V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
M O N TA N A
GRASS ROOTS Renewed Support for COOL
Overview of the Program
Virtual Debates Focus on The Impact of Buying Local Agriculture
DONATION TO MONTANA FOOD BANK NETWORK COMES AT CRITICAL TIME
WE NEED FOOD SECURITY B Y WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R
When I looked up “food security” this definition made the most sense to me. “Food security incorporates a measure of resilience to future disruption or unavailability of critical food supply due to various risk factors including droughts, shipping disruptions, fuel shortages, economic instability, and wars.” Covid19 has revealed that we do not have food security in the USA. It does not make sense that our local grocery stores are rationing dairy and meat products while family farms are being forced to dump milk and euthanize livestock. Our food supply chain is broken. How did we get to this surreal place in America history? Over 70 years ago American leaders started pursuing a cheap food policy. I listened to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue brag in his speech at the National Farmers Union Convention that American farmers produce the cheapest food in the world. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID LIVINGSTON, MT PERMIT NO. 93
Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer presents a donation of 30,000 pounds of pork ribs to the Montana Food Bank Network in Missoula, Mt courtesy of Montana Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprise.
Are you considering a career in ranching or farming? Are you interested in learning how to ranch or farm using regenerative practices? Join the Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian program! Program details inside!
Montana Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprise donated 30,000 pounds of pork ribs to the Montana Food Bank Network in Missoula. The pork ribs are from Redwood Farms, one of the entities in the Farmers Union family of businesses owned by Farmers Union Enterprises. “COVID-19 has impacted all of us,” said Walter Schweitzer, President of Montana Farmers Union.“It has affected our livelihoods and our food systems.
Farmers Union is all about helping a neighbor in need. This donation came from your neighbors who are family farmers. They care about you and they want to feed you.” “The donation itself is really a perfect time for us,” said Gayle Carlson, CEO of the Montana Food Bank Network. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
Stockyard Act. “The act makes it unlawful for any packer (1) to engage in unfair, unjustly He is proud that less than 10% of household discriminatory or deceptive practices; (2) income goes toward buying food in America. give undue or unreasonable preference American farm policy encourages large or advantage in commerce to persons or corporate farms and centralized processing localities; (3) purchase or sell as between each facilities. Montana and American farmers other for the purpose of (a) apportioning have become good at producing cheap food supply, (b) manipulating or controlling prices, commodities for the world, but ironically (c) creating a monopoly, or (d) restraining the Covid19 crisis demonstrates that we commerce; (4) engage in practices or commit struggle to feed ourselves. Most ag products acts which in effect result in creating are shipped 1000 miles to mega processing monopolies or restraint of commerce; (5) plants to be processed and packaged and then conspire, combine or otherwise arrange with shipped back 1000 miles to be put on our local other persons to apportion territory for grocery shelves. This is a recipe for disaster. business purposes, allocate purchases or sales, Many of these multinational plants are being manipulate or control prices, or (6) aid or abet forced to shut down because their workers in doing any of the things made unlawful by have Covid19. This has caused a disruption the act.” Congress had to force the Attorney in supply. Because of the disruption farmers General to enforce the law and eventually have too much of their production left on the the 5 packers control of the beef trade was farm at the same time consumers are being reduced to 25%. rationed. In 1981, Clark Willingham filed a lawsuit History has proven that we can reverse to end the Packers Decree and he won. He this trend. In 1920, five packers controlled later became the first president of the NCBA 75% of the beef trade. The Federal Trade the packers lobbying group. Gradually four Commission with the threat of enforcing packers were able to gain control of 84% antitrust laws forced the packers to sign the of the beef in America. In 2017 the USDA 1920 Packers Consent Decree and 18 months eliminated the Grain Inspection Stockyard later the President signed into law the Packers Agency and moved it under Agricultural WE NEED FOOD SECURITY CONTINUED
P O R K D O N AT I O N C O N T I N U E D
“Right now we are struggling to get deliveries and resources in a timely enough manner for us. This kind of high level protein which is going to be awesome for families, but the fact that we can get this right now when we have to wait up to three months for a lot of deliveries, this is fantastic.” Farmers Union Enterprises is made up of several businesses — owned equally by the state Farmers Union organizations in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Farmers Union Enterprises donated 150,000 pounds of pork ribs to various food pantries in the five states it supports. Redwood Farms supplies premium pork products to high-end restaurants in New York, Chicago and other cities across the U.S.
2
Marketing Services effectively gutting the agency. However, the laws are still on the books and could be enforced. We need to act now to encourage Congress and USDA to enforce these laws and break the stranglehold that the packers have on consumers and producers. We should be using some of the Covid19 dollars to invest in regional processing plants. Smaller processing plants located near the production spread throughout rural America would create a more resilient food supply. These small regional plants would create good paying jobs for the underemployed in small cities across America. With just a few workers in each plant we would not run the risk of a disease outbreak shutting down a plant that that processes a quarter of our meat supply. It would give producers more option to market their production and consumers would have a secure supply of locally produced and processed food. I suggest during the Covid19 crisis we should take this opportunity to make lemonade from lemons.
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
MONTANA FARMERS UNION
IN THIS ISSUE
Recruited by
William Blake, Havre Cindy Schubert Ryan & Janet Williams, Nashua Del Hansen Samuel Hould, Miles City Ron & Blayne Watts Craig Keyes, Hysham Ron & Blayne Watts Sherman Family Trust, Billings Ron & Blayne Watts Michael & Jean Little, Lewistown Tom McKenna Ryan Foard, Broadview K J Fauth Darrel & Jeanette Habets, Valier Dirk Elings Thirteen Mile Lamb & Wool, Belgrade Craig Parker Terry & Nancy Hart, Laurel Dallas Hagfeldt, Jr Robert & Cora Lee Harvey, Great Falls Aeric Reilly Monte & Janet Adamson, Fairfield Mathew Luedtke Ben & Alyson Freeman, Fairfield Mathew Luedtke Ray Easter, Norris Art Hoffart Arnie Goroski, Helena Sara Nye Paul & Denise Rust, Cardwell Judith Siring Rich & Jan Boyle, Simms Eric Bergman Branko Reiche & Jennephyr Reiche-Sterling, Eric Bergman Sun River Eric Houghton, Great Falls Michelle Bebbington Edison & Erica Gebhard, Laurel Colter DeVries
Summary of the CARES ACT & other Legislation Addressing Problems with Livestock and Meat Markets Page 4 Keep the Kids Busy this Summer with MFU’s STEM Program! Page 5 Candidates Debate on Rural & Agriculture Issues Page 6 & 7 Wow, It’s Hot Out There! & Plan a Summer Day Camp in Your Area with MFU! Page 8
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Learn the Signs of Suicide, Guest article by Darla Tyler-McSherry Page 9
Dirk Elings FU Insurance, Conrad K J Fauth FU Insurance, Billngs Tom McKenna FU Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe FU Insurance, Kalispell Steve Plaggemeyer FU Insurance, Billings
The Importance of Buying Local Page 10
IN MEMORIAM
Quiveria Announces New Training Program Page 11
WILLIAM ERICKSON, POWER
@MFUfarmers
mfumt
@MFUfarmers 3
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: Walter Schweitzer, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Jan Tusick, Secretary/Treasuer, District 6, Ronan Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Jeff Bangs, At-Large Director District 1& 2, Inverness Eric Bergman, District 1, Fort Shaw Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan William Downs, District 5, Molt Ben Peterson, At-Large director, Judith Gap Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director Sarah Rachor, Sidney, District 3 State Office Staff: Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director/ Editor Justin Loch, Membership Director Kim Mangold, Government Affairs Director Dave Snuggs, Facility Director Violet Green, Education Coordinator Vicky Jo Reeves, Education & Program Assistant
Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2020 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 monthly. 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 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION ADDRESSING PROBLEMS WITH LIVESTOCK AND MEAT MARKETS BY KIM MANGOLD G OV E R N M E N T A F FA I R S D I R E C TO R
Montana Farmers Union staff and board members focused on a number of critical issues this month that affect all producers in the state. Along with the National Farmers Union staff, we provided input on the funding available through the CARES Act involving USDA, SBA and EDA; legislation that has been introduced to address the problems with the livestock and meat markets; and investigations into price fixing within the packing industry.
CARES Act:
USDA, through their Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), plans to provide $16 billion in direct support to family farmers and ranchers. This includes: • Funding that is based on actual losses for agriculture producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted. • Assistance with additional adjustments and market costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 market year caused by COVID-19.
Recent Legislative Efforts:
As Montana ranchers have been hit hard this year, Senator Jon Tester developed his Rancher Relief Plan. Tester’s plan is made up of a series of initiatives to help provide some certainty to Montana’s small and medium cowcalf operations. These bipartisan initiatives include:
• Increasing interstate commerce and diversifying meat production in Montana and neighboring states; Montana producers are eligible if they have suffered a loss, regardless of size or market • Legislation to ensure fair prices from large packers; outlet. The disruptive markets are causing significant problems right now and these • Country of Origin Labeling. payments will cover some of the negative impacts. Farmers and Ranchers should contact Increasing Interstate Commerce: their FSA office to check on rules related to Senator Tester’s Bill, New Markets for StateInspected Meat and Poultry Act, will allow those funds. meat and poultry products inspected by Food SBA has loans and grants. Producers are eligible Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) to approve for the SBA programs EIDL (Economic state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Impact and Disaster Loans) and the PPP products to be sold across state lines. This (Payroll Protection Program). While funding will allow Montana ranchers to make better requests have overwhelmed SBA, there may use of state meat processors to sell their be another opportunity coming with new product, reducing the backlog problems with legislation. The SBA programs are available large packing operations. through banking and loan institutions. Governor Steve Bullock recently sent a EDA (Economic Development Agency) will letter to Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting be providing funding for local communities allowance for in-state custom meat processing. to improve broadband access. These are Given that our local butchers can process community based grants that are awarded to quality meat that can be safe or safer than Regional Economic Development programs. the multinational packers, local processing There are also other programs that are working can be the answer to meet the needs of both common sense multinational packers, local to address broadband access for emergency processing can be the answer to meet the services, medical facilities and education. 4
producers and consumers.“It only makes needs of both that Montana’s state inspected facilities should be allowed to sell across state lines,” said Walter Schweitzer, President of Montana Farmers Union.“Our meat processors are inspected to the same standard as the USDA plants. It makes no sense that a meat packing plant in Brazil or Africa can sell meat across America but a plant in Montana that is inspected to the same standard or higher cannot.”
Ensure Fair Prices from Packers:
A bi-partisan bill was introduced by Senators Jon Tester and Charles Grassley. This bill will require large-scale meatpackers to increase the proportion of negotiable transactions that are cash, or ‘spot,’ to 50% of their total cattle purchases. This bill will mandate that each U.S. meat processing facility, that slaughters over 125,000 head of cattle each year, must purchase 50% of their weekly volume of beef slaughter on the open or ‘spot’ market with a 14-day delivery period. The proposal is intended to improve the formula pricing system and increase transparency for producers. MFU supports the improvement but believes if Stockyards Packers Act was enforced a 100% of purchase would be cash. “Market consolidation in the livestock industry is making it harder and harder for for producers to meet their bottom lines, especially as large packers rely on fewer spot transactions to purchase live cattle at the farm gate,” Tester said. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
V O L U M E 2 9
“This bill will force meat packers to engage in more spot transactions, bringing up formula prices and making them more accurate while giving Montana producers and feeders more flexibility and transparency when they bring their livestock to market.” Joining Senators Grassley and Tester as original co-sponsors of the bill are Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). Mandatory Country of Origin Resolution:
Recently the House Agriculture Committee reviewed the issues with the flawed “Product of the U.S.A.” label. At a recent hearing, Secretary Perdue said USDA is exploring a new definition for the label. This examination involves examining meat that is processed and packaged outside of the United States. Montana Farmers Union has encouraged USDA to immediately fix this loophole. Meat that is produced outside the US should not be awarded the same seal as the U.S. grown
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
and processed meat products. Producers and consumers alike deserve a label that provides accurate information. U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced a Resolution to support Country of Origin labeling,(COOL) for beef products in the United States in an effort to provide more transparency to American shoppers while allowing American cattle producers to participate in a fair market system. “It’s no secret that Montana ranchers raise the finest beef in the world, but American consumers have no way of knowing if the steak they’re getting at the supermarket comes from Absarokee or Australia,” said Senator Tester. “It’s clear that Americans want to buy American-made products if they have the option, and country of origin labeling gives Montana producers the upper hand by showing that their cattle was raised within our borders, not halfway around the world.” This resolution, cosponsored by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urges the United States to re-implement MCOOL which would allow retailers to inform customers about where beef commodities originate. Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef fits with the efforts to improve the supply chain and provide the consumer with the information they need to make good purchasing decisions. Our current system misleads consumers and limits our producers opportunities to market their goods. Additionally, on May 13th, Congressman Greg Gianforte wrote to
Secretary Sonny Perdue and Secretary Robert Lighthizer to encourage both USDA and USTR find a meaningful solution to allow accurate labeling of U.S. beef.
Federal Investigation: Both Senator Tester and Senator Daines sent an official request to U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Secretary Perdue requesting an investigation into reports of price fixing in the cattle market in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Something must be done at the federal level to address the issues of low market prices for live cattle and high prices that are charged for retail beef and pork. Montana Attorney General Tim Fox also joined with many other state Attorney Generals requesting an investigation into monopolistic practices seen today with the major packing industries. Senator Tester has also been an outspoken critic of Brazilian beef imports after reports that Brazil was shipping rancid meat by spraying it with cancer-causing acid products in 2017. Brazil has widespread Hoof and Mouth disease and importing their meat puts our cattle at risk. JBS is one of the four largest meat packing facilities in the U.S. that is owned by a Mafia family in Brazil. Now the U.S. is accepting foreign beef from Brazil giving them more control over this market allowing for more market manipulation which punishes the Montana ranchers.
Montana Farmers Union is excited to announce that Farmers Union Enterprise (FUE) and STEM FUSE will be offering educational materials at no cost through July. FUE created an educational program that is based on agriculture, food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) that gives teacher access to materials that will help educate students from K-12 grades. STEM FUSE not only offers our AFNR program for free during this time, but will also be extending lessons that include math, english, science, and history subjects. Parent, teachers, or students please reach out to our office if you are interested in our program or if you would like to know more about what is available. Please contact Vicky Jo Reeves to find out more about the program at vreeves@montanafarmersunion.com or (406)217-6978.
5
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
MFU HOSTS DEBATES WITH A FOCUS ON RURAL AND AGRICULTURE ISSUES B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O C O M M U N I C AT I O N S D I R E C T O R
Agriculture policy affects our everyday lives. From the food we eat, clothing we wear to the fuel we put in our cars; it’s all thanks to the hard work of our farmers and ranchers. Policy makers at the state and federal level make a huge impact on our family farms, urban and rural communities.
Cooney. Attorney General Tim Fox and Dr. Al Olszewski represented the republican party. The first issue of the debate was Country-ofOrigin labeling known as COOL.Candidates were provided a COOL bill and asked if they would sign it.
level with changes to the US-Mexico Trade Agreement. “NAFTA didn’t have anything for Montana producers and the USMCA doesn’t either. We need to go back to the drawing board. It needs to be fixed on the federal level and then we can help Montana producers.”
When asked what can be done to address access to rural mental healthcare Williams and Cooney were in agreement on the importance of telemedicine. Both candidates also agreed Mike Cooney said he believes in COOL. that the sunset provision on Medicaid “The current system in the United States is expansion be removed. not legitimate. It does not let people know where beef was raised and processed. I would Olszewski and Fox addressed different Montana Farmers Union held two primary absolutely sign the bill and make sure it aspects of the healthcare system. Olszewski virtual debates to give voters the opportunity became law in Montana.” said his goal would be to find a better to hear where candidates for congress and solution than Medicaid expansion with the governor stand on rural and agriculture issues. Whitney Williams agreed with Cooney. idea of a refundable tax credit, based on a bill The debates were hosted by Montana Farmers “Montana has some of the highest quality he carried in the legislature. Fox said much Union, Northern Plains Resource Council, beef on the planet, but we have lost our attention and support needs to be available Montana Cattlemen Association and United leverage,” said Williams. “We have a product, for critical access hospitals. States Cattlemen Association. Cowles Media we have the quality and we need to bring the and Northern News Radio Network aired the leverage back to producers.” Regarding the question of a fair and debates statewide. competitive marketplace for producers Fox On the republican side Dr. Al Olszewski and Olszewski said there is real value in “This was a great opportunity for Montana said he too would sign the COOL bill. “Our processing agriculture products locally. voters to hear from our candidates so we all federal law doesn’t prohibit us from labeling can make a better educated choice on Election pork and beef, it just removed it from at Tim Fox said that we need to get back to Day,” said Walter Schweitzer, President of the federal level. By us creating our own supporting local processing. “We can do that Montana Farmers Union.“I appreciate the COOL bill I believe that we meet the letter through co-ops,” said Fox. “But you need candidates that took the time to discuss rural of the law in our constitution. Why should to have a leader at the top incentivizing and and ag issues. I am very disappointed that we do it? Producers have a right to be very we need to all work together on that. This is Matt Rosendale and Greg Gianforte chose proud of their product and market made in something I have been giving a lot of thought not to participate.” Montana and made in the United States and to on allegations that the multinational meat our consumers have a right to know. And they processors have been price fixing not just The debates were virtual using ZOOM get it for about every other food product but during covid-19 pandemic but for many, many videoconferencing. Great Falls broadcaster beef and pork it’s not fair.” years. We need to bring the processing home Jim Sargent moderated the debates.The because our products are the best.” gubernatorial debate featured democrat Tim Fox differed for his opponent. He said candidates Whitney Williams and Mike that COOL needs to happen at the federal C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PA G E 6
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
years. We need to bring the processing home because our products are the best.”
Kathleen Williams and Tom Winter represented the democrats. Debate topics included farm stress, the CSKT Water Compact, access to Olszewski said also at issue is breaking the broadband, healthcare, renewable energy and dependence on out-of-state packers. “We see more. The candidates were also asked to state these monopolies and quite honestly as your their position on COOL. governor I will be the squeaky wheel that will push on the congress to pass the Primes Act. “The USDA is creating monopolies and we That’s the Processing Revival of Intrastate have to stop that,” said John Evankovich. “We Meat Exemption Act. What we need to do need free markets and looking at our food in is make sure local producers can sell meat terms of is it raised, is it produced in the USA? in restaurants and in our schools and in our Why can’t we start letting the people who are groceries here locally without interference growing our food hand it off to the people from our federal government.” who are shelving our food to the people who are going to buy it?” Mike Cooney said the system is broken when it comes to a competitive marketplace.“We Mark McGinley said he would like to see some will fight to expand on our local packing form of labeling, but did not pledge his full abilities. The state can be involved in that and support for COOL. “I want to see labeling, some of the COVID money might even be see where meat comes from and respect that. able to go to some of our current packing At the same time Montana ranchers can sell facilities so they can expand capacity so we their beef as raised and slaughtered in the can really market Montana products and more state of Montana. That’s a marketing niche.” money into the pockets of our farmers and our ranchers.” Corey Stapelton said he would like full disclosure on every animal’s history. “I Whitney Williams said that price gouging is actually think the consumers need, deserve happening pure and simple. “It’s unacceptable. and are educated enough to have better and When there are four gigantic meat packing more information,” said Stapelton. “So I think companies controlling 85 percent of the that we have the ability to track an animal that nation’s beef and pork supply that’s just plain comes from the U.S., goes to Canada, go to wrong. And COVID19 has underscored the Mexico and back. I think our capability to fragility of our food systems I believe. We document where our animals have gone is must build a reliable, homegrown food system there.” and one that brings value back to the farm and back to the ranch.” Debra Lamm agreed that the label must include where the animal is raised. “I do think The U.S. House debate was held the following we can modify the labeling to include where it weekend. Representing the republicans were is raised,” said Lamm. “Because unfortunately Corey Stapelton, Mark McGinley, Joe Dooling, we are seeing less expensive beef coming in John Evankovich and Debra Lamm. from Brazil and other countries and it gets 7
mixed with our higher quality beef and it is sort of preventing the consumer from knowing where it’s coming from and takes away an opportunity from our own ranchers to identify that their meat is available.” “There are a lot of cattle that are born in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, winter in Mexico and then come back up to the feedlots in Yuma and those cattle can’t of course be considered U.S. cattle,” said Joe Dooling. “That’s an excuse the packers have used for years that it’s too hard to track the cattle but at the end of the day we can track them. Again we do it with certified Black Angus and BQA. It all goes back to this breaking up the packers.” Democrats Kathleen Williams and Tom Winter also support COOL. They spoke about the need to support an infastruture that will help the family farm succeed. “We need comprehensive Country-of-Origin labeling,” said Williams.“And I didn’t think we put enough fight up with the WTO. I’m ready to do that again and make sure we get it across the finish line.” “We need Country-of-Origin labeling because Montana consumers, American consumers and foreign consumers need to know the origin of the beef they are eating and more importantly they need to know the quality product comes from Montana ranchers,” said Winter. Candidates also fielded questions on climate change, the economy, food supply, trade, and education. To watch the debates website montanafarmersunion.com/policy-book/.
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
THE HEALTH BEAT WITH VICKY JO REEVES LICENSED NURSE
DAY CAMPS WITH A COUNTRY SPIN BY VICKY JO REEVES E D U C AT I O N & P R O G R A M A S S I S TA N T
Unless the virus rules change MFU will move forward with our summer day camp season which runs June through August. MFU day camps are led by licensed nurse Vicky Jo Reeves who will implement health checks, social distancing and frequent handwashing. Day camp hours are 9 a.m. – 3pm. Schools, community centers, parks and churches make for great day camp locations. The Camp location does not need to have a kitchen, but it must have restroom facilities. We ask that campers bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Also, please make sure campers dress appropriately for the day’s activities and weather. We will need some assistance in spreading the word. If your group is larger than 10 children we request a volunteer to help with the camp.
the environment, etc.For new guidelines in regards to heat related illness visit the cdc.gov. Here are some very basic tips to stay safe in the sun: • Drink water and limit caffeniated as well as alcohol and power drinks during the hot days to summer to prevent dehydration. WOW, IT IS HOT OUT THERE! • Wear clothing that will keep you cool, and protect you for UV rays. The CDC has provided us with a wealth of • Limit your time/exposure to direct sun light. information during COVID-19. According to the CDC generally coronaviruses survive • Wear a light hat to protect that tender spot on your head. for shorter periods at higher temperatures • Wear sun glassess to protect your vision. and higher humidity than in cooler or dryer • Alternate your environment to reduce your environments. heat exposure. However, the CDC does not have direct data • When in doubt call 911. for a temperature-based cutoff for inactivation at this point. The necessary temperature would also be based on the materials of the surface,
to be grade and age appropriate. Children must be a least eight years old to attend. MFU offers 100 different educational programs at no cost. There is a list of these different programs on our website.Here are some examples of the educational programs we offer: • My Favorite Pet – Learn how to take care of animals. • Worm Farming and Composting – Play in the dirt. • Planning Your Garden – Plan a garden space by looking at soil condition and lighting for optimum production. • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – How to reduce waste. • Read the Label – How to read the label on the chemicals you use. • Food Recovery and Second Time Dishes – How to stretch your grocery dollars. • Nutritional for Livestock-What our animals should and shouldn’t eat. • Farm Safety – Tips on how to prevent accidents and respond in case of an emergency. • Renewable energy – What it is and how it can save energy and money?
Day camps are designed for campers to pick up information related to agriculture, community and cooperatives while having fun. MFU Don’t let your children sit idle. Have them organizes these programs with your assistance join us and stay connected with their friends 8
this summer by attending a MFU day camp! If you are interested in putting together a day camp please contact me at 406.452.6406 or at vreeves@montanafarmersunion.com.
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
DEAR CAMPERS AND FAMILIES, It’s with a heavy heart that after careful consideration, Montana Farmers Union has decided to suspend our camp sessions for 2020. This decision is due in part due to the communal dinning and sleeping arrangements at camp. In addition, we feel that the social distancing guidelines would severely impact the overall camp “experience.” We know that this is disappointing news for our camp community and trust that you understand that our highest priority when making this decision was the well-being, health and safety of our campers, staff, and community. We are especially conscious of what these changes mean for older campers anticipating their final summer as a camper. As such, we are brainstorming offerings for them for later in 2020 or possibly summer 2021. If you have questions please contact the MFU state office at 406.452.6406.
LEARN THE SIGNS OF SUICIDE B Y D A R L A T Y L E R - M C S H E R RY FOUNDER, ASK IN EARNEST
It’s encouraging to see more attention directed to the health and wellness of farmers and ranchers. Every day, the men and women in agriculture face significant challenges from many directions—many of which are unpredictable. The unpredictability of farming can lead to significant stress. Stress can build, and not handled in a productive manner, can set us up to develop depression. Left unmanaged or untreated or undiagnosed depression can put us at risk for suicide.
They may say something such as, “Nothing works” or “I can’t try anymore”.Another important warning sign is if someone can’t describe a future for himself or herself. They may not be able to answer if asked something such as, “Tell me what you think about your future” or “This is a hard time for you, how do you see yourself coming out of it”? Another warning sign of depression and potential suicide behavior is a person’s mood.
People who are having thoughts of suicide can appear depressed, ashamed, withdrawn, or irritable. They will pull back and disengage from activities and people they used to enjoy. On the other hand, it’s also important to recognize a depressed person’s sudden Here in Montana, the suicide rate has significant mood improvement. We may increased a staggering 38% since 1999, be tempted to think that perhaps they have in comparison of an average increase of suddenly snapped out of it. Depression 25% nationwide (staggering in of itself). is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and Montana has ranked in the top five something that cannot be “snapped” out of. states for suicide in the past forty years. Research shows that farmers have the highest rate of suicide per occupation. It’s estimated that 70%-80% of people who take their own lives display warning signs that we miss. Yet with all of this as a backdrop, I want readers to know we can be effective in saving the lives of our loved ones. First, we need to learn the signs of suicide, which often are insidious and subtle. Three areas we need to pay attention to are: words, mood, and actions. It’s especially important to respond when we hear the following three topics: burden, loss of hope, no future. The person who may be suicidal may talk about being a burden or no longer have purpose. This may be especially true for an aging farmer or for someone who is sidelined by an injury or illness or for some other reason are no longer able to farm. It’s also important to respond if we hear someone talk about not having hope.
We also may wonder if their antidepressants “kicked in”. Anti-depressants work most effectively beginning after about 6-8 weeks, and then the mood elevation is gradual. What is important to realize is they may not be feeling actual happiness, but instead struggling with thoughts of suicide, and have decided to take their own life. It is not happiness they are displaying, but instead a sense of relief. A person’s actions can also provide warning signs of suicide. Withdrawing from friends, family, social events is important to note. Notice how much effort they are putting into their health habits and personal hygiene. How does their farmstead look? Is it wellmaintained or does it look unkept and not how the farmer normally takes care of their machinery, buildings, and grounds? How do their fields and livestock look? It’s very difficult to take care of the farm when depression is impacting a person’s ability 9
to think clearly, make good decisions and be productive. An increased use of alcohol and other drugs can be a sign too. Are they engaging in behavior they normally wouldn’t? The signs mentioned in this article are not meant to serve as a complete list of warning signs. Help is available 24/7. If you are worried about a loved one, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. Take your loved one to the closest emergency room. Call 911. TELL them and SHOW them you care, and you want them to LIVE. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to help them get connected to help.
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESS IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
by internet search. While CSA shares are not available in every community, we can still buy local homegrown products. In the day of modern technology and social media we have opportunity to advertise and shop on sites BY JUSTIN LOCH like Craigslist and Facebook for homegrown M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R food. If you need help locating local food options please feel free to call the Montana Covid19 has impacted many areas of our lives, Farmers Union office for help connecting or but one of the biggest areas is that of food. your county extension office. Supply, food safety, and access have been major areas of concern. When we look at the Eating out has changed dramatically during food system as a whole it’s important to look the pandemic. Right now most dining is at the impact it has on everyone, not just the take-out only or the restaurant has heavy consumer. Producers are heavily impacted restrictions that include safe health practices by this pandemic. We have processing plants and limited seating. If you are inclined to eat being shut down because packers didn’t out, I encourage you to support your local protect workers from infection. Livestock eateries. These are some of the businesses supply is backing up due to processing plants that are struggling right now and often times not running.Produce is sitting in fields un- the heart of our communities where people harvested due to migrant labor unable to meet. They are some of the first places we hit access our country. Milk is being dumped up for donations or other community support. down the drain because schools, restaurants, Give back by patronizing them. Currently and other businesses are shut down. there are Facebook and other social media pages designated to promote local dining and Consumers and producers are losing a takeout throughout the state to assist you with connection with one another as a result of finding out food specials and available dining this pandemic. Producers have had to limit services. Many of the local businesses not only contact with consumers through shopping, support your community, but they support onsite visits to farms and ranches, and in some agriculture by buying many of their food and cases stopped production of value added supplies from local farmers and ranchers. products all together. While many of us are Many dining businesses throughout Montana struggling during the pandemic we can help have started adding farm to table experiences change some of this for producers, but also along with menu selections devoted to locally create better health precautions for ourselves. grown and raised for patrons to enjoy. This is a great way to connect consumers and Rather than just running to the grocery store producers. However this is being shut down for your food, think about buying directly right now from Covid-19 restrictions. from the producer. There are many benefits to buying directly from the producer such If we must shop in a heavily populated grocery as fresher food, fewer hands handling food, store follow these key safety tips: a more natural product without all of the preservatives, and the value of knowing 1.) Designate one person in household to where your food is coming from and helping shop. This cuts down on exposure to others out your fellow farmer or rancher. and helps with the amount of traffic in store. If you are interested in accessing local food consider purchasing a CSA share (community supported agriculture) which provides weekly or bi-weekly pick-ups of fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and meat. Often times each share is packed with different products which are a great way to provide variety in your diet. You can find CSA’s in your area by contacting organizations such as Western Growers Co-op, Community Food and Ag Coalition, Extension Services, Community Garden Clubs, Montana Farmers Union or
2.) Limit trips to store. Less trips, means less exposure. Have a list of needed items before you go so you can shop quicker and limit time in the store. 3.) Use a face cover to prevent exposing others and to protect yourself. 4.) Limit the surfaces you touch. Wash hands thoroughly before leaving and when you return home.
10
5.) Try to keep a safe distance between yourself and other shoppers. Our day-to-day world has changed greatly from Covid19.Please exercise safe health practices to protect yourself and others. Take caution and look out for your family, friends, and or neighbors, especially our elderly population those with compromised immune systems. This has been a long road for all of us with an unknown end, but stay patient and help each other out. Show respect, compassion, and appreciation for one another. Remember where your food comes from and support your producer!
V O L U M E 2 9
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
QUIVIRA COALITION SPONSORS MENTOR TRAINING MFU Member, and the New Agrarian Program Northern Coordinator for the Quivira Coalition Alexis Bonogofsky, invites you to take advantage of Quivira’s New Agrarian training program. The program helps to ensure that living and working knowledge of these practices, and the landscape itself, is stewarded into the future. The Quivira Coalition builds soil, biodiversity, and resilience on western working landscapes. They foster ecological, economic, and social health through education, innovation, and collaboration. Here is more information on the upcoming training sessions:
Intro to Mentoring June 15th (12-1:30pm MT) or July 22nd (6:30-8pm MT)
Interested in learning more about becoming a mentor to beginning ranchers and farmers? Join Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian program for one of our upcoming Intro to Mentoring calls on June 15th (12-1:30pm MT) or July 22nd (6:30-8pm MT)! The calls will be co-facilitated by NAP’s founding mentor, Julie Sullivan, and one of Quivira's regional program coordinators. These calls are an opportunity to learn more about the nuts and bolts of becoming a mentor in the New Agrarian program and mentoring more generally, as well as to think about how an apprentice might fit into your own operation. To register, visit https://quiviracoalition.org/mentor-101/ or contact newagrarian@ quiviracoalition.org for more information.
NAP 101 Informational Calls June 19th (9-10am MT) or July 20th (6-7pm MT) Are you considering a career in ranching or farming? Are you interested in learning how to ranch or farm using regenerative practices? Join the Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian program for an informational call to learn more about the program and decide if an apprenticeship might be the right next step for you! During the calls we’ll discuss what to expect from an agricultural apprenticeship on a working ranch or farm in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, and California. The calls will be hosted by our New Agrarian Program coordinators, and will provide an overview of the program and participating mentor sites. To register, visit https://quiviracoalition.org/nap-101/ or contact newagrarian@ quiviracoalition.org for more information.
11
prod searc on-o with app
Since 1915
OUR AGENTS LIVE AND WORK NEAR YOU. Anaconda Stefanie Thompson 563.5991 Belgrade Craig Parker 388.6774 Bigfork Andrew Luedtke 837-1395 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 Megan Hedges 759-5150 Choteau Scott Allaire 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 Have Alex Thorton 637-8783 Helena Todd Crum 443.4630 Hingham Ray Lipp 397-3146
Hobson Shawn“Tater”Erickson 366-1287 Kalispell Randy Bloom 257.1252 Kalispell Flathead Insurance 752-8000 Kalispell Charles Monroe 756.7720 Laurel Lorna Olson 628.6649 Lewistown Tom McKenna 538.8736 Lewistown Raleigh Heitzman 538.8736 Lewistown Bruce Marshall 538-2331 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 Missoula Josh Rollins 830.3073 Plains Lisa French 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 Lisa French 827.3221 Whitefish Rial Gunlikson 862.4700 Wolf Point Jesse Fleming 653.2200