V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
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
IN THIS ISSUE....
USCA CONCLUDES FLY-IN, CONTINUES FIGHT FOR TRUTHFUL LABELING BY LIA BIONDO U N I T E D S T AT E S C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N
TRUTHFUL LABELING AT HEART OF USCA FLY-IN
LABELS KEY TO PROTECTING MONTANA PULSE MARKET FARM SAFETY TAKES CENTER STAGE NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) put boots on the ground in Washington D.C. during the association’s annual fly-in, bringing key issues affecting U.S. cattle producers to the attention of lawmakers and the Administration. The delegation, led by USCA President Kenny Graner and USCA Vice President Brooke Miller, focused on issues such as country-of-origin labeling, animal health and traceability, modernizing the beef checkoff, transportation, and the regulation and truthful labeling of “fake meat”.
B Y PA U L K A N N I N G M O N TA N A P U L S E C R O P COMMITTEE
the potential to severely impact our pulse markets.
Montana pulse growers are well into another production year with crops in most areas of the state doing well. While total acreage is down from 2017, USDA reported in June that Montana has 301,000 acres of chickpeas, 530,000 acres of lentils, and 415,000 acres of dry peas this year. Soon it will be time to desiccate those crops in preparation for harvest.
Each country establishes a Maximum Residue Limit, or MRL, to set the upper limits of residue allowed on imported crops. MRLs can vary by county, by commodity, and by active ingredient. For example, paraquat is a commonly used desiccant in the US. The MRL for paraquat is 0.05mg/ kg for pulses in China, but only 0.02mg/kg in the EU. In addition residue testing has become extremely sophisticated, with current methods able to identify over 260 pesticide residues at levels well below 1 part-per-billion (ppb). As farmers, we have the collective responsibility to ensure our products meet these strict conditions. If just one sample exceeds MRL limits, it can not only
Meetings were held with the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr, CME Group, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSA, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Trade Representatives, and the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The delegation also met with nearly 50 congressional offices to emphasize these priority issues and their relevancy to the 2018 Farm Bill.
C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
Pulse desiccation is a critical harvest management tool which aids in a timely harvest by drying down the crop and leveling out maturity across a field. It also helps dry down the inevitable broadleaf weeds found in pulse crops. However, improper desiccant application and timing has
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
USCA CONTINUED
USCA President Kenny Graner issued the following statement on this year’s fly-in:“The fly-in delegation focused on key issues to U.S. cattle producers that can be addressed in the 2018 Farm Bill process. This year, we’ve already seen pivotal movement on addressing truthful labeling of alternative proteins including plant based and cell-cultured “fake meat” products and revising Hours of Service regulations. Both issues are being led by USCA and our members worked to carry both messages forward in DC to secure needed solutions.” “The work done by this year’s fly-in delegation can only be continued by the active support and participation of all USCA members and affiliates. The FDA’s announcement regarding a public hearing on July 12th to address cell-culture technology is evidence of cattle producers’ voice being heard. However, USCA will continue to push for USDA FSIS to assert jurisdiction over accurate labeling of these products while the FDA remains focused on ingredients. We will continue to defend consumers’ rights to have accurate label
Delegation meets with Senator Jon Tester; courtesy USCA
ing on the food they are purchasing. “Fake meat” products such as plant-based and cellcultured proteins grown in a laboratory do nnot belong at the meat counter.”“The 2018 Farm Bill presents a distinct opportunity to address this issue and many of the concerns facing U.S. cattle producers today and USCA will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to secure needed solutions
and opportunities for the U.S. cattle industry.” Montana Farmers Union Board of Director Brett Dailey was part of the Montana delegation. Dailey operates a ranch near Jordan, MT. He said having the opportunity to visit with members of congress is always productive. “This visit to Washington was one giant step closer to achieving Country-of-Origin Labeling for Montana producers,” said Dailey. PULSE MARKET CONTINUED
jeopardize that shipment but future shipments as well.The US Dry Pea & Lentil Council recently reported a shipment of lentils destined for Japan exceeded MRLs. Once an MRL violation is detected, Japan requires clean shipments for at least one year. Any further violations could completely shut down that market opportunity. So how do we ensure we meet MRL requirements? The answer is right there in our hands: the label. Read the label, understand the label, follow the label. Do not exceed the application rates. Prevent drift so that neighboring crops don’t exceed application rates. Make sure to meet the minimum water requirements. And most importantly, wait the prescribed number of days stated in the preharvest interval before harvesting. It’s easy to feel rushed to get that crop off of the field but cutting short on the label requirements by even just one day could jeopardize an entire pulse market for ourselves and all of our neighbors. Montana pulse growers produce some of the highest-quality products in the world. Let’s uphold that tradition. Slow down, follow the label, and best of luck with your pulse harvest!
USCA delegation at U.S. Capitol, Brett Dailey center; photo courtesy USCA
2
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
Jason Bechtold, Willard Don Larson, Brockway Brian & Laini McNaney, Hysham Donald & Delores Franck, Livingston Bryan Robertson, Whitehall Robert & Teresa Miller, Laurel Steven & Monica Thuesen, Red Lodge Paul Whittlesey, Colorado Springs, CO Clifford Crawford, Great Falls Anna Orem, Columbia Falls Chad & Melodie Weaver, Great Falls Robert & Maureen Downey, Great Falls Justin & Kelsey Forgey, Belt John Stephenson-Love & Sue Ann Stephenson, Great Falls Monte & Whitney McNally, Ovando Rebecca & Martin Cunningham, Great Falls
IN THIS ISSUE FUE Leadership Program Adds Depth to Organization, President Alan Merrill Page 4
Recruited by Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Daryl Hansen Craig Parker Wes Schwend Wes Schwend Judd Long Eric Hinebauch Charles Monroe MFU Lodge MFU Lodge
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:
Farm Safety Front & Center This Time of Year, Justin Loch Page 5
MFU Lodge
Alan Merrill, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Jeff Bangs, At-Large Director District 1& 2, Inverness 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:
MFU Lodge MFU Office MFU Office
Faces from Camp Page 6 Washington Corner, Roger Johnson Page 7-8
IN MEMORIAM OPAL GOODMAN BELT
A Preview of What’s to Come at the Legislative Session, Chris Christiaens Page 9
A BIG THANK YOU TO:
All-States Camp Presents Unique Opportunity for MFU Members, David Shane Page 10
DAVE AND KAREN SNUGGS OF GREAT FALLS FOR THE DONATION OF FIVE PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONERS FOR MFU ARROWPEAK LODGE
Scenes from Camp Page 11
3
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, Education Coordinator Maggie Shane, Continuing Education Coordinator Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2018 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
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I attended the 11th annual Farmers Union Enterprise summer meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota in June. The summer meeting is the first meeting for the new FUE Couples serving 2018-2019. The Farmers Union Enterprise program is sponsored by the five enterprise
ence, not only for the couples but also for the presidents of the FUE states.
If you are ever in Bismarck I highly recomstates which include: Montana, North Dako- mend you tour the Heritage Center. It is a ta, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota). great agriculture museum containing the hisIt is truly a pleasure to see how over the last tory of North Dakota starting with a very eleven years couples enjoyed and learned more large pre-historic section going up to modabout Farmers Union and how we support ern day times. You will need to allow yourself and encourage young families to stay involved plenty of time to take it all in. in agriculture. I also have seen how this program gets results, not only in Montana, but We toured the Antelope Valley Station along also in the other four states as well. Some of with the Dakota Gasification Company which the FUE couples have gone on to serve on both produce energy from coal. The open pit their local boards, their state Farmers Union coal-mine and the machinery they use there Boards and one became a state president. are hard to describe. The equipment is some of the largest equipment in the world. We From the beginning, Harley and Irene Dan- drove into the heart of the open mine. What ielson have led this project. They both have was by far the most impressive sight was to such a passion for the young couples which see how the land is being reclaimed. The has been evident from the beginning and con- land will be put back to the way it was before tinues to this day. The importance of this they dug for coal. This was an experience that project has not waned. The young couples will leave an imprint on all that attended. As that go through the program discover their I look to the future of potential leaders in own potential and learn the value they them- Farmers Union, the FUE couples program selves have for the future of agriculture and continues to serve as a valuable program for our nation. I want to thank the Danielsons all of Farmers Union. If you are interested for their hard work on developing the FUE in participating in this program please contact Couples Leadership Program. I also appreci- the state office. ate the work Mark Watne, President of North Dakota Farmers Union, and his staff put into the June meetings. It was a very good confer-
FUE summer meeting : outgoing leadership couple Walter Schweitzer and Cindy Palmer; incoming leadership couple Serena and Kody Cator with children Ridge and Faith 4
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
REMEMBER SAFETY WHEN HAYING BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
Summer is a time of long hot days. It’s easy to get tired and put yourself in harm’s way if you aren’t careful. Many producers are in the middle of haying while also trying to get ready for harvest, all while trying to battle the weather to put up good quality hay. With that in mind, it’s time to review some haying safety tips to help ensure you and those around you are safe. Here’s a list of potential hazards. Handling: • Ensure no children play near hay balers, carriers, and stackers. • Properly train operators handling tractors, front-end loaders, or forklifts. • Tractors with cabs, FOPS (falling object protective structure) or four-poster ROPS (roll-over protective structure) are highly recommended. Two-poster tractor ROPS offer no operator protection from bales falling back off of forks or bale-loading frames. • Ensure bale-loading attachments on tractors and forklifts are secure and well fitted. • Carry bales as low to the ground as possible. • Ensure sufficient counterbalance on a tractor or forklift vehicle. • Hydraulic control valve should be specific to the front-end loader attachment. Baler operation: • Ensure baler is properly connected to the tractor. • Make certain adequate safety guards are fitted. • No one should ever be allowed to ride on the baler. • Watch for and clear any build-up of loose, combustible material in the baler. • Ensure an updated fire extingu-
isher is fitted to the machine. • Stop engine, disengage PTO, and apply flywheel brake (on square balers) prior to making adjustments or repairs. • Take extra care when reversing or turning the machine. • Work during the day when there is adequate lighting.
• Carry heavy loads of bales with a sturdy trailer.
Transporting:
•Ensure proper restraining frames on the back and front of trailer. • Use fitted hooks so ropes can be used to secure load. • Watch for overhead powerlines on or near roads. Stacking: • Avoid rough terrain that can • Land stack on even ground. cause bales to become unstable. • Stacks should be clear of over- • Travel at safe speeds at all times. head powerlines. • People should never ride on • Stacked round bales should be loaded hay trailers. This is highly adequately chocked and the bor- dangerous. ders posted. • Watch for damaged bales at base Along with ensuring safety around of stack. haying equipment, stacking and • Stack bales tightly and at a sta- transporting, it’s important to reble height. member ATV safety as many pro• Do not stack bales higher than ducers utilize these machines in safe operating height of farm their everyday work. While travtractor or forklift. elling the state in the summer its • Never allow children to play on alarming how many children I see stacked bales. riding ATV’s on the road with an• Do not handle more bales than other child passenger and no heis safe for the loader. lmets. Please train your children 5
properly to use the ATV and wear a helmet. Don’t let them get into a situation where they can hurt themselves or someone else. Summer is a busy time. Take a little extra time to be aware of potential hazards and not rush work. Take time to make time and be safe, it will protect the greatest crop of all, you or someone you care about. Be sure to read next month for some harvest safety tips. Take care and stay safe. (Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Release contributed to this article.)
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
TEEN I CAMP
JUNIOR CAMP II
FACES FROM CAMP
Madeline Creek
Age: 12 Years at Camp: 1 Hometown: Great Falls School: North Middle School Hobbies and Interests: volleyball, track & field, writing and drawing Favorite part about camp: “Everything, especially doing stuff you don’t do every day. It’s a learning experience and fun.”
Roman Jacobson
Age: 13 Years at Camp: 3 Hometown: Great Falls School: Foothills Hobbies and Interests: football Favorite part about camp: dancing & everything
6
Morgan Lamey
Age: 12 Years at camp: 6 Hometown: Great Falls School: North Middle School Hobbies and Interests: cheerleading, tumbling and reading Favorite part about camp: dancing, singing, and the food
V O L U M E 2 7
B Y RO G E R J O H N S O N N AT I O N A L F A R M E R S U N I O N
The hot agricultural topics of the summer are shaping up to be the Farm Bill, ethanol, and trade. In the past month, the three issues have seen varying levels of progress. The Senate overwhelmingly passed its draft of the Farm Bill, advancing it to conference, but there is a great deal of work ahead to resolve the drastic differences between it and the House version. Ethanol policy has seen some modest developments as well; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed renewable volume obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2019 would increase total volumes slightly over 2018 levels, which is a step in the right direction. However, the agency did not address the misappropriation of so-called “hardship waivers.” But despite some good agricultural news, the movement on international trade has been mostly negative. Tensions between China and the U.S. continue to escalate, and American farmers and ranchers are already feeling the consequences of retaliation.
AUGUST 2018
en the farm safety net, promote farm sustain- tion Agency (EPA) released its proposal for ability, and ensure access to fair and diverse next year’s renewable volume obligations markets.” (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The proposal would increase total Before voting on the bill, the Senate consid- volumes by 3 percent over 2018 levels, from ered a number of amendments to the legisla- 19.29 billion gallons to 19.88 billion galtion. NFU made recommendations on several lons. The proposal would maintain the curof the amendments prior to debate. The or- rent 15-million-gallon target for corn ethanol ganization urged Senators to support mea- and increase cellulosic and advanced biofuel sures to implement crop insurance subsidy requirements by 100 million gallons and 600 payment limits (SA 3103), reform commodity million gallons, respectively. promotion programs (SA 3074), and expand flexibility of haying and grazing of land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (SA 3034). NFU also encouraged opposition to an amendment that would reform the sugar program and negatively impact American sugar farmers (SA 3139).
The likely next step for the bill is consideration by a conference committee, during which members of both Congressional chambers will reconcile the differences between the two versions of the legislation. This may prove difficult given the vastly disparate natures of the bills, particularly in the nutrition title. The House bill would mandate more Senate Passes Bipartisan Farm Bill, Send- stringent work requirements for participants ing it to Conference of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while the Senate bill maintains the On June 28, the U.S. Senate voted 86-11 in current employment stipulations. It is as of favor of its bipartisan Farm Bill, also known yet unclear what the timeline would be for as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. this process, but the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway says it National Farmers Union (NFU) was encour- is a priority to get the bill passed and signed aged by the Senate’s efforts when the bill was before September 30, the day that the current first introduced and applauded its subsequent Farm Bill expires. passage. “We are appreciative of the Senate’s work on this bill and are pleased by its pas- EPA Releases Volume Obligations, But sage,” said Rob Larew, NFU Senior Vice Pres- Doesn’t Address Hardship Waivers ident of Public Policy and Communications, pointing to provisions that would “strength- In late June, the U.S. Environmental Protec-
The proposal does not address the misappropriation of "hardship waivers." According to several recent Reuters stories, the EPA granted exemptions to over two dozen oil refineries, many of which are owned by large corporations with multi-billion-dollar revenues. This ultimately saved those corporations tens of millions of dollars while reducing the volume of renewable fuels in the transportation sector by as much as 1.6 billion gallons, thus cutting into demand for those products. National Farmers Union (NFU) was encouraged by the fact that the EPA is planning to "increase the volume of American grown and produced fuels in the transportation sector." C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
7
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
However, the organization expressed concern about the agency's decision to overlook the demand destruction caused by the hardship waivers. "The EPA should cease granting these waivers to prevent additional harm to the RFS," said NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew. "The agency must also find ways to reallocate gallons lost to the waivers or account for those gallons in the finalized RVOs in order to make up for harm already done." Just days later, President Trump intensified the situation further by threatening ten percent tariffs on an additional $200 billion of Chinese goods should the country not reform its trade practices. The President says he is willing to levy tariffs on up to $450 billion worth of Chinese goods - just slightly shy of the entire monetary value of goods China exported to the United States in 2017. China’s Commerce Ministry - unsurprisingly - said the country would “have to adopt comprehensive measures combining quantity and quality to make a strong countermeasure.” The United States’ trade relationship with China has been rocky for several months. In March, the Trump administration announced its intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum im ports, a move that was particularly targeted at China’s unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, and intellectual property theft. Since then, each country has alternated levying retaliatory tariffs on the other. Though there have been some efforts at detente, in light of recent escalations, it appears that negotiations have been less than successful.The effects of heightened tensions - not just with China, but also Canada, Mexico, and the European Union - are already apparent in farm
country. In an op-ed published in Agri-Pulse, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson noted that “since the start of June, soybean prices dropped by more than $1.50, corn by $0.50, and wheat by $0.30. American corn, soybean and wheat farmers have already lost a collective $13 billion as a result of our current trade war with the world.” Johnson called for a change in approach, “one with more tact and a recognition of the dire consequences staring down both farmers and all Americans.” He urged the administration to negotiate with Chinese officials to find meaningful solutions to this dispute, and to work with American allies to do so. NFU has also asked that the administration work with Congress to ensure family farmers do not bear the brunt of retaliation. In particular, the organization encouraged Secretary 8
Perdue to work with congressional leadership and agriculture committees to craft a farm bill that protects against market volatility and severe price swings. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner.
V O L U M E 2 7
AUGUST 2018
figures from the 2015 cycle. There has been concern from the cherry and orchard producers and the price option adopted by the interim committee. The prices are as follows: cherries-$2,530/ ton X 1.09/ton X1.09 ton/ acre= $10,772 per acre. The average given by BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS producers attending the meeting was 2/3ton/ S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S acre and selling in the last cycle for $1.64 per While it is difficult to grasp, the next ses- lb. The committee used the 2015 information sion of the Montana Legislature is a mere 5 from the USDA National Agriculture Statistic months away and the fall elections 114 days Service in Montana saying the crop was 1.09 away. It is a busy time for the interim commit- tons per acre. tees of the legislature and I have been attending several that will lead to bills in January. The study came about as there was legislative At the most recent revenue and transpor- concern of agricultural property valuation tation Interim committee meeting the Mon- in the taxing of smaller parcels of property. tana Department of Transportation received Montana law automatically grants agriculpermission to move forward with the draft- tural classification and valuation based on ing of nine bills. Many of these come from productive capacity for parcels of 1600 acres the implementation of HB 473 which was the or larger that are not devoted to residential, fuel tax passed in the last session specifying commercial, or industrial use. If you are the funding for highway infrastructure. This in- owner of parcels less than 160 acres, you cludes a match for federal funds. Folks need need to apply for agricultural classification.To to understand that Montana receives 87 cents qualify the property must be used for agriculfrom the federal government with a match re- tural purposes and annually produced at least quirement of the state of 13 cents per dollar. $1,500.00 in gross income. If driving the highways of the state it is easy to see many road projects in progress and the Next came problems from orchard and vineincrease of the fuel tax. yard growers who had one acre on which they grew fruit trees or vines to produce grapes This committee also received the report re- for the purpose of wine making. The State quired from the HJ 22 Agricultural Property Tax Appeal Board invalidated those who had Tax Study. This study dealt with the classi- planted 100 fruit trees or 120 vines. New profication and valuation of agricultural prop- ducers were unable to provide the $1,500 inerty, the results of which are: spring wheat come as it takes a minimum of five years for is valued at $1,562 per acre. This is based on the trees/or vines to produce a crop. A provi($6.67/ bushels X 60 bushels/acre X.25 crop sional classification has been sought by these share)/.064 cap rate= $1,562/acre. producers and a bill is being drafted for introduction in the next session of the legislature. Sixty bushels per acre is the highest productivity in a continuously cropped land, the Because agricultural property is based on pro-
FUEL TAX & CLASSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURAL PROPERY TO BE PRIORITIES OF LEGISLATURE
9
ductive capacity, there is a great difference in the taxes due on any parcel that qualify on agricultural classification and those that are valued on their market value. There also continues to be a great deal of discussion about the $1,500 income requirement set in 1985. Some maintain that the requirement is too low and should instead be a per acre requirement. There has also been a great deal of conversation about the one acre exemption for a farmstead as the land is exempt and the home built on the property is valued at cost. There will likely be a bill proposed to change that exemption and farmers need to be aware of this potential change. The Water Policy Committee is in the process of reviewing seven pieces of legislation that may be introduced to the next legislative session. Details can be found on the legislative website.
V O L U M E 2 7
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER
AUGUST 2018
the land and pass their operations down to their kids and grandkids someday.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
As the Farm Bill makes its way through the legislative process and onto President Trump’s desk to be signed into law, I will continue to ensure that the voices of Montana’s farmers and ranchers are heard. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of my offices across Montana or in DC with your thoughts and ideas on the upcoming Farm Bill or other issues facing Montana agriculture.
ALL-STATES CAMP PRESENTS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FARMERS UNION STYLE B Y DAV I D S H A N E
As someone who farms the land my grandparents homesteaded over 100 years ago, I know farmers and ranchers need certainty in order to make a living. We operate on tight margins and we are always planning for the future. Unfortunately, an escalating trade war has created chaos as we head into harvest and Montana producers are caught in the crossfire. Earlier this month, I hosted a roundtable discussion with ag leaders in Billings to get to the heart of this issue. They told me new tariffs are driving down commodity prices, driving up supply costs, and driving our producers out of international markets. This is particularly devastating because it took years to establish these export markets, and if we lose them, it could take years to get them back. It is important to hold other nations accountable and to negotiate better deals. But I won’t support anyone using rural America – especially family farmers and ranchers – as pawns in a trade war. That’s why, last week I voted for bipartisan legislation to give farmers and ranchers a seat at the negotiating table. I also worked hard to ensure the Senate Farm Bill protects crop insurance and other safety nets that will help producers weather this storm of uncertainty. I will always hold politicians in Washington accountable to producers in Montana, ensuring family farmers and ranchers have the certainty they need to keep making a living off
Agriculture is critical to Montana and is our state’s largest industry. It drives our economy and creates jobs. I am honored to work in Washington, DC to represent our farmers and ranchers and ensure we are putting them in the best possible position to grow their operations and provide jobs for the next generation to be involved in agriculture. As Montana’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I’ve worked hard to pass a Farm Bill that provides our farmers and ranchers with the certainty and resources they need. Recently, I supported the strong Farm Bill that the Senate passed. After hearing from producers all across Montana, I was glad to secure many Montana priorities in this bill and strongly supported its passage in the Senate. The Farm Bill protects essential safety net programs for our farmers, such as crop insurance and the sugar program. It also provides critical funding for ag research facilities all over our state and land grant institutions like Montana State University as well as ensuring rural broadband programs within USDA prioritize many of the unserved areas of Montana. Additionally, I was glad to be able to include the Hemp Farming Act, which I cosponsored, in the Farm Bill. This would allow hemp to be considered as an agricultural commodity, be eligible for crop insurance, and will help provide Montana’s farmers with another option to diversify. 10
All-States was a new and exciting experience for me . Each day a different state led a different part of camp as if they were leading it back at their own camp. Each state led multiple activities from flag raising/lowering to songs and the good night circle. I was excited to come back home and bring other camp traditions to Montana’s camps up at Arrowpeak Lodge. Lilly Green and I also had the privilege to go into Denver to volunteer our time to Sprout City Farm and Green Park Farm, located within city limits, by picking weeds and mulching. This opportunity to help at these city farms opened my eyes to how different agriculture can be, since I am more familiar to rural farms that grow a smaller variety of commodities. Towards the end of camp, we were given parts out of the national policy and had a mock policy debate with the other campers. My favorite part about All-States was being able to meet new people from different backgrounds and sharing our camp traditions in order to grow our states camp. I enjoyed the mock policy debate as well because we were able to see how each change in policy would affect the different farmers and ranchers throughout the United States. The speakers were very fun and taught us very important lessons about life and Farmers Union. The first speaker that stuck out to me was national President Roger Johnson who came and spoke at our banquet night. President Johnson talked about his involvement throughout Farmers Union both state and nationally. The other speaker I found interesting was Rulon Gardner, who is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler and wrestled in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and earned gold and bronze medals, respectively. Rulon grew up on a ranch in
V O L U M E 2 7
Wyoming and is a member of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. He talked to us about overcoming changes in life and how to adapt to the different situations that life hands to you. Over all my All-States experience was very memorable and helped me grow in my leadership skills & Farmers Union education.
AUGUST 2018
SCENES FROM ARROWPEAK CAMP
11
Since 1915
OUR AGENTS LIVE AND WORK NEAR YOU. Anaconda Stefanie Thompson 563.5991 Belgrade Craig Parker 388.6774 Bigfork Janice Erickson 692.6020 Billings Jim Mathews 656.2323 Billings Steve Plaggemeyer 294.9491 Billings Judd Long 252.9391 Billings KJ Fauth 969.2282 Billings Jeanne Benson 252.9391 Bozeman Dean Derby 556.0893 Bozeman Trent Leintz 551.2163 Bozeman Art Hoffart 586.6230 Bridger Wesley Schwend 662.3930 Chester Gary Seubert 759.5150 Choteau Mathew Luedtke 466.5146 Circle Kaylen Lehner 485.3303 Conrad Dirk Elings 271.7047 Dillon Judy Siring 683.2365 Dillon Sara Nye 683.1250 Dutton Will Rasmussen 476.3444 Fairfield Matt Luedtke 467.3444 Froid Austin O’ Dea 766.2205 Glasgow Del Hansen 228.2284 Great Falls Eric Hinebauch 453.8413 Great Falls Aeric Reilly 570.5853 Great Falls Jeff Thill 452.7283 Hamilton Bryan Jones 363.6583 Hardin Melissa Wacker 665.1867 Havre Cindy Schubert 265.2693
Helena Todd Crum 443.4630 Kalispell Randy Bloom 257.1252 Kalispell Charles Monroe 756.7720 Laurel Dallas Hagfeldt, Jr. 628.6649 Laurel Lorna Olson 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 Watts Insurance 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 Shelby KW Insurance 424.8480 Shelby Russ Seubert 434.5211 Sidney Cathy Hintz 488.8326 Sunburst KW Insurance 937.6950 Terry Watts Agency 635.5782 Thompson Falls Sally Miller 827.3221 Whitefish Rial Gunlikson 862.4700 Wolf Point Jesse Fleming 653.2200