone Farm Bill and SNAP. They go hand and hand and need to stay together. Crop insurance is also a key component of the Farm Bill. It helps agriculture in tough times. It does not make money for a farmer, but it keeps the farm going for another year. As the way crop insurance stands now it is crucial for a farm or ranch to survive difficult times. I suspect with the rough winter Montana has had the Livestock Indemnity Program should be used by the ranchers that have signed up for it. One would receive 70-75% of the current value of the livestock loss. Call the MFU state office for input because we are in contact with the NFU DC office weekly about issues of the upcoming Farm Bill. Finally, we have had a rough winter this year with the county roads being plugged with drifts and very cold weather and wind. This winter at least in the Big Sandy Area reminds me of the winter of 78’ and 79’ when the flooding was beyond belief. We never got into the field that year for spring seeding until the end of May and into June. This year could also be an interesting spring.
org, developed by Tom Penwell of Tom’s Web Designs, allows for anyone to ask for help with a specific need whether the need is for themselves or for someone else in their community by simply going to the website and completing the Request a Need form. If a person does not have access to the website they may call (406) 750-2542 and the form can be completed over the phone. In addition, the Request for a Need form can be completed inside the My Neighbor in Need office located inside Times Square at 525 Central Ave Suite M5A in downtown Great Falls. My Neighbor in Need/My Student in Need is a 501c3, tax exempt, non-profit organization. Operational costs are underwritten by sponsorship from Montana Farmers Union, contributions from our Partners in Dignity, and donations from individuals.
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bred specifically to perform well in Montana,” said Kevin McPhee, who holds a doctorate in plant sciences as MSU pulse crop breeder and professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. “I’m not confident this variety would perform well outside of Montana, in fact.”
als. We did this without any funding support. It was challenging.”
Chen and McPhee have been working together for more than a decade breeding and testing pea varieties for Montana -- before Montana produced the most pulse crops in the nation and before there were strong commodity markets for Big Sky peas. In Montana, pulse crops Chengci Chen, superintendent of the MSU are chickpea, pea and lentil. In 2017, Montana Eastern Agricultural Research Center in Sid- farmers planted 525,000 acres of dry pea, acney has spent the last 12 years developing cording to the 2017 USDA National Agriculpulse crops specifically adapted to Montana’s tural Statistics Service. growing conditions. One successful green pea variety with high yield and protein, currently named MT457, was released from the univer- Chengci Chen, superintendent of the Eastern sity last month. It will be commercially avail- Agricultural Research Center, has spent the able in 2020. last 12 years developing pulse crops specifically adapted to Montana’s growing conditions. Chen, who has a doctorate in agronomy, has been working on pulse crops since he started working at the MSU Central Agricultural Research Center in Moccasin as an assistant professor of agronomy and cropping systems in 2002, before moving to Sidney to become superintendent of EARC in 2015. The Moccasin facility is one of seven statewide agricultural research centers in the College of Agriculture and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. At CARC, Chen requested pea populations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service’s Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit in Pullman, Washington, where McPhee worked as the USDA unit’s research plant geneticist at the time.
“Ultimately, our goal was to breed a variety that worked well for U.S. northwest production and future markets by sharing advanced lines and populations,” McPhee said. “Stopping at Moccasin to visit Dr. Chen was convenient, and I was happy to see the consistent trials at the location which made new selections maybe a bit faster than other field trial locations.”
MSU RELEASES GREEN PEA VARIETY 12 YEARS IN THE MAKING B Y J E N N Y L AV E Y M S U N E W S S E RV I C E
More than a decade ago when Montana’s pulse crop industry was a sliver in northeastern Montana and there wasn’t much money to fund alternative crop trials, a Montana State University agricultural faculty member was planting the future.
Chengci Chen, superintendent of the Eastern Agricultural Research Center; photo courtesy MSU
The new pea variety has a heavy seed weight and genetic resistance to Fusarium oxysporum Race 1, a widespread fungus that damages pulse crops. Chen said the variety also has nice height and produces multiple pods along the stem and is resistant to plant collapse, also called “lodging,” which can make harvesting harder and reduce yield. “What’s unique about this variety is that it’s
Following Chen’s request, McPhee sent pea populations to Moccasin for Chen to make genetic selections for potentially adaptive high- yielding plants for Montana. It was a long process starting from a single plant.
McPhee would stop at Moccasin once or twice a year on the way to visit family in Lewistown to check on the field trials and suggest new genetic selections to Chen.
Kevin McPhee, professor of plant sciences and pulse crop genetics and breeding in the College of Agriculture at Montana State University, provided the original plant populations for the newly released MSU green pea variety. MSU Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez Despite researching a relatively new crop for Montana with little funding at the time, Chen said he was obligated to introduce new crops to the state.
“My job description is to introduce specialty crops to Montana in wheat-based cropping systems,” Chen said. “So, whether I have funding or not, I have to test specialty crops that have potential to grow in Montana. I’m According to Chen, his pulse crop research happy to see this released finally.” After mulprogram may have evaporated if it weren’t tiple genetic selections and field trials, Chen for having a full-time CARC research associ- and Neill selected MT457. ate, formerly Karnes Neill, who provided research support and field assistance. “It was a Chen said the new variety wouldn’t have been long and hard 12 years, especially the first few possible without his colleagues at the seven years when Montana’s pulse crop industry was research centers and on the main campus in in its infancy,” Chen said. “There weren’t any Bozeman for their support in testing this varicheck-off dollars from growers or funding ety at multiple locations statewide during the support for pulse crop breeding or variety tri- last three years. C O N T I N U E D PA G E 1 3 6
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MONTANA DELEGATES ATTEND NATIONAL CONVENTION B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
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of Agriculture Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett in the discussion. "We must start having conversations among the counties," said Johnson."It's got to be resolved at the local level." Convention attendees also enjoyed keynote remarks from Jason Kander, president of Let America Vote, and Art Cullen, Pulitzer-prize winning editor of The Storm Lake Times. MFU President Alan Merrill said the experience of attending a national convention is invaluable. "Policy at the national convention is by far the most important aspect of the event," said Merrill. "It sets the stage for upcoming policies that Montana has and all the other states. You learn a lot by participating in the process."
Montana delegate and MFU Board of Director Erik Somerfeld said the passing of the Family Farming and Cooperatives special order is of great significance. "Passing the special order on cooperatives and the 199a deductions shows National Farmers Union's solid support for all co-ops and trying to keep them strong."
"WE MUST START HAVING CONVERSATIONS AMONG THE COUNTIES. "IT'S GOT TO BE RESOLVED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.� - ROGER JOHNSON
Tom Clark is President of Chouteau County Farmers Union and represented MFU this Delegates Levi Ostberg and Joellyn Clark discuss policy year as a national delegate. Tom shared his thoughts on the experience. "This is my secThe National Farmers Union convention is ond time. I want to make sure I am providing an opportunity for Farmers Union members a voice for Montana producers and also netfrom across the country to vote on policy, work with other farmers in the ag community take part in educational workshops and cel- throughout the United States. It's then helpebrate the year's accomplishments. Nine del- ful to be able to find out about the issues they egates represented Montana at the National are facing and how they are similar or differFarmers Union convention held in Kansas ent to what we are facing and then take that City, MO. information back to Montana." NFU President Roger Johnson addressed attendees with a focus on the Farm Bill and priorities of the organization. The event also featured a panel on the opioid crisis. Johnson joined American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and U.S. Department
The final day of the convention delegates reviewed policy line-by-line and adopted 10 special orders. Those orders are consistent with many of the top issues that Montana Farmers Union advocates for.
2018 MFU Delegates; back row, left to right: Scott LeFurgey,Tom Clark,Will Downs, Levi Ostberg Front Row: Alan Merrill, David Shane, Erik Somerfeld, Jan Tusick, Joellyn Clark
MFU Delegate Will Downs speaks during policy debate, photo courtesy of National Farmers Union C O N V E N T I O N C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
Panel on the opioid crisis in America: left to right: Ann Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary, Rural Development at USDA; Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau; Roger Johnson, President, National Farmers Union; photo courtesy of National Farmers Union 7
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N AT I O N A L C O N V E N T I O N C O I N T I N U E D
The special orders voted on at the convention include: ~ Family Farming ~ Family Farming Enhancement ~ Family Farming ~ Family Farming ~ Family Farming ~ Family Farming ~ Family Farming Climate Change ~ Family Farming ~ Family Farming
and Cooperatives and Crop Insurance and and and and and
Dairy E30 Farm Bills Immigration Leading the Way on
and Livestock Production and Trade Policy
Full text of the adopted policy manual will be available at www.nfu.org.
Delegate David Shane during policy discussion
Delegates Tom & Joellyn Clark
Representing Montana as delegates were: Tom and Joellyn Clark, Fort Benton; Scott LeFurgey, Loma; Jan Tusick, Polson; Erik Somerfeld, Power; Levi Ostberg, Fairfield; Will Downs, Molt; David Shane, Floweree and Alan Merrill of Big Sandy. Walter Schweitzer and Cindy Palmer of Helena also represented MFU as the state’s Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership Couple. The 117th National Farmers Union Conventnion will be at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington in March, 2019.
Registration Opens April 11
camp dates
www.montanafarmersunion.com/arrowpeak-camp/ junior 1 (AGES 8–11)
JUNE 17-22
Education Coordinator Violet Green & delegate David Shane at the Education Game Night
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SENIOR
(AGES 15–19)
JUNE 24–29
TEEN 1
JUNIOR 2
JULY 8–13
JULY 15–20
(AGES 12-15)
(AGES 8–11)
teen 2
(AGES 12-15)
JULY 22–27
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
JUNE WEATHER SEMINAR IN LEWISTOWN BY LAURIE LOHRER C E N T R A L M O N TA N A R E S O U R C E COUNCIL
Impacts of changing weather is topic for a June 6 seminar in Lewistown. Ag producers
MFU TO HOLD WORKSHOP ON IHEMP IN BOZEMAN Montana Farmers Union is pleased to offer a workshop on Industrial Hemp in April in Bozeman. The growth of iHemp is gaining traction as part of a pilot program offered through the Montana Department of Agriculture. MFU has led several workshops on Industrial Hemp. April’s event will mark the first in the south-western part of the state.
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and citizens concerned with changing and volatile weather are invited to a free educational seminar from 6-8 pm Wednesday, June 6 in Lewistown. Results of the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, impacts to industry, and strategies to cope with changes will be presented by Bruce Maxwell, lead author of the Agriculture chapter and co-director of Montana Institute on Ecosystems at Montana State University.
portance. The authors met with stakeholders, such as Montana Association of Conservation Districts, Montana Stockgrowers Association, the Montana Grain Growers Association, and Montana Farmers Union, as well as state and federal agencies that provided input about the challenges and opportunities Montana may see in the future.
April’s event will provide the opportunity for the public to learn about this new crop with first-hand knowledge from presenters wellversed on the subject. The presenters include Ian Foley with the Montana Deptarment of Agriculture, Jeff Kostuik of Hemp Production Services in Canada and producer Colby Johnson of Conrad.
What: Industrial Hemp Workshop
“For years, stakeholders across the state have wanted an assessment that looks at climate The assessment focuses on climate trends and across the state” said Kelsey Jencso, Director their consequences for three of Montana’s of the Montana Climate Office at the Univervital sectors: agriculture, water, and forests. sity of Montana. “The science to address this Released in September 2017, the study was a question has previously been performed at retwo-year effort by MSU University faculty & gional or national levels, and this assessment students, state & federal agency researchers, provides a first look at these trends and their non-profit organizations, resource managers, impacts at a local level.” and citizens from across the state. This seminar is free and open to the public “The 2017 Montana Climate Assessment can and will be held at the Central Montana Comact as a tool to help the citizens of Montana munity Center at 307 W. Watson, next to Lewunderstand past patterns in different regions istown City, Police and Fire offices. Refreshof Montana, what the climate projections are, ments will be served. and how ranchers and farmers can use these definitive results for long range planning,” The June 6 seminar is presented by Montana said Maxwell. State University Institute on Ecosystems, and sponsored by Central Montana Resource Groups across Montana involved with agri- Council and the Montana Farmers Union and culture, forestry, water and natural resource MSU Fergus Extension. The full 2017 Monmanagement, and tourism and recreation tana Climate Assessment can also be found helped identify climate impacts on water, online at http://montanaclimate.org/. forests and agriculture as topics of high im-
Hosted by MFU; Free and open to the public
When: April 12 @ 6:30 pm Where: Hilton Garden Inn: 2023 Commerce Way, Bozeman, MT
“Industrial Hemp is shaping up to have a lot of potential for Montana producers,” said Alan Merrill, President.“We always encourage producers to diversify their operation when appropriate to withstand the ups and downs of the market. For this event we have brought together a knowledgeable lineup of presenters to help producers make informed decisions regarding their operation.”
Contact : Justin Loch, 800-2344071; jloch@montanafarmersunion. com for details
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CRITICAL YEAR FOR LIVESTOCK LOSS PROGRAM
also known as LIP, provides livestock producers who have livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality which are caused by adverse weather, disease or from attacks from animals BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS reintroduced by the federal government or P R O J E C T & L E G I S L AT I V E S P E C I A L I S T protected by federal law. This includes grizTo say that calving in Montana this year has zlies, wolves and avian predators and a paybeen a pleasant walk in the park would be ment equal to 75% of the market value of considered a bad joke, particularly in Cen- the livestock on the day prior to the death of tral Montana and the Rocky Mountain Front. the animal. This payment is determined by the Many have changed the times they started secretary. calving and those starting in February faced bitter cold, deep and blowing snow and the From January 1, 2018 through December 31, results in some cases have been less than posi- 2018 a producer must submit a notice of loss tive. We have heard of producers losing over within 30 calendar days of when the loss of 10 or more newborn calves. Thus the reason livestock is first apparent. Presentations to for this article is to let producers who have producers over the past few years have covlost livestock know that the Livestock Indem- ered this topic and recommended documentnity Program(LIP) is available for some reim- ing the time, temperatures, date and any other bursement for the loss of livestock. circumstances of the animal loss for the purpose of reporting the loss to a local FSA ofRecently appointed State Executive Director fice. The loss can be reported by phone, fax, Mike Foster with USDA Farm Service Agency in person or by e-mail. We recommend keepannounced this past week that there will be ing records of that notification and later appublic meetings in March and April of this ply for payment with your local FSA county year for livestock producers to obtain infor- office prior to the March 31, 2019 deadline. mation about FSA programs. Producers can also go to their local FSA office or online at For those with losses this year due to severe www.fsa.usda.gov/mt. for details on times weather filing for the LIP program may make and locations. Many producers may already the difference of a profitable year for your know that the Livestock Indemnity Program livestock operation. In areas on the Rocky 10
Mountain Front many may not know the extent of their losses until some of the deep snow and drifts melt as many of the coulees and draws where livestock have gone for protection from the storms and filled in and are deep, perhaps both adult and newborn livestock have been lost. Making a claim may keep many small producers in business. As of the day this is written Great Falls has awakened most of the week to heavy fog and high humidity and temperatures reaching high 30’s and dropping to the low 20’s at night. The ice on the Missouri has broken up and to date the deep snow has melted in a fairly even time causing little run off and no flooding. With deep snows and over average moisture in the mountains, it remains to be seen as to the future runoff. It leaves a note of caution for our agriculture producer members.
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A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN GREG GIANFORTE
APRIL 2018
I also want to express my gratitude for all you do to contribute to our communities and feed the world. It’s because of folks like you that ag is Montana’s number one industry. And while National Ag Week was last month, I want to let you know how much I’m thankful for your work. Finally, I look forward to remaining in touch with you as the House considers the new Farm Bill, and I hope you will continue reaching out to me and sharing your ideas. My door is always open. You may find my contact information on my website at gianforte.house.gov.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
riculture community to the Department of Transportation in 2016. I have done so time and again, and was glad to help secure a temporary exemption from the requirement at the end of last year. But with the deadline to comply rapidly approaching, I again spoke with Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao at the beginning of March. I needed to make clear, once again, the impacts ELDs may have on the agriculture community. Just following that conversation, DOT announced a second 90-day exemption. It is my hope that DOT will use this time wisely to engage with farmers, ranchers, and livestock and commodity haulers to find a long-term solution that works. We cannot continue to leave our agriculture producers in this state of uncertainty.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER As I write this, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. By the time you read this, the U.S. House of Representatives may be taking up the new Farm Bill. Last year, I began reaching out to Montana’s family farmers and ranchers to see what’s working and what’s not in the current Farm Bill as well as to see what they want in the new Farm Bill. Their response was overwhelming. I heard Montana’s ag communities loud and clear, and shared your priorities with Chairman Conaway who leads the House Agriculture Committee. We need continued support for disaster aid for our farmers and ranchers, particularly after last year’s devastating wildfires. We need to make crop insurance programs work better. We need to ensure that SNAP and international food aid funding are providing a helping hand to the most vulnerable among us. We need to provide our family farmers and ranchers better access to increased credit. And we need to support Rural Development, including for rural water and other infrastructure programs. These are just a few of the priorities I shared with Chairman Conaway, and I will continue working to ensure that Montana’s fingerprints are on the new Farm Bill.
Montana agriculture and livestock haulers are the wheels behind Montana’s economy. That’s why I was so pleased to hear that the Department of Transportation granted my request to continue exempting agriculture and livestock haulers from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement for another 90 days. As you know, the Department of Transportation’s requirements surrounding ELDs place agriculture producers and livestock haulers in a bad predicament. Complying with the law may put livestock under stress or may put sensitive products at risk. There must be flexibility for agriculture. I first brought the concerns of Montana’s ag-
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Much of our state’s agriculture income comes from exporting some of the world’s best grain and beef. So when President Trump recently announced tariffs on steel and aluminum, I was immediately concerned about the impacts his decision will have on Montana’s top industry. I strongly support a level the playing field for American workers. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
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I also worry the President’s decision could trigger retaliatory tariffs on Montana agricultural products. And that would devastate our state’s economy. Montana’s farmers and ranchers need predictability and stability to make ends meet. Producers work hard, every day, to put food on the table for their families, and for families across the globe. That’s why we need smart, balanced fair trade agreements to do right by all folks across Montana. We need agreements that will open new doors and create new opportunities for the families whose livelihoods are rooted in Montana agriculture products. We cannot afford haphazard decisions that threaten our farming and ranching economies.
APRIL 2018
ars, this variety also performs very well under irrigated conditions.” Montana Foundation Seed Program manager Doug Holen said after McPhee increases enough breeder seed, the university will increase its foundation seed quantity of MT457 and the variety will likely be available commercially in 2020. The MFSP provides foundation seed, or genetically pure seed, to statewide producers and certified seed houses.
UPDATE FROM THE EPA BY REBECCA PERRIN R E G I O N 8 A G R I C U LT U R E A D V I S O R | O F F I C E O F T H E R E G I O N A L A D M I N I S T R AT O R | U S E P A
Chen said EARC Research Scientist Yesuf Mohammed, who has a PhD in soil science, coordinated the statewide testing. Chen, who researches how pea crop yield and protein are affected by genetics that interact with diverse environments, said the new variety has a big seed size and bright color, which may be ideal for the green pea market in soups, salads or fried snack peas. “This variety flowers and matures a few days earlier than other varieties, which presents some advantages to growers in central and southern regions of Montana to be able to avoid heat stress in the summer,” he said. “From our statewide testing results in the past three ye-
According to the USCA: the petition requests USDA FSIS limit the use of the terms “beef ” and “meat” to products only derived from traditionally-raised livestock. The USCA says this request is aimed at ensuring that any product labeled beef, is in fact beef.
MFU President Alan Merrill commented on the rulemaking request.“Through our many legislative efforts Montana Farmers Union is a strong proponent of truth in labeling. We are proud of the products Montana ranchers produce and fully support the USCA petition regarding the labeling of alternative proteins.”
Our producers and rural communities deserve every opportunity to succeed. It’s time to sit down, roll up our sleeves, and write a fair trade deal that works for you.
PEAS CONTINUED
MFU responded in support of a petition filed by the United States Cattlemen’s Association for rulemaking to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). The petition requests the FSIS define the terms “beef ” and “meat” as used by alternative protein sources.
The USCA is holding events throughout the state to raise awareness of the issue.
It’s very important to me to protect American jobs and to bring manufacturing back to our country. We also cannot hurt Montana’s farmers and ranchers who rely on access to international markets.
As the Senate’s only farmer, I will fight to ensure Montana’s farms have every advantage and I will defend you from irresponsible Washington policies.
MFU SUPPORTS USCA TRUTH IN LABELING PETITION
On March 23, 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Omnibus Bill), was signed into law. Title XI of the Omnibus Bill, called the “Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act” or “FARM Act” exempts the reporting of “air emissions from animal waste at a farm” under CERCLA. When the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issues its mandate vacating the 2008 final rule (expected as soon as May 1, 2018), farms will remain exempt from the CERCLA reporting requirements as a result of the Omnibus Bill. For more information see: https://www.epa. gov/epcra/cercla-and-epcra-reporting-requirements-air-releases-hazardous-substances-animal-waste-farms. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Letters of support can be mailed to: United States Cattlemen’s Association PO Box 339 San Lucas, CA 93954 For more information visit: USCA online at uscattlemen.org or contact Maggie Nutter, USCA Director at 406.450.0104.
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APRIL 2018
B Y RO G E R J O H N S O N PRESIDENT
tion’s annual grassroots policy adoption pro- activities, and home delivery of assistance. cess. More than 190 delegates from 33 states spent a day and a half engaging in thoughtful policy deliberations, ultimately passing NFU’s Policy Book and nine special orders of business that will guide the organization's government affairs priorities over the course of the next year.
In March, National Farmers Union continued its grassroots policy process at the organization’s 116th Anniversary Convention. Delegates from across the country reviewed NFU’s policy book line-by-line, deliberating and voting on amendments. The revised book and additional nine special orders of business will determine NFU’s priorities for the coming year. In Washington, NFU staff have already gotten to work putting those priorities into practice, advocating for the maintenance of tax policy that benefits farmers who sell to cooperatives, defending the integrity of the organic label, promoting renewable fuels, and supporting farm bill programs that provide assistance and relief to family farmers and ranchers. In the upcoming Farm Bill debate and beyond, NFU will continue to vocalize these concerns to legislators and champion the family farmers and ranchers and rural communities whom they represent.
The orders of business pertain to many current policy issues, including the maintenance of Section 199A, a tax provision that allows for the deduction of up to 20 percent of gross agriculture sales made to agriculture cooperatives. Other orders address the current state of the farm economy, promoting higher blends of ethanol, asking Congress for meaningful relief for struggling dairy farmers, and advocating for fair trade agreements. Delegates also focused several of the orders on the upcoming Farm Bill, demanding that Congress pass a bill on time that is fully funded, strengthens the farm safety net, maintains strong nutrition programs, and increases conservation spending. Additional orders of business concerned immigration policy and farm labor, empowering family farmers and ranchers to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and accurately labeling synthetic and engineered animal byproduct alternatives.
Farmers Union Delegates Pass Policy Book, Adopt Special Orders of Business National Farmers Union hosted its 116th Annual Convention at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 4-6. More than 450 Farmers Union members from across the country came together to engage with industry experts, policymakers, thought leaders and fellow farmers on topics of vital importance to family farmers and ranchers and American agriculture. In addition to offering dynamic speakers, networking opportunities, a local farm tour, and informational breakout sessions, the convention is the occasion during which Farmers Union members participate in the organiza-
Farming can be an incredibly high-stress occupation. Unpredictable weather, crop disease, volatile markets, risk of injury, overwhelming workloads, and social isolation are just a handful of the stressors that family farmers and ranchers cope with on a daily basis. At the same time, many farmers and ranchers don't have access to assistance when they need help. They may not have the financial resources for a lawyer, making it challenging to resolve disputes. Additionally, many farm families lack access to mental health services. In fact, 60 percent of rural Americans live in areas with Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Net- mental health professional shortages. This is work Provides Assistance to Struggling alarming considering the fact that, accordFarmers ing to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), In March, a bipartisan group of U.S. repre- farmers have a higher rate of suicide than any sentatives introduced the STRESS Act - Stem- other occupation. ming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide - which would reauthorize the Farm Given the current state of the U.S. farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FR- economy and the many stressors that family SAN). FRSAN was authorized as a 2008 Farm farmers are facing, Farmers Union applauded Bill program, but it has never been funded. It the bill's introduction and urged Congress to was meant to provide farmers with affordable strengthen FRSAN and provide it with robust stress assistance programs. It would have pro- funding in the next Farm Bill. vided funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to state departments NFU Urges Congress to Reject Eliminaof agriculture and cooperative extensions for tion of Section 199A helplines and websites, training for farm advo- Though the recently-passed Tax Cuts and cates, support groups, outreach services and Jobs Act offered few benefits to family farm-
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mers and ranchers, there was a small silver lin ing, known as Section 199A. The provision gives farm families the ability to deduct up to 20 percent of gross agriculture sales made to agriculture cooperatives, thus leveling the playing field with corporations, who received a dramatic 40 percent tax break under the new legislation.
APRIL 2018
OLPP rule would have mitigated the problem by standardizing organic livestock and poultry practices that producers need to meet for the voluntary NOP.
NFU opposed the decision when it was first announced in December, and again expressed dismay when it was formally enacted this month. The withdrawal will exacerbate conUnfortunately, after pushback from agricul- sumer confusion about the meaning of the tural corporations, members of Congress organic label, which is often conflated with have proposed eliminating this provision, in- animal welfare. Additionally, it will disadvanstead replacing it with the original, and much tage family farmers and ranchers who already more modest, tax deduction under Section adhere to stricter welfare standards, as it will 199. put them on an uneven playing field with operations who do not comply with such stanNational Farmers Union opposed this sugges- dards but still benefit from the organic label. tion, saying it would "strike at the single most important benefit family farmers received NFU Continues to Defend RFS from tax reform." NFU called on Congress Amidst a series of meetings among adminto reject the proposal and instead "advance istration officials, legislators, and representabipartisan legislation that removes wage limi- tives from biofuel and oil companies regarding tations and maintains a farmer gross sales de- the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), National duction that evens the playing field between Farmers Union has continued to support of corporations and cooperatives." the nation's premier biofuel policy.
the sale of E15, which would both boost ethanol production and decrease costs for refiners by instituting new RINs. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/ corner.
MID-YEAR CONFERENCE MFU is partnering with Montana State University-Bozeman to hold a mid-year conference June 6-7, 2018 in Bozeman. Higlights of the event: Montana State University Tours: • • • • •
Wool Lab Pulse Lab Seed Lab Malt Barley Lab Vet Diagnostic Lab
Tour of Dry Hills Distillery Bus transportation will be provided to the university and other tour locations.
Withdrawal of OLPP a Blow to Family Farmers, Organic Label The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) formally withdrew the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. The rule would have clarified animal welfare standards under the National Organic Program (NOP) by outlining how organic livestock is raised, handled, transported, and slaughtered. Currently, organic certifiers are inconsistently applying animal welfare standards to farming and ranching operations, causing confusion among consumers and undermining the integrity, and therefore power, of the organic label. By providing clearer guidelines, the
In early March, NFU joined five other prominent farm organizations to send President Donald Trump a letter urging him to uphold the RFS and emphasizing the importance of the RFS to rural communities and family farmers and ranchers, particularly as the farm economy has been in a persistent downslide for the past several years. The following week, NFU also reiterated its opposition to a proposal to cap prices for Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) which are required to comply with the RFS. The proposal stands to undermine growth in the biofuels industry and disincentivize blending of homegrown, renewable fuels in our transportation sector. Instead, NFU recommended that the Administration lift the summertime restriction on
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A block of rooms have been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn. When calling to make reservations note this informatio to receive the discounted rate. Online registration will open in May at montanafarmersunion. com A formal agenda will be published in the May edition of Montana Grass Roots.
OUR AGENTS LIVE AND WORK NEAR YOU.
Anaconda Stefanie Thompson 563.5991 Belgrade Craig Parker 388.6774 Billings Jim Mathews 656.2323 Billings Steve Plaggemeyer 294.9491 Billings Judd Long 252.9391 Bozeman Dean Derby 556.0893 Bozeman Trent Leintz 551.2163 Bozeman Art Hoffart 586.6230 Bridger Wesley Schwend 662.3930 Chester R. Gordon Elings 759.5065 Choteau Mathew Luedtke 466.5146 Circle Kaylen Lehner 485-3303 Conrad R. Gordon Elings 271.7047 Dillon Judy Siring 683.2365 Dutton Matt Luedtke Agency 476.3444 Fairfield Matt Luedtke Agency 467.3444 Fort Benton Robert Nelson 622.5053 Glasgow Del Hansen 228.2284 Great Falls Eric Hinebauch 453.8413 Great Falls Aeric Reilly 570-5853 Great Falls Faith Cardwell 268.0077 Great Falls Scott Walsh 761.2087 Great Falls Jeff Thill 452.7283 Hamilton Bryan Jones 363.6583 Hardin Melissa Wacker 665.1867
Havre Cindy Schubert 265.2693 Havre Susie LaSalle 265.3346 Helena Todd Crum 443.4630 Kalispell Randy Bloom 257.1252 Kalispell Charles Monroe 756.7720 Laurel Dallas Hagfeldt, Jr. 628.6649 Laurel Jeff Seborg 628.6649 Lewistown Tom McKenna 538.8736 Lewistown Raleigh Heitzman 538.8736 Libby Colleen Wood 293.6228 Livingston Daryl Hansen 222.7151 Malta Shane Anderson 654.1589 Miles City Tayler Kennedy 874.2560 Miles City Ron Watts 874.1804 Missoula Brad Bowman 721.2540 Missoula Pam Jacobsen 721.0599 Missoula Andre Marcure 543.7184 Plains Sally Miller 826.4633 Plentywood JR Johnson 765.2051 Ronan Andrew Luedtke 676.0173 Ryegate Audrey Stoican 568.2336 Sidney Cathy Hintz 488.8326 Terry Blayne Watts 635.5782 Thompson Falls Sally Miller 827.3221 Whitefish Rial Gunlikson 862.4700 Wolf Point Jesse Fleming 653.2200