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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
STATE OF THE DELAY B Y U S C A ’ S WA S H I N G TO N , D C TEAM
Livestock haulers represent a small segment of the trucking industry, but will be among the most affected by the upcoming Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) mandate, a federal regulation that will wreak havoc on small business owners across the country. On December 18, 2017, all motor carriers model year 2000 and newer will require each of its drivers to use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record the driver’s hours-of-service (HOS).
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) and its nationwide membership of cowcalf producers, backgrounders, feedlot operators and livestock haulers are responsible for the da-
Lia Biondo, Director of Policy & Outreach; Jess Peterson, Senior Policy Advisor; Kelly Fogarty, Executive Vice President.
ily transportation of millions of animals. The welfare and the safety of their cargo is of the utmost importance to livestock transporters; it is their job to ensure that the animals arrive to their destination in the best condition possible. This responsibility requires additional hours of training and expertise, provided by industry programs such as the Master Cattle Transporter program and the National Pork Board’s Transport Quality Assurance program. Both courses offer specific suggestions on keeping animals comfortable on long trips, including temperature considerations and the appropriate length of time that animals should be on the trailer. Livestock haulers must take into consideration the welfare of their cargo
which means avoiding rough-road conditions, slowing down, and being more aware of their surroundings to prevent animal injury. Research from Kansas State University suggests that animal transport should be limited to a maximum of 15-25 hours. Further, the study found that mortality rates double for cattle after 30 hours of standing on the truck. In more recent research, Temple Grandin (2014) found that the animals start showing signs of fatigue after 15 hours of transport. There is no infrastructure currently available to off-load cattle in the event that a driver were to ‘run out of hours’. In this case, the driver would be forced to pull off to the side of the road and wait the mandatory 10-hours before being able to begin the trip again. This heightens
welfare concerns, as animals are likely to lay down after 24 hours of transport, regardless of increased chance of bodily harm in the trailer (Knowles et al., 1999). Even if ‘off-loading stations’ were built to address this concern, unloading cattle in unfamiliar spaces would not only allow for co-mingling of the cattle between lots but also increase the risk of the animals contracting airborne diseases. In the event of an epidemic disease outbreak, it would then become nearly impossible to track the origin of that outbreak and thus provide relief for the industry. The current ELD marketplace does not clearly support the needs of our members. Manufacturers are unable to confirm if their devices can accommodate the HOS exemptions currently utilized by the livestock industry. C O N T I N U E D PA G E
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NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES had lunch at Dickinson farm. The last day was wrapped up by Sarah Lloyd who talked about her experience running for the senate The National Women’s Conference in San Diego in Wisconsin. Members Joellyn Clark of Fort was a great experience. The conference started Benton and Lorrie Merrill of Big Sandy also Sunday, January 14, and concluded Thursday, January 18. During the four day experience there were a lot of great inspirational speakers setting the way for women to have a bigger role in our society! The conference included great insight on how women can have their voices heard, and the actions we can take to lead in this time of transition. Women are beginning to take a greater role in farming by running for office and being advocates for important issues that affect our country. BY VIOLET GREEN E D U C AT I O N C O O R D I N AT O R
attended the conference. If you are interested in attending next year’s National Farmers Union Women’s Conference please contact the state office at 1-800-234-4071.
The first day we were greeted by the National Farmers Union Staff and a great presentation by Farm Credit. Speakers this day included Sarah Campbell & Ester Lin who presented on tips to have your voice heard; Lisa Kivirist on how women can create multiple farm income streams; Madeline Schultz on transition planning; Barbara Patterson provided an overview of food safety regulations and concluded with keynote speakers Liz Johnson & Sarah Lloyd who led a discussion on running for office. The second day was also full of great insight on 2018 NFU Women’s Conference; left to right: Joellyn Clark,Violet Green, Lorrie Merrill and Holly Rainey women in leadership roles. Liz Johnson started us off with a second part from the night before and was followed by Lisa Kivirist talking about “Homemade for Sale.” Poppy Davis then took Jeff Bangs the lead on helping us find more insight on ways Bangs Family Farm to structure our farm/ranch or business and finished with information on farm/ranch taxes. Tuesday night wrapped up with Rachel Petitt of Farm Veteran Coalition along with Iris Gardner who talked about how she runs her own farm in California while her husband is deployed. The final full day was filled with speakers Sara Wat with AgrAbility and Charlotte Smith of 3 Cow Marketing. Charlotte talked about how to be a confident and effective leader. The rest of the morning and afternoon was filled with farm tours where we toured three farms near San Diego. The farms included the Dickinson Farm, Coastal Roots Farm and Urban Roots Farm. We Farm tour at the National Women’s Conference; photo credit Joellyn Clark 2
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
Chance & Ashley Barrett, Miles City Fletcher Ranches LLC, Ashland Homestead Farms LLC, Fallon Mark & Christina Ostendorf, Ismay Richard & Joann Heser, Wolf Point Gary & Diane MacDonald, Wolf Point Brice & Jessica Nations, Cascade Bernard Koenig, Conrad Bill Zanto, Highwood Ingvard Property LLC, Clyde Park Lester & Cheryl Griffith, Billings Clint & Ali Peterson, Bridger Lowell & Lou Ann Peterson, Bridger Raymond Schaak, Hardin Josie Hill, Clancy Robert & Ruth Clawson, Columbia Falls Heath Pendlay, Crosby, ND Danny & Deana DePauw, Stevensville Robert Osborne, Lakeside Libby MaClay, Missoula Kristina & Bill Martinell, Dell Austin & Shelby O’Dea, Froid
IN THIS ISSUE Message from the President: Overview of Resolutions Passed by NFU Board of Directors Page 4
Recruited by Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming K J Fauth Dirk Elings Dirk Elings Daryl Hansen Craig Parker Wes Schwend Wes Schwend Melissa Wacker Todd Crum Charles Monroe Charles Monroe Bryan Jones Andrew Luedtke MFU Office MFU Office MFU Office
Delegates Talk National Convention Page 5 Support of Local Communities Key to Economic Stability; Justin Loch Page 6 Public Comment on Pulse Crops; Paul Kanning Page 7 Indian Food Restaurant Comes to Times Square; Dave Snuggs EPA Sounds off on Animal Emissions; Chris Christaens Page 8 Montana Delegation: Congressman Greg Gianforte; Senator Steve Daines Page 9 Column: Senator Jon Tester Page 10 MFU Partners with GFDA & Bear Paw Development on CRP Workshop Page 11
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 © 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
In Memoriam Mrs. Keith(Sharon) Good Floweree Gorden Dyrud Conrad Kenneth G. Johnson Belt
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The second resolution is about the food and agriculture mergers: “Congress must put a stop to food, agriculture and transportation mergers. By nearly every metric, corporate consolidation has reached unprecedented levels. Farmers face the consequences of consolidation on both ends of the supply chain. The four largest companies control 66 percent of pork packing, 85 percent of beef packing, 88 percent of corn seeds and 80 percent of soybean seeds. Foreign ownership of corporations in this space continues to grow. NFU urges Congress to institute a moratorium on all mergers in the agriculture and food sector.” Integrity of the National Organic Program (NOP) is another resolution we looked at as the NFU Board. “The Organic Foods ProducI attended the winter board meeting of the tion Act directed the national organic stanNational Farmers Union in conjunction with dards board to provide direction on changes the National Farmers Union Women Confer- and modernization to the program. NOP ence in San Diego. It was the largest women’s was always intended to represent continued conference to date. The National Farmers improvement and modernization. Central to Union Board of Directors worked out a few the success of the program is the integrity in resolutions for the upcoming months. All of the label. The NOP issued the organic Livethem are important and very much relevant stock and Poultry Practices rule with wide for Agriculture today. The first resolution is spread industry support. USDA recently withabout how family farms are the cornerstone drew the rule and blocked implementation of of society and the foundation for a our food these standards even though they have long system. The resolution states: “The family been expected by the organic community and farm is the keystone of a free, progressive, and clearly reflect strong stakeholders input. We democratic national society as well as a strong urge USDA to make the organic livestock and America, and is the basis of a safe, secure, and poultry rule effective immediately and respect stable food system. It provides opportunities the public-private partnerships of the Nationfor individual enterprise to all families in our al Organic Program.” society to achieve economic and social stability, as well as soil, water, and environmen- The resolution on Dairy is a crucial one. tal stewardship of our natural resources and Family dairies are literately going out of busiunparalleled production efficiency. National ness on a daily basis. The bleeding has to stop! Farmers Union’s Board of Directors, in its NFU Board would like a budget resolution to continued efforts to protect family farms calls increase spending for an adequate safety net. on congress in 2018 to provide strong support and increased funding in the best interests of Finally, the NFU Board of Directors worked family farms, rural communities and consum- on other issues both internal and external. We ers. Given persistent and ongoing economic will be meeting again in Kansas City for the challenges in the farm and rural economy, national convention. I look forward to reportcongress must pass a farm bill and necessary ing back to the members the progress of these supplemental assistance as soon as possible. resolutions and the policy for 2018. Trade policies continue to promote the sale of farm products at prices below the cost of production. Farm bill legislation in 2018 must strengthen the safety net so that farmers and ranchers can manage risk, stay in business and continue to feed our country.” 4
S TAT E O F D E L AY C O N T I N U E D
The lack of understanding on what these devices are capable of only exposes the confusion that exists in the implementation of this mandate. There are also still concerns with the education of enforcement officers, who are tasked with the enforcement of this regulation. If neither the enforcing officers, livestock transporters or manufacturers are properly educated and made aware of the demands of the mandate and its scope within the agriculture industry, how will this play out in the field? Currently, all transporters of agricultural commodities are on a 90-day waiver from the requirements of the mandate. This was given due to FMCSA’s desire to further evaluate how the mandate will affect the industry’s ability to safely and efficiently deliver agricultural goods. We encourage FMCSA to continue working with industry in a manner that advances both public safety and addresses the safety and welfare of our live cargo, while considering the significant harm the rule will cause to the livestock industry. The livestock and insect industries would like to see a delay of the ELD mandate to be able to effectively work on the Hours of Service rules to meet the real world demands and economic expectations of hauling live animals. Livestock industries, including USCA, are working on a long-term solution to this issue while also taking into account new FMCSA guidance on current flexibilities. We urge Congress to not abandon America’s small businesses and continue advocating for regulatory changes that will provide relief for the industry. The ELD mandate does not provide any additional levels of safety and will adversely impact not just livestock haulers, but many other transporters of perishable or cyclical products. This burdensome regulation does not carry out its intended purpose and instead only harms small business owners, consumers, and rural America. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact USCA’s Washington, D.C. office at (202) 870-1552. Schuetze, S., Scwandt, E., & Thompson, D. (n.d.). Recommendations for cattle transport duration in the U.S. (Rep.). Kansas State University. Grandin, T. (Ed.). (2014). Livestock Handling and Transport: Theories and Applications. Cabi. Knowles, T. G., Warriss, P. D., Brown, S. N., & Edwards, J. E. (1999). Effects on cattle of transportation by road for up to 31 hours. The Veterinary Record, 145(20), 575-582.
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MFU DELEGATES TO ATTEND NATIONAL FARMERS UNION CONVENTION IN MARCH
Tom & Joellyn Clark, Fort Benton
Scott LeFurgey, Loma
“I hope to get better knowledge on national policy and to see how our grassroot policy works its way up to the national level. Also, I'm grateful to able to give back to the organization from the FUE leadership training they provided my wife and I. The experience I hope to get out of being a delegate is to see what policies other states bring to national and to see how it may help or affect what we do in agriculture. I think all policies are important, but we need to make sure we have a strong safety net to help protect the family farms and the next generation.” ~ Scott LeFurgey Alan Merrill, President
“The function of a delegate at the national conventnion is a very important one. Members have the chance to be involved first-hand in the process of shaping policy. I look foward to representing our members at the national convention in Kansas.”
David Shane,Youth Delegate
~ Alan Merrill
“This is our first trip back to National Convention together since 2015 when we attended for our first time as that year’s Farmers Union Enter prise couple. Tom returned in 2016 as a delegate, and this year will be Joellyn’s first delegate experience. ” ~ Tom and Joellyn Clark
“As a youth delegate I look forward to seeing how the national convention is run and to be able to go and represent Montana. I hope that this experience allows me to learn more about major policy issues and how things are run at the national level. This experience will also allow me to grow in knowledge and in my leadership ability. One of the top policy items that I see as important is climate change, especially during the times of El Niño and La Niña. ” ~ David Shane
Levi Ostberg, Fairfield
Erik Somerfeld Board Member
Will Downs Board Member
Jan Tusick Board Member
***Doug Crabtee, owner and operator of Vilicus Farms, is the alternate delegate. 5
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AGRICULTURE KEY TO SUCCESS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
I would like to say thanks to all of our members, supporters, and friends of Montana Farmers Union that stopped by our booth at the MAGIE farm show in Great Falls. After the MAGIE, I spent time thinking about what I had observed or a common theme that kept getting my attention. As all of you are fully aware the price of new machinery is outrageous, but very important to many operations with all of the advancements that have been made. This makes farming more acres easier and more effective. But this only works for a select few operations as most operations can’t justify or afford new equipment. That being said, a sad but true phenomenon is occurring. Farm towns are getting smaller and family farms are becoming more and more scarce. Where I grew up in Dutton my grandfather was a third generation farmer and there were 30 plus farmers scattered around the immediate area. Today, many of these small farms have disappeared and the area is farmed by roughly eight bigger operations. My family still owns some of my grandfather’s original farm land, but it wasn’t a big enough place for parents to support a family of six. My father took a safer approach for our family and leased the land to a larger farmer. This hasn’t been all bad as my dad has been able to work his full time job at the local co-op as an agronomist and focus his extra time on livestock in way of cattle and hogs. My parents still live on the farm raising livestock and we are all able to still gather and experience the roots of having a family farm and hopefully continue for future generations. I know not every smaller producer or family farm can survive in the current farm economy, but I hope that as Farmers Union members we can do our part to support our Ag communities. Schools are the cornerstone of almost every farm community. Please stay involved in your local school. Go to the events the school puts on whether its concerts, sporting events or meetings. I know larger schools further from your local town might seem like it will provide more opportunities for your family, but please think of the impact it will have
Electric City FFA visit the MFU booth at the MAGIE in Great Falls
on your local school if you don’t send your kids to your local school. More and more schools are merging and closing each year due to declining enrollment. We need to encourage and build up our small communities so we can survive for years to come. It’s not always the cheapest and it may not offer the best selection, but we need to support local business as it provides value and life to our communities. I encourage you to look for new ventures in your communities as it may help build resurgence and strengthen a weakening community. Trust me when I say I’m guilty of not going back supporting my community where I grew up. I need to be better about getting to the local events whether it is at the school or a separate community event. Hopefully this year and in the future I do a better job. Each day the struggle is real for the farmer to be successful and hang on. There are so many variables working against success. It’s true that each year more and more farms will go under or be taken over by larger producers. But sometimes it’s the little things that can help squeeze another year out for farmers. We as a farming community can help each other in some fashion, sometimes it’s just being there to listen or give advice. I know it’s easy to get caught up in looking at bright shiny things in the way of new equipment and get discouraged, but remember each day you get in that old tractor or combine you are doing what is
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in your blood and meant to do; being a farmer, rancher and provider! Keep your head up and know that what you are doing is vital to your family legacy, your community and the rest of the world. If you are reading this and are not a farmer or rancher, please support these people who work each day to help provide food for the rest of us. I know my perspective on working harder to help family farms continue has become stronger. I want my family to always have the farm to come home to for a visit and experience like I did as a kid, and hopefully work on it at some level in the future if they choose. No truer words bring out what I’m trying say as encouragement or purpose than Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer.” Read this excerpt and take a minute to think about what a great thing it is to be a farmer/rancher each day.
So God made a farmer :“God said I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields and milk cows again. I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf, yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. I need somebody who'll bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing , who will laugh and then sigh and then reply with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life 'doing what dad does. So God made a farmer.”
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RMA HOLDS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON PULSES ery county, leading to approximately 200,000 pulse acres left unharvested. Finally, we saw India impose a 50% tariff on all pea imports in November, followed by a 30% tariff on lentil and chickpea imports to close out the year. The tariffs by India certainly led to volatility for our markets. As the world’s top importer, India’s pulse production and consumption are the dominant market forces. Poor Indian harvests in 2014 and 2015 led to a supply shortage and a spike in market prices. This was followed by record Indian harvests in 2016 and 2017, a surplus of commodities, and the Indian government’s effort to curb the import of pulses.
ing their crop rotation plans for 2018 and beyond. In addition to the market outlook, there are also new proposed rotational restrictions from the USDA Risk Management Agency which must be considered beginning with the 2019 crop year.
North Dakota State University recommended the three year rotation restriction also apply when lentils follow dry peas or when dry peas follow lentils. The Northern Pulse Growers Association concurred with this recommendation. Therefore, beginning in 2019, RMA is proposing a 3-year rotation that requires a farm to be out of both dry peas and lentils for at least two consecutive years before seeding them again. For example, a farm could grow peas, then wheat for two years, then lentils. Crop insurance will not attach to any farm which fails to meet this rotational restriction.RMA’s comment period is currently underway until May 1, 2018 for this proposed rotation statement.
Currently there is a three year rotation for dry peas following peas, or lentils following lentils. However, the current rules also allow a farm to wait only two years between dry peas and lentils. For exB Y PA U L K A N N I N G VICE CHAIR ample a farm may grow peas, then M O N TA N A P U L S E C R O P wheat, then lentils, then wheat, COMMITTEE then peas. The prior surge in market prices led to farmers tightIt has been a remarkable time ening their rotations in order to for pulse crops in Montana. increase pulse acres. In turn, this 2017 brought another expansion led to an increased risk of pulse of pulse acres in our state, with While the market continues to crop diseases. In order to abate an incredible 1.5 million acres adjust to the current tariffs, Mon- this risk, plant pathologists from Comments can be sent by email to seeded. It also brought a drought tana farmers are busy modify- Montana State University and RSOMT@rma.usda.gov. which quickly expanded into ev7
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SAIBEEN’S KITCHEN RELOCATES TO TIMES SQUARE B Y DAV E S N U G G S FAC I L I T I E S D I R E C TO R
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ting for Saibeen’s Kitchen.
and will be able to seat over 50 people.
Saibeen’s Kitchen, which has been operating inside Pizazz, is now moving into a larger space with more seating. Saibeen Acord, Owner and Executive Chef of Saibeen’s Kitchen, has outgrown Pizazz and the managers at Times Square reached out to her to see if she’d be interested in bringing her unique flavors to the Penthouse Floor, utilizing the commercial kitchen.
If demand continues, Acord indicated she could expand to a fourth day for lunch. Her customers have been encouraging her to offer dinner service, but for now she’s keeping it simple. “I am so grateful for all the love and support of the community in helping me build my business. I will continue with lunches and we’ll take it one step at a time.”
Acord had previously run a catering business as well as her own restaurant in Calgary but left it to raise her kids. For a time, she also worked as an air traffic controller, then in May of 2016, she moved to Great Falls where she got back in the kitchen.“My passion has always been cooking. “I’m especially excited to Acord launched her culinary enterprise at Pi- be able to bring the unique flavors of India zazz in November 2016 and recently added a and East Africa to Great Falls. I’m so thankful third day for her lunch offerings. Acord said that the wonderful people of our community she was getting busier and sometimes had to have been so accepting and welcoming.” In January Montana Farmers Union welcomed turn people away for lack of seating. Times a new restaurant to the Times Square building Square, at 525 Central Ave, has dedicated a Acord will also begin teaching several courses in downtown Great Falls. On January 9 Mayor large area of the Great Falls Wedding and through Great Falls College MSU’s Lifelong Bob Kelly and others attended a ribbon cut- Event Center for her growing lunch clientele Learning in January. At Times Square, the hours for Saibeen’s Kitchen will be, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11 a.m. to 2pm. She’ll continue posting her menu to Saibeen’s Kitchen Facebook page on Mondays as she has previously done.
LISTENING SESSION ON ANIMAL EMISSIONS BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S
Your Montana Farmers Union staff participated in a listening session dealing with reporting requirements concerning animal emissions and waste. The estimated date for mandatory reporting was January 22 pending a further delay issuance of the mandate. The EPA filed a motion with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to delay which was granted. Until the court issues its order the mandate enforcing reporting of emissions for farms is exempted from reporting. While that is a positive, it would appear that the reporting requirements are only temporary. The reporting of emissions will be from live animal emissions and from manure piles on production facilities and will be measuring both Ammonia and Hydrogen sulfide. The EPA website of www.epa.gov/animal waste will direct you to the resources information by species.
2018 Arrowpeak Summer Camp Registration opens mid-April and typically closes two weeks before start of camp. Contact Violet Green, Youth Education Coordinator, with questions at 452-6406. Visit montanafarmersunion.com for more information!
Junior I: June 17-22 Senior : June 24-29 Teen I: July 8-13 Junior II: July 15-20 Teen II: July 22-27
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A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN GREG GIANFORTE
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in 5 don’t have access to high-speed internet. We must do better and have policies that encourage broadband investment, particularly in our rural communities. I will work with the administration and members of both parties in Congress to help ensure rural America has the tools and resources to compete in the global economy. I look forward to hearing from you on the issues facing rural Montana. My door is always open, so please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can find contact information on my website at gianforte.house.gov.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
As the House considers the new Farm Bill, I look forward to ensuring it is a good fit for Montana with the help of individuals and organizations like the Montana Farmers Union. Another important agenda item for 2018 is to kickstart investment in rural broadband. Investment in broadband has declined over the last two years, the longest stretch since the last recession. Nearly 1 in 3 Montanans don’t have access to broadband, which is three times the national average. The situation is even worse in rural Montana, where 3
After months of being beaten into the ground by Mother Nature through drought and wildfire, many Montana farmers and ranchers have been buried under the snow, unable to do the work necessary to repair the damage from summer. They need more time to recover. This six-month extension moves the deadline to complete eligible projects to June 1, 2018, providing more time to complete appropriate projects. I was honored to call for this extension on behalf of Montana’s hardworking agriculture community. We now have folks in the Administration who understand our Western way of life and they get it: our farmers and ranchers are both the largest contributors to our economy and our state’s heritage. While you feed the state and the nation, count me amongst those standing behind you in support. I am always happy to help where I can.
Passing a five-year Farm Bill is one of the most important agenda items for Congress this year. The Farm Bill’s effects are not only felt in the field, but also in the forest, on the dinner table, in the marketplace – just about everywhere in Montana. Knowing the Farm Bill’s importance to our communities and wanting to make sure Montana’s fingerprints are on it, I began working on the bill after taking office in June of last year. I have worked with dozens of Montana rural organizations to make sure their voices are heard. I also assembled an Agriculture Advisory Committee so that I could tap into the experience, expertise, and knowledge of those involved in Montana agriculture. Lyndsay Bruno, who is communications director with the Montana Farmers Union, is a member of the advisory committee. (Thanks, Lyndsay, for your participation and valued input.)
tary Perdue granted a six-month extension for Montana farmers and ranchers to provide sufficient time to complete projects in light of Montana’s winter conditions. This important program helps farmers and ranchers repair damage caused by natural disasters like those seen in Montana last year. The funds also help implement water conservation efforts, such as drilling and replacing wells.
MFU SPONSORS FARM EXPO March 16-17 MFU will be in Plentywood for KATQ’s Farm Expo. While we are no longer in the throes of summer, the impacts of last year’s wildfires and drought are still making an impact. Over 1 million acres were lost during Montana’s 2017 wildfire season, including many farming and ranching lands. During the summer, I worked hard to secure additional funding and flexibilities for Montana farmers and ranchers. By working with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Secretary of the Interior, Montana Native, Ryan Zinke, we were able to authorize grazing and haying on Conservation Reserve Program acreage and open the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge for emergency grazing relief. But there is still more that needs to be done. I am happy to share that after petitioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the deadline for Emergency Conservation Program projects, Secre-
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Stop by our exhibotor booth or take part in one of our education workshops: • Industrial Hemp: Friday, Mar 16 at 1p.m. This workshop will feature Jeff Kostkuik, Director of Hemp Genetics International. • Generational differences in the workplace: Saturday, Mar 17. Jaime Edmundson, Executive Director of the Montana FFA Foundation, will lead this workshop. In addition, MFU Board member Sig Rudie will provide youth education for students attending the expo.See you there!
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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER
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vitalization of so many rural communities has been put at risk. The FCC voted to repeal Net Neutrality last month and removed safeguards that guaranteed a free and open internet for every Montanan and every Montana business. This decision now provides internet service providers with the opportunity to block websites, throttle internet speeds, and force local businesses to pay money for services that used to be free. Most importantly, small businesses who rely on the internet are no longer competing on a level playing field with their multi-national competitors. If a major corporation pays for faster throttle speeds, or tries to block competing website, it is nearly impossible for a small business to keep up.
Folks in rural America already know what Montana rural communities have been fight- business consolidation does to a community ing population loss for decades. and if local businesses are forced to shut their doors as a result of the FCC’s decision to reClass A schools have turned into Class B peal Net Neutrality, it will be the nail in the schools, and many Class C schools are forced coffin for many small towns. to co-op with former rivals just to field a football team. Families will have to leave their home to find new jobs. Banks and grocery stores will lose Many corners of Montana have felt the im- customers and be put at risk, and schools and pact of population loss but in recent years, hospitals won’t be far behind. but in recent years, we have seen a new jolt of energy in the local businesses that power our As a product of a rural community, I refuse rural communities. to let Washington bureaucrats undercut our High-speed internet has provided small busi- businesses and hurt our way of life. nesses with new opportunities and inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs to A free and open internet is critical to the fulaunch their own business in their hometown. ture of rural America, and it provides a path for many folks to pass down their family No longer are small business owners confined farms and ranches to the next generation. to the customers who are within driving distance of their brick and mortar shop on Main That is why I am helping lead the fight to fix Street. Today, because of the internet, folks this issue once and for all by supporting biin rural communities are selling their made- partisan legislation that will permanently rein-Montana products to every corner of the store Net Neutrality and ensure that the interglobe. net remains free and open to all Montanans. Small business owners in rural areas are using the internet to find new customers for their value-added ag products and manufactured goods, and they are doing so while creating new jobs in their community. But due to recent actions from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the re-
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They will have work sheets for you to use in determining your own operation and how to measure the emissions. It will be important to determine whether your operation qualifies for continued release information. An initial notification, if measurements qualify for notification, is a three pronged reporting process. This includes reporting to the National Response Center covering what chemicals are being released. At that point a reporting number will be given to your operation and following up 30 days later with a streamlined form. Releases are calculated from releases over a 24 hour period. It is recommended that you determine early either the need to report or not to do so and keep your documentation should there be a question later. If on a continuous reporting the results are again reviewed one year later. It is important to make an estimate and keep the method used to make your determination as needed to report. It is rather straightforward in the need to report if operating a 1000 head CAFO or a large hog operation, but less clear when smaller. At the moment pastured cattle are not excluded from reporting and regardless of the size of pasture acres should the number be 1000 head. Reporting is up to the operator when making a determination of reporting. For some reason, the EPA has not completed computation of sheep operations, but there are several options for assistance in determining reporting requirements.USDA offices have information to assist along with the Department of Agriculture and the EPA who are available by calling 1-800-424-9346. The phone lines are available in Denver from 8AM to 5PM. The reporting is not only for livestock, but poultry operations will also be required to start reporting when the court makes the decision. The EPA plans to continue giving updates as they occur.
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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 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 53.8413 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 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 Watts Agency 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 Sally Miller 827.3221 Falls Whitefish Rial Gunlikson 862.4700 Wolf Point Jesse Fleming 653.2200