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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
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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MEMBER profile
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THE HOVENS: A STORY OF PASSION FOR FAMILY AND BUSINESS In each edition of Montana Grass Roots it is our pleasure to share the story of one of our members. This month we highlight the Hoven family who continue to make a tremendous impact on Montana agriculture and the business community.
PAID
Sean was born in Alexandria, Louisiana and raised in Great Falls Montana. He graduated from Great Falls High and Montana State University. I was born in Highland, Illinois and raised in Duluth, Minnesota. I graduated from Central High School and the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. We ended up in the Saint Paul, Minnesota area after college. In 2008, we adopted our son Lawrence from Ethiopia who is now 9 years old. In 2012 we adopted our daughter Olivia from Shanghai, China who is now 6. In 2014 we adopted our son Henry from Huainan City, China who is now 8. We have two dogs named Massey Ferguson and Sophie, one cat named Zona, and one fish named Goldie.
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
1.Can you share with us your family background?
2.)How did you meet?
Sean and Andrea Hoven with sons Lawerence and Henry and daughter Olivia Photo Credit: Amanda Berg Photography
We have been married for 13 years and met on Match.com while living in Minnesota. C O N T I N U E D PA G E 5
IN THIS ISSUE.... PAGE 4 Alternative Crops Have Promise for Montana Producers
PAGE 7 It’s Census time: Why it’s vital for Montana producers to participate
PAGE 11 MFU Supports Higher Education Focusing on Agriculture
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Jeff Bangs Bangs Family Farm
CONFERENCE
Women’s
HAVRE BEST WESTERN PLUS FEBRUARY 9–10, 2018
FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS FEBRUARY 23-25, 2018
(REGISTRATION OPENS IN DECEMBER)
(REGISTRATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER)
For more details on both events and to register visit: montanafarmersunion.com
CONFERENCE
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
Michael Nicholson, Havre Glen French, Ismay Jesse & Debra Smith, Miles City Ervin & Sherry Stickel, Glendive Brianna & Kyle Vine, Vida Loren Bisbee, Wolf Point Beau & Jerriann Franzen, Sidney Jean Hintz, Wolf Point Ellery & Loriann Hoch, Wolf Point Richard & Lee Ann, Rush, Wolf Point Steve & Kendra Cook, Woodstock, Georgia Wendell & Trish Hays, Worden Randy & Cindy Siemsen, Shepherd Ragland Farms Inc, Hardin Ethan & Megan Hinebauch, Chinook Carl Shane Piehler, Missoula Michael Campbell, Dutton Douglas Siderius, Kalispell Erick Fleischmann, Hamilton Daniel Stringari, Hamilton Brianna & Kyle Vine, Vida K J & Lindsay Fauth, Shepherd Alexis & Colton Barton, Great Falls Jamie Fitterer, Bozeman
IN THIS ISSUE iHemp : Now is the Time To Research the Possibilities Page 4
Recruited by Cindy Schubert Ron Watts Ron Watts Ron Watts Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming K J Fauth K J Fauth K J Fauth Melissa Wacker Eric Hinebauch
Member Profile: The Hoven Family Page 5
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:
A Preview of the 2018 Women’s Conference: Pivot into Change! Page 6 Youth are the Future of Agriculture: How MFU Inspires the Next Generation Page 7 Montana Calls for a Special Session Page 9
Brad Bowman Mathew Luedtke Charlie Monroe Bryan Jones Bryan Jones Jesse Fleming MFU Office MFU Lodge MFU Office
MONTANA FARMERS UNION
Guest Columns: by Senator Steve Daines & Senator Jon Tester Page 10 Supporting Higher Education: A Priority of MFU Page 11
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, 2017. 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.Gorden(Virgina) Dyrud, Conrad Andrew Campros, Chester
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT crops a producer can really get a sense of if a given crop will work on their farm. A producer needs to know optimal growing techniques and how to harvest and market these crops. Acting with out this knowledge could be a real setback to your operation. Another factor to consider is that iHemp can be a difficult crop to store for long periods of time. There are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure it will be safe to store. It is recommended to start with a small plot of land to see how the crop will perform before expanding the area. Pulse crops have helped many farmers in the area. It’s different to grow than wheat and barley, but if you’ve mastered the planting of your pulse crops and are careful on what type of soil to grow them in, they can help save the family farm. Pulse crops can help rebuild the soil and are a little easier to store.
ALTERNATIVE CROPS INCLUDING IHEMP PROVIDE POTENTIAL FOR PRODUCERS TO DIVERSIFY
In today’s agriculture climate we all must try to keep our own operation a viable for generations to come which means we may need to think outside the box. We need alternative ways to earn income. After college I returned This year Montana Farmers Union has held a to the family farm in 1975. At that time I sold series of workshops on Industrial Hemp. wheat for $5.35 per bushel. Today that same The reason for this education is to offer pro- bushel sells for $4.25 a bushel. New pickup ducers information on the possibilites of al- trucks were $10,000- 12,000 in ‘75. Today they ternative crops like iHemp and pulse crops. can cost up to $70,000 or more. The price of For quite some time MFU has offered educa- wheat should be an insult to a farmer and all tion on pulse crops, but industrial hemp is a the hard work they do to produce that bushel newcomer. of wheat. Industrial Hemp might be just the tool you need to fill the void on your operation. iHemp is really not new although the crop has been ignored for many years. There are many ways that iHemp can be used from food to oil and even bedding for horses. It can also be added to concrete in the construction of roads, bridges and buildings. The addition of iHemp is said to extend the life of these structures. Planting iHemp is a valuable renewable resource that we all should take advantage of.
Alternative crops can help one’s bottom line and will be here for farmers to use and benefit from their many positive outcomes. MFU will get the information for upcoming iHemp and pulse meetings in your communities, so please stay tuned.
Knowledge really is power. By attending hands-on workshops on iHemp and other 4
ARROWPEAK LODGE CELEBRATES ANOTHER AMAZING SEASON! 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
The 2017 summer season at Arrowpeak Lodge in the Highwood Mountains has ended. The doors are locked, the windows are boarded up and the lodge has gone to sleep for the winter. However, at the first signs of spring, it will begin to wake and prepare for the return of guests. The Arrowpeak Lodge hosted 29 events including eight weddings, six family reunions, seven retreats and seven youth camps including four Montana Farmers Union camps. Although the facility has hosted more events in a single season, what makes the 2017 season remarkable is that from June 1st until August 27th, there were guests at the lodge every day. One wedding stood out as we hosted dignitaries from several governmental agencies. Members of Secret Service and the Highway Patrol Asset Transportation Team were in attendance along with an Explosives Detection K-9. It is estimated that over seven-thousand guests experienced the beauty of the Arrowpeak Lodge in 2017, and over 50,000 guests have attended an event since the facility opened to the general public in 2010. The popularity of the Arrowpeak Lodge has once again created a near “sell-out” for the 2018 season. All weekends are already reserved and only nine weekdays are available. The Arrowpeak Lodge provides a true Montana experience and that combined with great word of mouth reviews are the reason why we continue to be booked 18-months in advance. For more information visit https://arrowpeak.montanafarmersunion.com/.
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business despite the ups and
M E M B E R P RO F I L E C O N T I N U E D
A C
left to right: Henry(7); Olivia(5); Lawrence(8)
We had a lot in common, skiing, traveling, and a love for the state of Montana. Sean was working as a chemical engineer at 3M and I as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. After dating for a couple of years we decided to get married and move to Montana where Sean grew up. Sean wanted to work in his family’s business and I was able to work for Northwest Airlines by commuting to work a couple times a month. 3.) Hoven Equipment has been a staple in our community for decades, how has the business evolved over time? Brian and Barbara Hoven started Hoven Equipment Company in 1978 selling Allis Chalmers tractors and Gleaner combines. In 1978 there were 38 equipment dealerships between Cut Bank, Havre, Lewistown, and Great Falls. Today there are only 14. During this period of consolidation taking advantage of various opportunities presented was the
many producers and supporting business to update equipment and facilities, but more importantly many improved their balance sheets and equity positions. Unfortunately commodity pricing fell to historical lows and are slow to rebound. The plan for the next several years will be aggressively managing expenses and exploring key to survival. The last 39 years new revenue sources. Many prohave seen the shift from 100% ducers are utilizing pulse crops to mechanical farm equipment to bolster profitability. highly electronic farm equipment. Today’s farm implements, 5.What makes Hoven Equipwhich do not have engines, typi- ment so successful? cally have at least one computer. Hoven Equipment is a doing orModern combines have numerous ganization. We utilize process computers and any one of them and procedures to ensure posican stop the harvesting process. tive outcomes, but things hapThe modern farm equipment pen which are outside of normal dealership has to embrace tech- operation of daily events. When these situations arise the team is nology in all departments. expected to make the best deci4.What advice would you give sion they can with the informasomeone looking to get into tion they have at the time and do agriculture? The agriculture whatever it takes to make things economy is cyclic and does not happen. We are in the business of track with the national economy. solving our customers’ problems If you are planning on making with the products we represent your living in agriculture you are and the services we offer. Hoven part of a very small group of peo- Equipment Company is only a ple in this nation. Less than 2% building without its strong team of the United States population members. is involved in direct for profit agricultural pro duction. The secret of success is to be extremely fiscally conservative. The great time we experienced during 2008-2014 allowed
downs in commodity prices and limited access to financing? Hard times breed good habits. Good times breed bad habits. It is very important to remember the lessons learned during the hard times. Most long term producers are fiscally conservative, but are always looking for new sources of revenue, efficiency improvement, and cost cutting This also includes trying new processes, crops, or marketing strategies via baby steps to determine viability. Not every new idea is right for everyone. 7.What do the Hovens like to do for fun? We are avid alpine skiers. We also enjoy spending time with both sets of grandparents.The kids enjoy participating in sports. Lawrence went to his first overnight camp at Arrowpeak Camp this past summer and absolutely loved it!
8.Anything else you would like to share with our members? We are very thankful for the gifts God has given us and feel blessed to be able to live in Montana and work with great teammates who support the people who feed the Hoven Equipment is blessed with world. great people who really care about the company and its customers. A big thank you to Sean and Andrea for sharing their story with us! 6.What is the key to staying in 5
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2018 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Join us for the 2018 Women’s Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs, February 23rd-25th. At the conference we will be focusing on women in pivoting roles and inspiring attendees to go after something they want to change in their life whether it’s a personal, community, or a business goal. We want to give women the ability to figure out how to achieve their goals from the beginning to end. Keynote speaker Rebecca Undem will be presenting “Living B.I.G in the Life You’re In” along with doing a breakout session on getting your groove back. There will be workshops about “Living in the Now” that will help apply values to work, home, and a balance of both. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a workshop on interior design led by Joellyn Clark and a yoga class led by Audra Bergman. Conference registration is $85/members and $125 non/members. Space is limited so register today at montanafarmersunion.com. See you there!
MFU PRESENTS REBECCA UNDEM AS CONFERENCE KEYNOTE: Rebecca Undem gained her chops as a people developer primarily through her partnership with an international talent management firm. She has worked with hundreds of leaders of companies of various sizes and sectors to improve their bottom-line results by focusing on what really matters: their people. Through training and facilitating dialogue about leadership, communication, collaboration and customer service, Rebecca offers customized programs with actionable tactics that leadership teams can implement immediately. Her professional work also includes extensive workforce development planning for non-profit organizations. Her passionate and authentic delivery style is the perfect mix of heart and strategy that captures the minds, hearts and souls of her audiences. Through her business, Rebecca offers speaking and consulting services, allowing her to inspire countless others with her message of transparency and heart-based leadership. The business includes a blog where Rebecca offers practical advice to inspire growth, both professionally and personally. She is excited to announce the release of her book How Mommy Got Her Groove Back which was released in September 2016. Rebecca truly believes the best way to show up for others is by showing up for ourselves. There is nothing like parenthood to remind us of that. Her biggest champions and daily dose of reality are her 3 kiddos under the age of 8, Andrew, Carter, and Brynlee, along with her farmer husband, Jeremiah. They simultaneously ground her and keep her from taking herself too seriously. Rebecca and her family reside in Oakes, North Dakota, where her roots are the deepest and her heart belongs.
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EDUCATION KEY TO ACCOMPLISHING MFU MISSION ning events such as parent appreciation night and a talent show. As campers move on through the camping program there is an opportunity to work as a junior dean, or become part of Senior Youth Advisory Council. SYAC is MFU’s youth leadership program. In this role the SYAC leaders help plan and carry out the camp program for the various ages and camps for the summer. BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
As you know my job is that of Membership Director. Most of the time my focus is on members from the age of 18+.This has me thinking that we need to focus more on getting youth involved in agriculture. Montana Farmers Union brings education into the classroom at various schools. Topics range from pollinators, seed to bread, dairy, dance, and cooperatives, to name a few. School visits provide hands-on education to children who may be unfamiliar with agriculture, but hopefully peaks their interest to get them involved and potentially to enroll in an MFU summer camp program. The MFU camp program expands on topics related to agriculture, but it also focuses on leadership and encourages participation in a fun environment. While at camp participants spend the week with peers and participate in several activities related to ag, but also traditional camp activities such as archery, hiking, dancing, and music. Teaching of the cooperative model is accomplished through the running of a co-op store, and a board is elected by the campers for leadership. Campers also assume leadership roles throughout camp by leading activities, plan-
statewide FFA contest. As part of the contest youth had to produce a resume, cover letter, and go through a mock interview. Talk about teaching real world skills! Some of the other contests that help youth prepare for the real world are mechanics, parliamentary procedure, marketing, food science, livestock judging, meats judging, and many more.
Although FFA has a strong focus While MFU has a solid program on agriculture, it too has many for youth it’s important not to possibilities for youth to particiforget other programs that are pate. Many students involved in focused on youth and agriculture FFA may not pursue a career in like 4-H and FFA. As a youth I agriculture, but the experience was fortunate to be involved provides life skills that offer great in both programs. Let me say, I value down the road for success. owe a lot to these programs and my parents for encouraging and On the flip side a student may supporting my participation in desire a career in agriculture, rethese great programs. If not for gardless of whether they live on being involved in both 4-H and a farm or ranch. FFA gives the FFA I would not be where I am student a leg up and a real world today. Through these programs I view of the possibilities to work learned valuable leadership skills in agriculture, or avenues that and how to be an effective public support agriculture. speaker. 4-H offers many projects to youth who may live in the city Each day agriculture is losing or country. There are projects for more farmers and ranchers. It’s everyone. Projects range from up to the future generations to livestock, sewing, cooking, robot- get involved and it’s not too early ics, leadership, woodworking, and to start. Please take a moment so much more. Just because some- and think about some of the one lives in the city or doesn’t programs that I have mentioned come from and ag background, and get your child involved. Who doesn’t mean you can’t be a part knows what their future will conof ag. 4-H does a tremendous job sist of in relation to agriculture, of including everyone and help- but at least you have planted that ing create leaders for the future seed and given them the chance both in ag and beyond. Agricul- to support agriculture. Agriculture has changed in so many ways. ture needs the youth of today to You can live in the city and have a help carry on its mission and supgardening project and potentially port future productivity. Thanks feed many people and generate a to my involvement in agriculture respectable income. Agriculture through 4-H and FFA as a youth isn’t just large acreages anymore. I am where I am today, working Everyone can be a strong part of to help promote agriculture for agriculture. The FFA program Montana Farmers Union! teaches many valuable tools. Recently I had the privilege to judge an employment skills contest at a 7
Youth Leadership Development Program Kaylen Lehner FU Insurance, Circle Tom McKenna, FU Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe, FU Insurance, Kalispell
ARE YOU READY FOR THE CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE? BY ERIC SOMMER U S D A N A S S S TAT E S TAT I S T I C I A N
Next month, Montana’s farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their operations and communities by taking part in the Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by USDA NASS, the Census is the only uniform, comprehensive and impartial source for agricultural data for every county in our state. The census also helps tell the whole story of Montana agriculture. The average age of Montana producers in 2012 was 58.9 years old.Total farm production expenses were $3,516,180,000 Montana producers averaged $125,542 of expenses. Net cash farm income was $1,172,280 making the average net cash farm income per farm of $41,855 in 2012. The last census counted more than 28,008 farms and ranches in Montana spanning more than 59.8 million acres.This is your voice! Your Opportunity to tell your story! For more information about the census, visit wwwlagcensus.usda. gov or call 1(888)4AG-Stat or (888)424-7828.
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B Y RO G E R J O H N S O N PRESDIENT
As the year draws to a close, Farmers Union isn’t slowing down the fight for family farmers and ranchers. In November, both chambers of Congress introduced tax reform legislation that would jeopardize critical farm bill programs. NFU has been a vocal opponent of both bills, and is instead campaigning for a simplified, progressive tax code that doesn’t threaten farmers’ and ranchers’ livelihoods. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture formally withdrew the Farmer Fair Practices Rules, which would have provided basic protections to farmers in an increasingly concentrated market. In response, NFU, as part of a larger coalition, urged President Donald Trump to implement the rules via executive order. However, not all the news from D.C. is negative; NFU has long promoted renewable energy for its environmental, economic, and social benefits, and has ramped up efforts in recent months in response to actions that would undermine renewable energy policy. Following months of sustained advocacy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its intentions to administer the Renewable Fuel Standard in accordance to the law, rather than reducing renewable fuel volume obligations as the agency had suggested earlier this year. Though this battle may be over, the war certainly isn’t; Farmers Union will be on the front lines for family farmers and ranchers, this year, next year, and every year for the foreseeable future. Congressional Tax Plan Would Increase Burden for Family Farmers and Ranchers In the past few weeks, U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate each released its own blueprint for sweeping tax reform. Though the plans differ in the details, the larger implications of the two are comparable. Most notably, each proposal offers tax cuts and breaks to the wealthiest Americans that would increase the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next decade.According to statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules, this increase in deficit spending must be offset
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by reducing spending elsewhere, specifically across non-exempt mandatory programs. If either of these tax reform bills passed, the government would be required to cut eligible programs by $150 billion per year. But since the total available pool of funding amounts to somewhere between $85 billion to $90 billion per year, all of those programs would be subject to a full sequester. The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is the second largest non-exempt mandatory program, after Medicare. It funds farm program payments, including Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and the Dairy Margin Protection Program. ARC and PLC are critical for keeping family farmers and ranchers in business during times of economic uncertainty. To eliminate its funding would be particularly egregious considering family farmers and ranchers are experiencing a years-long stretch of economic hardship, during which many have relied on risk management programs that are on the chopping block. The Senate bill also includes repeal of the individual health insurance mandate to offset the deficit increase. Repeal of the mandate would cause 15 million people to drop coverage, destabilizing the marketplace and putting rural hospitals at risk. National Farmers Union has voiced opposition to both tax reform plans, instead urging Congress to pass a simplified, progressive tax code that provides realistic solutions to our national deficit while protecting the programs on which our nation’s farmers rely. USDA Scraps Farmer Fair Practices Rule In mid-October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would be terminating two of three Farmer Fair Practices Rules that were intended to “target the most harmful practices hurting farmers” and offer “common sense protections to restore fairness and reduce the burden for farmers seeking justice under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
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One of the scrapped provisions was an interim final rule on competitive injury that, if finalized, would have eliminated the unreasonable burden that for growers to be able to sue for abusive practices, they must prove that harm was done to the entire industry rather than only to themselves. According to the USDA, the rule was merely a formal clarification of the administration's "long time position" on the matter. However, opponents of the rule insisted that it would have encouraged superfluous lawsuits and caused an unnecessary disruption to the status quo. The other rule withdrawn by the USDA was a proposed rule on unfair practices that "would clarify what GIPSA views as practices that clearly violate the Act and would establish criteria to protect the legal rights of farmers." A third rule that "would establish criteria that GIPSA would consider in determining whether a live poultry dealer has engaged in a pattern or practice to use a poultry grower ranking system unfairly" was not explicitly addressed, and it is currently unclear what its ultimate fate will be. The decision occurred just days before the interim final rule was expected to go into effect, after numerous months of delays and debate. Indeed, the 2008 Farm Bill required that the USDA provide greater protections to farmers and ranchers in the livestock and poultry industries by defining, strengthening, and enforcing the now nearly century-old Packers and Stockyards Act. Unfortunately, ongoing efforts to do so have been quelled by the protests of large corporations and industry groups. Note: This is an excer pt of The Washington Corner. To read the column in its entirety visit nfu.org/ corner.
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SPECIAL SESSION DEALS WITH BUDGET SHORTFALL BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S
Legislators reported to Helena and the State Capitol on Monday, November 13th to deal with a $227, 000,000.00 budget shortfall. The committees of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and claims along with the taxation committees met prior to the 2017 Special Session of the Legislature starting on Tuesday , the 14th. The governor called the special session in light of the shortfall of funds and huge costs for fighting fires across the state this summer and fall. The gover
services to make it easier by residents to use gender instead of sex on birth certificates. When expansion occurs, time is taken to nor had been authorized to make address more than the narrower cuts in state agency budgets of up scope of the session call, in this to 10% and for a total of $76 mil- case coming up with a combinalion in state funding. In addition tion of cuts, transfers and posof these cuts many mean cuts of sible tax increases to balance the federal funding, many of which faltering State budget. is as high as 80% match and will lead to cuts in services for many Revenues have faltered this fiscal across the state. year in light of low commodity prices in the agricultural sector One proposal on the table is one with many farmers still holding that is rather controversial in that grain on farm, rather than sellCoreCivic, the corporation opera- ing and paying income taxes on tion the Crossroads Correctional that income, the same has kept Facility at Shelby has made the livestock on farms , rather than offer of $30 Million that has been selling at low prices and awaiting set aside in an escrow account for higher prices for their animals. the state to purchase the prison. Coal production and oil and gas In accepting the money, the state production also add to lower revwould have its contract renewed. enues as calls for more of these The current contract is set to ex- products have not increased. pire in 2019. The House of Rep- While revenues from taxes have resentatives and Senate have also been increasing over the past received over the required num- quarter it is not possible to deterber of signatures to expand the mine if that is a continuing trend. session and allowing other legislation to be introduced. One was While many legislators are prebrought up on the first day and dicting a quick session, out withinvolves the intersex condition. in a week, the expanded session This issue came up in a state pro- may keep them at work into week posal to allow a rule change by the two and leading to Thanksgiving department of health and human Holiday. The session is quick and
A big thank you goes out to our 2017 Capitol Club members! Jeff & Katie Bangs, Inverness Brett & Donna Dailey, Jordan Chad Doheny, Dutton Eric & Amanda Doheny, Dutton Bill & Shirley Downs, Molt Paul Kanning, Flaxville Alan & Lorrie Merrill, Big Sandy Beth Murphy, Great Falls Henry & Vanette Nagamori, Loma
Dean & Trudi Peterson, Judith Gap Jon & Karen Redlin, Lambert Sigurd & Joyce Redlin, Fairview Kelly & Kristie Rutledge, Big Sandy Rollie & Jennifer Schlepp, Conrad Dore & Patti Schwinden, Helena Erik Somerfeld, Power Leonard & Myrna Stone, Geraldine Del & Karla Styren, Brady John & Claire Wendland, Rudyard
2017 Legislative Fund Eric & Audra Bergman, Fort Shaw
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normal rules for operations have been removed. This rule has done away with public notices of 24 hours before a hearing and once heard and acted on by the house or senate can go to the floor and acted on the same day. Action on bills will not be accompanied by a fiscal note, leading to unknown final figures either added or cut from the budget. The public needs to keep a close watch and be prepared to contact their legislator to provide input. Quick and clean input would best be accomplished by sending an e-mail to the party you wish to contact or by calling the Capitol at (406)4444800 and leaving a short message to be delivered to the floor of either house. At the cost of $40,000 per day, the session adds to the imbalance, rather than solving a budget shortfall. May they work in a bipartisan fashion, completing the work they have been sent to accomplish while remembering they represent all Montana citizens. Next month we will be able to give a synopsis of what was accomplished.
Tom & Joellyn Clark, Fort Benton Andrew & Jennifer Bishop, Brady William Downs, Molt LeRoy Keller, Havre Charlotte & Ed Kelly, Chester Bob & Earlyne Lassila, Great Falls Scott & Misty LeFurgey, Loma Levi & Kristen Ostberg, Fairfield Ron & Carol Ostberg, Fairfield Ben Peterson, Judith Gap Bill & Bonnie Woodhouse, Power K J Fauth FU Insurance, Billings
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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
DECEMBER 2017
ue to ensure they are a priority for Secretary Sonny Perdue, who knows the challenges and opportunities that can exist for veterans as he was a farmer and Air Force veteran himself. The Senate Agriculture Committee continues to move presidential nominees through to the Senate so Secretary Perdue has a full team at the USDA. We also are continuing to work on the next Farm Bill and I encourage you to reach out to my offices if you have any thoughts on how we can improve the current Farm Bill. As Montana’s only Senator on the Senate Agriculture Committee, it’s my honor to represent Montana’s farmers and ranchers as we craft policy affecting the agriculture community.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER
And it’s why I’m working to ensure disaster funds are adequately appropriated and pushing the Farm Service Agency to quickly release Emergency Conservation Program disaster funds so local producers can repair damaged farmland and establish new methods of water conservation. These funds have been vital to Montana operations. In fact, by working together we’ve helped secure more than $7 million so far this year to help producers put that next foot forward. But, I know that more assistance is needed.
So please, stay in touch with your local Farm Service Agency field office because resources to help you are on the way.
Our great state also has a strong legacy of military service. We have one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the nation. It makes sense that our veterans are a big part of the agriculture community as well. Veterans return home from service with invaluable leadership skills and the agriculture industry benefits from that experience.
Programs like Bridges to Opportunity give Montana veterans tools to succeed in the ag industry. I have fought to fund these programs during my time in Congress and will contin-
That’s why it is critically important that family farmers and ranchers have access to important resources to help recover.
Before the end of the year, Congress must pass a disaster funding bill that helps families in the southeast recover from a historic hurricane season, and I will fight hard to ensure that folks who have been upended by fire and drought have access to these same recovery resources.
Montana is home to more than 25,000 farms and ranches and agriculture is our state’s number one economic driver. Farming and ranching has been a rich part of Montana’s heritage for generations and generations – and remains central to our Montana way of life.
Our nation’s heroes deserve the training and support necessary to be successful in civilian life - whether that is applying their military specialties in a new trade or advancing their education at one of our world-class universities. Last year, I secured a commitment from the USDA that they would expand the Bridges to Opportunity program, a program that connects veterans with employment opportunities in agriculture, nationwide. And I’m excited to say they have!
impacts of this tough season for years to come.
As the Senate’s only working farmer, I know firsthand the hardship that drought has on production agriculture, and I will keep fighting to make sure that Montana producers can maintain profitability.
Despite winter’s fast approach, there are still family farmers and ranchers across Montana who are dealing with the catastrophic consequences of drought. Montana’s drought was so devastating this year that many producers were forced to leave their combines in the shed. In addition to the damaging drought, wildfires destroyed crops and infrastructure and killed livestock for folks across the state. Like past droughts, many of us will be feeling the
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DECEMBER 2017
MSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE STUDENTS WIN MORE THAN $490,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS B Y J E N N Y L AV E Y F O R M S U N E W S S E RV I C E
Montana State University College of Agriculture students, alumni, faculty, staff and scholarship donors celebrated the $490,000 in scholarships that were distributed to more than 200 students during the college’s annual scholarship banquet on Friday, Nov. 3 at MSU. The banquet, held during the college’s annual Celebrate Agriculture event, attracted more than 300 Montana agricultural supporters from across the state. The banquet dinner featured a Montana-made meal highlighting local and regional foods and their agricultural producers. During the banquet, MSU College of Agriculture faculty and staff recognized agriculture students who received scholarships during the 2017-2018 academic year. Also recognized was Dave Oien of Conrad, co-founder of Timeless Seeds Inc., and the college’s 2017 Outstanding Agricultural Leader. Montana businesses, families and individuals contributed to the more than 150 distinct, named scholarships housed in the College of Agriculture, according to Jessica Murdock, student services coordinator for the MSU College of Agriculture.
from current and historical Montana producers and generations of families who have long connections to the college, said Kevin Brown, senior development director for the College of Agriculture. “The ag community in Montana has an enormous commitment to supporting agriculture students at MSU,” Brown said. “The support across the state, from individual families, agribusiness, public agencies and grower groups is humbling. I think the financial support for current agriculture students speaks to the authentic connection between MSU and Montana agriculture in a united commitment to support this next generation.”
“The college is incredibly fortunate and honored to be able to provide this amount of scholarship support to our students,” Murdock said. “Representing all walks of life, agriculture students are accomplished as many of them balance their academics with leadership positions, community service activities, part-time jobs and more. The financial support provided by scholarships makes an immense difference in their ability to persist to Some of the scholarship funds date as far back as the 1950s, and continue today bearing graduation.” the name of a family member from a farm or The college’s scholarship pool has grown 20 ranch, or former MSU Cooperative Extension percent in the last two years, Murdock said, agents, 4H leaders, or Montana Agricultural adding that the more than 200 College of Experiment Station or college faculty, Brown Agriculture students who received scholar- said. Other scholarships are given from reships represent every option and curriculum gional and local commercial agribusinesses in the college’s academic departments, with such as the Montana Wheat and Barley Comscholarships recipients averaging a 3.6 cumu- mittee, Gallatin Valley Gardeners Club, Gallalative GPA. The college’s scholarship selec- tin Beef Association, Northwest Farm Credit tion committee, consisting of faculty from Services, Montana Grains Foundation, Gallaevery department in the college, considered tin County Cattlewomen’s Association, and nearly 350 scholarship applications. Many of diverse crop and beef producers and a host the scholarships provided to students come of College of Agriculture alumni. 11
Oien, an organic lentil pioneer, said the future of agriculture was reflected in the diversity of student stories and scholarship donors. “The energy in the room this evening for agriculture is infectious,” Oien said while receiving his Outstanding Agricultural Leader award. “It’s so wonderful to see the students energized about the future of agriculture, alongside the support from the donors. I’m honored to be chosen as the award winner this year and I can see the future of agriculture is already here and it’s bright.” The College of Agriculture welcomed a decade of enrollment growth in the fall semester. On a percentage basis, it is the fastestgrowing academic college at MSU with a 78 percent enrollment increase since 2007. The College of Agriculture includes six academic departments and seven off-campus research stations through the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. More than 1,200 students from 46 states and 16 countries are represented in the college’s student population. MFU is a proud sponsor of the MSU scholarship banquet!
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