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M O N TA N A
GRASS ROOTS
F E E D I N G T H E F U T U R E T H R O U G H F A R M E R S U N I O N E D U C AT I O N A P U B L I C AT I O N B Y M O N TA N A F A R M E R S U N I O N
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
Jeff Kostuik, Hemp Genetics International
Jamey Kohake, Ag Marketing
VALUE- ADDED AG, DRONES, IHEMP & FARM SUCCESSION AMONG HIGHLIGHTS OF CONFERENCE
Beef Producer Panel: Colter DeVries and Ashley Callahan
that will bring beef, pork, poultry and dairy processing and a distillery to the Golden Triangle. Mr. Hanson said they were projecting 3000 new jobs once all the phases have been completed over 10 years. Mr. Hanson also discussed the need for the Golden Triangle and Montana B Y TO M C L A R K producers to be able to help supply the Montana brand Record snowfall, gusting winds and below average tem- they are looking to create. Once the facility is online and peratures weren’t enough to keep producers on the Hi- processing at full capacity there would be a large need Line from coming to Havre and taking time out of their for Montana beef, pork, poultry and grains year-round. busy schedules to network and learn. Around 30 pro- This project is still in the planning and permitting producers from the area arrived at the Great Northern Inn cess and no time line for construction has been deteron Friday, February 9 to check in and get ready for the mined. first event on the day’s agenda. They were supposed to C O N T I N U E D P A G E 4 go to the Peterson Ranch and do a tour, but due to the previous evening’s snowfall it was cancelled. Instead, the conference started with watching the movie Farmland; a documentary following young farmers from across America who are learning how to transition and become the next generation of farmers. Having some time to fill we were fortunate to have one of the audience members Todd Hanson with Norsman Consulting fill in some of the extra time with a presentation on the Madison Food Park. The Madison Food Park is a multi-stage project
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LEFURGEY FAMILY · LOMA, MT Read stories from our members at MontanaFarmersUnion.com
Jeff Bangs Bangs Family Farm
THE POWER OF MANY MEANS
THE POWER OF YOU When it comes to a field of wheat or a herd of cattle, farmers and ranchers know there is success when the group is healthy. Montana Farmers Union understands this, too. That’s why we’ve spent the last century connecting Montana farmers and ranchers in our communities through cooperation, education, and legislation. Because successful farmers and ranchers are good for everyone in Montana.
406·452·6406 / 800·234·4071 MontanaFarmersUnion.com
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
IN THIS ISSUE
Recruited by
MFU Producer Conference Recap Page 4
Shane Anderson Ray McMullen, Whitewater Ronald Sjostrom, Malta Shane Anderson William & Kari Murch, Glasgow Del Hansen Calvin & Karla Thornberg, Rosebud Ron & Blayne Watts Dwayne & Amy Vogel, Billings Jim Mathews Robert W. Kirch Trust, Fishtail Steve Plaggemeyer Con Gillam Revocable Trust, Bozeman Dean Derby Richard & Kimberly Miske, Wibaux Dallas Hagfeldt Jr. Guyla Bauwens, Bridger Wes Schwend Darrel Smith, Sonnette Melissa Wacker Hamilton Farms Inc, Hogeland Eric Hinebauch Robert & Toni Zadick, Lincoln Eric Hinebauch Franklin Slifka, Toston Todd Crum Michael & Linda Nelson, Milltown Brad Bowman Granite Creek Hot Springs LLC, Carmel, CA Pam Jacobsen John Sheldon Family Trust, Spokane WA Charles Monroe Aron & Cheryl Andersen, San Gabriel, CA Bryan Jones Henry & Wendy Tintzman, Corvallis Bryan Jones Shiplet Family Trust, Clyde Park Art Hoffart Jessica Bruinsma, Whitefish MFU Office Ray & Mary Moore Smail, Alder MFU Office Matt Wertheimer, Havre MFU Office Mary Ann Weder, Havre MFU Office Cordell Murray, Havre MFU Office Ashley & Ryan Callahan, Havre MFU Office Dayv Unruh, Chinook MFU Office Colter DeVries, Roberts MFU Office Keith Tokerud, Great Falls MFU Office Daniel Konen, Great Falls MFU Office Norsman Consulting Group, Havre MFU Office
CRP: Organic Marketing Workshop Page 5 Farmers Union Announces Farm Bill Campaign Page 6 MFU Sponsors Next Generation Conference Page 7 Why Join Montana Farmers Union? Page 8 Message from Congressman Greg Gianforte Page 9 Messages from Senator Steve Daines & Senator Jon Tester Page 10 Member Profile: GFDA Hires Bergman as Director of Food & Ag Development Center Page 11
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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 Š 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 Angus Merrill Big Sandy
K J Fauth FU Insurance, Billlings Kaylen Lehner FU Insurance, Circle Tom McKenna FU Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe FU Insurance, Kalispell
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produces iHemp in Russel Manitoba, Canada. crop and its uses as an oil seed fiber source. After a buffet lunch across the street at the He had a lot of really good information on Duck Inn we were given a presentation by the the The oil seed can be crushed and the oils Collegiate Stockgrowers Association Presi- can be used for human consumption in health dent Michael Peter of MSU Northern. Porter supplements. The fiber can be used in cloth described the program and some of the proj- and replacement for certain types of plastics. ects they worked on in the last year including working on fixing fence after the Jordan Fire, The Marketing & Hedging presentation was as well as helping fight a fire in the Bearpaw done by Jamey Kohake with Paragon InvestMountains. A large number of the produc- ments. Jamey went through all the different ers that were in attendance were members commodities charts and then went through of that program. Next on the agenda was a some of the different ways to hedge and marfarm and ranch planning seminar put on by ket grains and cattle produced on the Hi-Line. Keith Tokerud of Scott, Tokerud & McCarty; According to Jamey crops and stock are still Dan Konen with JCCS and Jared Brown of Bearish and should remain flat the rest of the Pathwise Partners. It was an extremely well- year with a chance of positive gains if weathpresented seminar covering a large variety of er and yields are market friendly. topics important to the beginning and young farmer. Topics included farm entity options, After lunch there was a presentation led by tax scenarios, transition planning and estate Jim Larson with the Montana Ag Safety Proplanning. The unique thing about the panel gram. Jim emphasized the safety of ATV’s is that they all work together with clients to and 4 Wheelers due to the growing number provide a comprehensive service that you can of accidents. Farm and ranch work can be start at any stage of your farming experience. extremely dangerous when being done on The main idea was to start early with a plan ATV’s. As pointed out in Jim’s presentation and revisit regularly to maintain and adjust as accidents can be caused by lack of training, time goes on. The last item on the agenda for riding alone, working odd hours and in inthe day was the Beef N’ Brews dinner spon- clement weather, improper protective equipsored and organized by the Collegiate Stock- ment and excessive speed. Larson provided growers as a fund raiser. It was well attended the following safety tips: ride with more than by the conference attendees as well as sup- one person in a group, wear helmets and othporters throughout the Havre area. er personal protective equipment, keep your speed down especially on paved roads and Day two started out with a beef producer know your vehicles limitations. panel that included Colter DeVries of Colt James Ranches and Ashley Callahan with The next presenter was Dayv Unruh who Bearpaw Meats. The panelists were asked showed off his drone and camera equipment questions about their particular experiences for calving. He went through the different with value-added beef sales and their personal types of equipment available now to watch experiences as entrepreneurs. Colter DeVries calves and moms during the day and at night produces and sells a meat stick made from the with infrared technology. He was also able to famed Wagyu Beef. He discussed the chal- remotely show us cameras setup that would lenges and successes of starting a business swivel around and show an entire operation of this type and what his plans are going for- controlled from either a phone or a computer ward with marketing to a small demographic. desktop. This technology is used to monitor Ashley discussed her family business and how calving and cattle operations as well as secushe’s come back to continue and expand what rity while you are away from the premises. He her parents started as a local processing and wasn’t able to run his drone, but showed us packaging plant. They specialize in producing, footage that he took. He also discussed the processing and marketing locally grown beef benefits of being able to use a drone in agrialong the Hi-Line. culture. P RO D U C E R C O N T I N U E D
Next up was Jeff Kostuik who came down to Montana from Canada to talk about Industrial Hemp. He went through the whole process of growing iHemp from seeding to harvest. Jeff
The last presenter of the day was Matt Perdue with National Farmers Union. He discussed the Farm Bill and addressed the timing issue of releasing PLC and ARC payments. The way
it’s written now takes over a year for the payments to be released. It’s being discussed now about trying to get those payments coming to the producers in the same year as the loss. There has also been discussion of Including specialty crops in the Farm Bill.
WORKSHOPS TO FOCUS ON CRP ACREAGE AS OPPORTUNITY FOR MEETING ORGANIC MARKET DEMAND ERIC BERGMAN D I R E C TO R O F F O O D & AG D E V E L O P M E N T CENTER
Two workshops, March 1st in Havre and March 2nd in Great Falls, aim to connect producers, buyers, and resources to discuss transitioning from CRP to organic production. Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA) and Bear Paw Development Corporation are facilitating the events. Both are part of the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Food and Ag Development Center Network. The events, titled “Transitioning CRP: Organic Marketing Opportunities,” will bring together representatives from companies buying and processing organic grains and pulses, public and private resource personnel, and producers currently or potentially growing for the organic sector. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, exchanges rental payment to land owners who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production. Between 2018 and 2019, Montana will see approximately 224,000 acres of enrollment contracts expire from the CRP. This follows the expiration of nearly 400,000 acres in fiscal year 2017. The current U.S. Farm Bill has capped CRP enrollment at the lowest level since the program’s inception in 1985, and the future of CRP remains unknown as the 2018 Farm Bill is crafted. Because of how this land has been managed under CRP contract, it may qualify for immediate certification as organic cropland, grazing land, or hay ground. Land actively farmed under conventional management requires a three-year transition before qualifying for organic certification.“CRP is a context for discussion. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
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Producers are consistently facing major management decisions with their farms and ranches.The market for certified organic products may be an opportunity for farmers facing expiring CRP contracts, and for those who are otherwise looking to diversify, stabilize, or grow their businesses,” says Eric Bergman, Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA) Food and Ag Development Center Director.
$28.4 million in gross sales, and the #1 pulse producer with $5.4 million in sales. Organic products typically sell for 2-5 times more than their conventional counterparts at the farm-gate.“Profit margins on the farms are important for overall community economic well-being. Our focus is on expanding agricultural processing in the region to create more income streams for our communities. We have Montana companies which are currently processing that may At 5% of the nation’s total, Mon- be able to expand, companies tana currently ranks first for total outside of the state that see the acreage under certified organic numerous advantages to locating production. Specifically, in 2017, here, and local entrepreneurs that Montana was the #1 overall or- are looking to start something ganic wheat producing state at new,” continues Bergman.
MARCH 2018
Taylor Lyon, Director of Bear Paw’s Food and Ag Development Center, offers, “During my days as an ag product processor, I learned directly the challenges of competing with other processors that were better positioned to capitalize on scale.” Additionally, “I keep hearing that the large organic food processors are constantly searching for domestic grain products and want more access to Montana markets. What better way to help solve that problem than by hosting events like this.”
ing attendees to pre-register so that they can provide an appropriate number of meals. “MFU supports the CRP Program with the goal of giving the most environmentally-sensitive land first priority,” says Communications Director Lyndsay Bruno. “We also recognize the need for producers to diversify their operations and view education as a fundamental way to do just that. MFU appreciates the opportunity to partner with the GFDA and Bear Paw Development.”
The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) is sponsoring lunch for the events and organizers are ask-
Transitioning CRP: Organic Marketing Opportunities 224,000 acres of Montana CRP contracts are set to expire 2018-2019. This land base may qualify for immediate organic certification. Join us to network with organic grain buyers and processors, experienced organic growers and resource personnel. March 1, 2018—Northern Ag Research Center-Havre AND March 2, 2018—Great Falls College MSU -Heritage Hall 9:00am-12:30 pm—lunches sponsored by the Montana Farmers Union Great Falls registration: https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/432 Havre registration: https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/431 For more information contact: Taylor Lyon: TLyon@bearpaw.org * 406-265-9226 Or Eric Bergman: EBergman@gfdevelopment.org * 406-750-3285
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The Farm Bill is the most important and comprehensive piece of food and farm legislation in the United States. Its critical not just for family farmers and ranchers, but also for consumers, rural communities, and the environment too. We’re joining the Farmers Union family in urging Congress to pass a Farm Bill this year, and to make sure it actually works for the entire food system, from farmer to consumer. Visit 2018FarmBill.org to learn more about the Farm Bill, how it helps our farmers, our environment, and our hungry, and why we need one passed this year. #FarmBillNow
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MARCH 2018
MFU SPONSORS NEXT GENERATION CONFERENCE sion planning, conversation starters and conflict resolution to the table during the first day of the conference.
BY KARI LEWIS GLACIER COUNTY EXTENSION
Farmers and ranchers from three states, two provinces and over forty communities across the state converged in Shelby for the 2018 Montana’s Next Generation Conference January 26 and 27. “It is amazing that we continue to have 225+ producers put this conference into their schedule annually and travel from as far away as Plevna, Plentywood, Sand Springs, Toston and everywhere in between,” said Lacy Roberts, co-host of the conference. “Elaine Froese and Amanda Radke were great draws for Friday attendees as they talked succession and business planning for succession. Saturday’s thirty-six workshops were a big hit again this year as well.” Elaine Froese, a Manitoba based farmer, brought six hours of information on succes
“Elaine’s presentation was wonderful. It really gave us a better idea of what to do,” said Jennifer Fenger. She and her husband Brad have been working on options to get started in agriculture and this was a great kickoff for them of that process. “We want to come back next year and bring our parents here.” “Elaine brought up the concept that sometimes we have to approach things in a different manner than we are used to when working with family. She shared the example that she does not like it when their son is texting while driving a semi load of grain. She has to separate out when she talks to him that as his mother as opposed to when she is talking to him as an officer of the family business,” added Roberts. Judy Reid, a Babb area rancher for 47 years, was very happy she made it to the conference. “Elaine’s presentation was excellent. I totally enjoyed her. I would like to get our younger generation to attend!” Amanda Radke followed Elaine’s presentation on Friday by sharing ten real life stories she has seen in her own extended family’s attempts at succession planning and what went wrong. She provid-
Join us at Arrowpeak Camp in the Highwood Mountains. Meet new friends, learn about cooperatives and develop leadership skills. Camp is packed with daily activities including crafts, dances, nature hikes, workshops, and FUN! Online registration opens April 11. Cost: $75 Members/ $130 Nonmembers. To register visit montanafarmersunion.com. Register early as space is limited! Contact Violet Green, Youth Education Coordinator with questions at 452-6406.
CAMP DATES:
Junior Camp I June 17 -22 Senior Camp June 24 -29 Teen Camp I: July 8 -13 Junior Camp II: July 15 -20 Teen Camp II: July 22- 27 7
ed encouragement to the younger generation coming back to the family operation that succession is possible with good planning and an ability to think outside of the box on how to make things work financially. She and her husband even rented out the basement of their house when they were first starting out to be able to generate some extra revenue and make ends meet. Kevin Benjamin of Shelby is relatively new to farming with five years under his belt but he has been a multi-year attendee and gave this year’s conference a big thumbs up. “You get your value for the conference in the food alone and everything on top of that is an added bonus,” Kevin shared with a large smile. Kevin felt the highlights for him this year were attending Markus Braaten’s class on Fertility Management, which he said was, “Way more-in depth than the usual fertility talk you hear.” He even attended his older brother Lyle Benjamin’s class, who shared what he learned from trying to maximize yield on spring wheat for a national wheat contest which Kevin said he found particularly interesting.” Brad and Jennifer Fenger, Galata, are working to start their own farming/ranching operation and found a lot of tidbits throughout the two-day event. “I liked all the workshops. Recordkeeping, Planning for a Profit, and Bull Selection were all really great,” said Jennifer. Joe St. Goddard, Heart Butte, was a first year attendee along with his dad, Jay. “It really was an awesome experience. I met a lot of new people and learned a lot of new things. My dad even enjoyed himself too,” Joe St. Goddard shared. The annual conference is a cooperative effort between the Glacier, Toole and Pondera MSU-Extension offices, Farm Service Agency and numerous Ag organizations.
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WHY JOIN MONTANA FARMERS UNION?
JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
Often times as Membership Director I get asked “Why should I join Montana Farmers Union?” To be honest, that question could be answered in many ways. Are you a farmer or rancher? Are you a consumer? Are you simply looking for member benefits that provide a discount on things such as hotels or rental cars? I will try to clear some of these questions up by providing some information about MFU that you, as a member may or may not know. First, “What is Montana Farmers Union?” Montana Farmers Union is Montana’s oldest farm organization advocating for farmers, ranchers, and consumers for over 100 years. Our grassroots membership driven organization allows members to help shape policy at both local and national levels. MFU focuses on three general areas, cooperation, legislation, and education. Early on MFU worked to establish member co-ops to address the needs of farm marketing, rural electrification, farm supply, and rural telephone. MFU still works today to help rural communities and farmers and ranchers with the cooperative model to help provide vital services such as broadband, healthcare, and grocery stores.
counted camp registrations at our youth camps and discounts from Verizon for cell phone nal affiliation gives us access to full time staff plans, Redwing Boots, Softubs hot tubs, Avis in Washington D.C. who advocate on your be- and Enterprise Rental Cars, several hotels half for diverse congressional issues such as across the state, and much more. MFU memthe Farm Bill, food and energy access, indus- bership also provides access to similar bentry concentration, rural jobs, and economic efits across the U.S. through National Farmers development. MFU members may have the Union. For a complete list of benefits please opportunity to join state staff and board visit our website or call our office. members on a legislative Fly-In in D.C. and help lobby members of congress. Look out Hopefully after reading this I will have given for future information on how you might be you enough information to answer the famous able to be involved in this event. Each year question, “Why Should I Join Montana FarmMFU holds its annual convention where mem- ers Union?” bers come together to help form policy. At the state convention MFU members vote and Whether you farm or ranch, or simply eat, we select delegates that will go onto the National are all involved in agriculture. If you are a Farmers Union Convention to work on shap- member of MFU, “Thank You.” If you aren’t ing the national policy. Please join us in the or know somebody you think should be a future and help us with our member policy. member please send them our way and we would love to have them join the MFU family. Education is really the focal point of what we We all play a part in the world of agriculture, do at MFU. Education is provided for all ages make your role even stronger by joining MFU of members from school age to adult. With today and let us help keep agriculture feeding the youth MFU comes to classrooms across the world and farm families on the farm. the state to provide lessons on agriculture, cooperatives, and leadership. In the summer we offer a variety of camps at MFU owned Arrowpeak Camp at the base of the Highwood Mountains. Here campers set up a co-op store, INTERESTED IN RUNNING learn traditional camp activities such as fly- FOR OFFICE? tying, insect identification, crafts, dance, and C H R I S C H R I S T I A E N S others. Please let our state office know if you S P E C I A L P R O J E C T S would like education brought to your child’s classroom. For adults MFU provides a wide This is that time of the year when agriculture variety of educational opportunities. Each producers and other members of Montana year MFU puts on a Producer Conference that Farmers Union may have a bit of down time works to cover education across all aspects of and will take the time to read about what you agriculture. This event works to bring cur- can do for your community and state. Beginrent and innovative education to members. ning January 11 the candidate filing opened Women are a vital part of organization as well to interested folks who wish to run as a canand each spring MFU holds its annual Wom- didate for 25 state senate seats, or one of the en’s Conference. Here women get a chance to 100 house of representative seats. The filing spend time networking, learning and enjoy- deadline is 5:00 PM on March 12. The process ing themselves with other women interested is fairly simple. There is a $15.00 filing fee. in agriculture and leadership. Throughout the year, MFU holds several workshops and pre- The filing service in the secretary of state ofsentations on education related to agriculture fice allows you to file your candidacy one of such as alternative energy, industrial hemp, ag several ways. These include as a qualified pomarketing, farm succession, Farm Bill, new litical party; as a minor political party; as an crops, and much more. Watch your mailbox independent or as a non-partisan candidate. It and read our newsletter for upcoming educa- is possible to file either in person or by filing tional opportunities. online with the office located in the capitol
MFU lobbies at the state and national level Lastly MFU offers several Member Benefits for public policy issues that benefit agricul- that are available exclusively for members. ture producers and rural Montana. Our natio- Some of the member benefits include dis-
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building in Helena on the second floor in the west wing. C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
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A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN GREG GIANFORTE .
Montana enjoy rodeoing but are not in it for the money. I led a letter with 26 other House members from both parties asking the Federal MotorCarrier Safety Administration to clarify that the recreational exemption for horse trailers still applies when prize money is involved. Rodeo and equestrian events play an important role in our communities, economy, and culture, and they are a valuable part of our rural heritage. I will continue working to address this issue and other examples of federal overreach.
I’d like to share a couple of news items important to Montana’s rural communities. As producers prepare for planting, a recent report from USDA shows the snowpack and water content in Montana’s river basins are above normal – well above normal in some areas. It doesn’t take a scientist to know we’ve had a pretty good winter. Spring rains through the growing season are also important when it comes to moisture content across Montana, and snowpack assessment is just one piece of the puzzle. I will continue to closely monitor our state’s moisture levels and will pursue federal drought relief for impacted Montana counties. Another bit of news for rural Montana is a bipartisan effort I’m leading in the House. We are urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to adjust its rules that could force rodeo and equestrian enthusiasts to obtain commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for transporting their animals. The regulations require CDLs for truck and trailer combos with a combined gross weight of 26,000 pounds or more if the trip involves possible compensation. I can almost hear the chuckling when the words “rodeo” and “compensation” are used in the same context. Most participants across
My door is always open, and I look forward to hearing from you about the issues that matter to you most. You can find my contact information on my website at www.gianforte. house.gov. OFFICE CONTINUED
It should be noted that in the case of wanting to file as either a minor party candidate or as an independent must be accompanied by verified petition signatures. The signatures must be submitted prior to the filing deadline and until furnished the application will be shown by the secretary of state office as pending. The petition signatures need to be submitted to the county election officials for verification and then filed with the secretary of state. Rural legislative districts represented by an individual working in agriculture continue to be downsized as the urban areas continue to grow and with reapportionment the voices of agriculture are diminished. Consider seriously this opportunity to represent your industry in the next legislative session slated to begin in January, 2019. Make your voice heard during the following 90 days as bills will be introduced dealing with changes in agriculture values pertaining to taxation, rules and uses of water including exempt wells, adjudication and funding issues concerning funding for various projects affecting your industry. In light of the tight budget and cuts in 2018 funding for education and research in our university system may affect your very livelihood. There are many other policy issues the MFU lobbyist will address per the organization policy. The 2018 policy book can be found at montana 9
farmersunion.com. I suggest you take the time to check the policy book out and see what issues are important to you and your agriculture future. Now is the time to assure your representation during the next session of the Montana Legislature. You may also go to the Montana Secretary of State’s website and pull up the list of those who have already filed. If not registered to vote please do so and vote either in person at your local polling place or by casting an absentee ballot. Should you have questions do not hesitate to call the office or visit with your family, friends and community organizations to have conversations about filing for office.
SAVE THE DATE! MFU Mid-Year Conference June 6-7, 2018 Bozeman, MT
University Tours: Wool Lab Pulse Lab Vet Diagnostic Lab Fort Ellis Research Farm More details to come!
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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
MARCH 2018
Over two hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote to George Washington, “Agriculture...is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals & happiness.” It’s easy to see that agriculture’s history in America is as old as the nation! While we celebrate farming and ranching’s legacy, it’s also critical that we look to the future of agriculture.
internet connections that are consistently available, these benefits for agriculture producers will go unrealized. My bill will force the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop policy recommendations, in consultation with USDA, to promote the rapid, expanded deployment of fixed and mobile high-speed broadband on farming and ranching lands – with a goal of reaching 95 percent of America’s agriculture lands by 2025. This That’s why I recently introduced biparti- goal may be a lofty one, but it’s one that has san legislation to give Montana farmers and to be set and reached. ranchers access to the farming tools of the 21st century. The Precision Agriculture Con- A recent report from the FCC says that 40% nectivity Act establishes a task force to identi- of rural Montana still lacks access to fixed fy gaps in high-speed internet connectivity for broadband – these are some of the very areas the nation’s cropland and ranchland and takes that stand the most to gain from increased steps to address those gaps. While broadband technology. You can be sure that I will conaccess is critical for all of rural Montana, it tinue to press the FCC to close the rural gap is especially important that we close the rural and bring more tools to Montana’s farmers digital divide for Montana’s number one eco- and ranchers. nomic driver if we hope to compete on a level playing field. Precision agriculture can help farmers and ranchers use technology to increase crop yields, reduce production expenses and streamline operations, but without high-speed
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER
Montana’s farmers are the backbone of our economy, but gaps in high-speed internet in rural areas are putting hardworking family farmers and ranchers at a disadvantage.
production costs, and increases crop yields. However, it requires reliable and affordable high-speed internet, which many of our operations still can’t get.
As I travel across Big Sky Country, one thing I hear from rural Montanans is that we must improve access to reliable high-speed broadband to ensure that rural America can compete in a global economy, take advantage of new technologies, and access important online tools like telemedicine and education.
The bill sets commonsense goals for the FCC to bring rural Montana into the 21st Century and get high speed internet to croplands and ranchlands. It also requires the FCC to submit annual reports on the status of mobile broadband so Congress can hold them accountable and ensure they’re making progress and getting folks the broadband they need.
That’s why I’ve introduced the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018, to level the playing field for our producers. Our bipartisan bill will require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to identify and address gaps in internet connectivity, while setting deployment goals to guarantee progress. Many Montanans are turning to precision agriculture because it’s more efficient, reduces Senator Jon Tester visits with MFU Board of Director Will Downs in Billings at the MATE 10
It’s time to bring broadband to every part of our state, from Circle to Creston. As the Senate’s only working farmer, I will fight to ensure Montana’s family farms have every opportunity to succeed.
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MEMBER profile
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GFDA HIRES BERGMAN AS DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND AG DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Eric Bergman and his wife Audra own and operate Groundworks Farm in Fort Shaw. Recently Eric has assumed a new role as Director of the Food and Ag Development Center in Great Falls. Eric is very active with MFU as President of Cascade County Farmers Union and in other capacities. In this article Eric shares his vision as center director. 1.) Can you talk about your new position and what it entails? The work directing the Great Falls Food and Ag Development Center is truly dynamic. Our work at GFDA is focused on providing any service we can to assist in the success of our clients. These services may be in business planning, navigating regulations, accessing financing through grants and lending, government contracting, or simply advocacy for a project. Clients include farmers and ranchers, entrepreneurial start-ups, existing business, and companies outside of the state. My work is focused particularly on development in the food and agriculture sectors with emphasis on expanding the agricultural processing industry in our region. Currently, around 80% of the farm products grown in Montana are shipped out as raw commodities. We have a lot of opportunity to add value to these products here in the state to capture more of the “food dollar.”
MARCH 2018
tious relationships with our food, our landscapes, and our neighbors is critically important. I like the adage that exposure and experience cultivates understanding, understanding cultivates appreciation, and appreciation leads to thoughtful action. Knowing directly where a food item comes from, how it was produced, what skills and technologies are involved, and maybe even who produced it, is a way for anyone to recognize his or her connection with agriculture. In our modern society where fewer and fewer individuals are directly involved in food production, I think direct relationships between farmers and other eaters can help people understand one-another.
2.How will your position work with the food and ag development network? There are four Food and Ag Development Centers in the network, and there is some variation in focus and strengths between the Centers. We coordinate with each other by referral between Centers, setting mutual goals for the Network, sharing contacts, information and resources, and by trying to pull in the same direction. We share some clients and projects, but largely work independently. However, it’s important we collaborate on strategic planning so that we can at least complement, and ideally multiply, one another’s efforts.
4.How has being a producer helped prepare you for this position? We are still farming, but the operation will be much different now that Audra and I are both working full time off-farm. By initiating and operating our own small farm we received a crash-course in business management, for one thing. Some lessons were certainly learned the hard way, but there is no substitute for experience. Through our work as farmers, we have connected with a lot of people and organizations in the industry, including our involvement with MFU. This network is important in 3.Why do you feel it is important to sup- my current position because much of what I port local agriculture? Having conscien- do is based on relationship building and con-
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necting the appropriate dots. Also, having a more direct knowledge of agriculture, and science in general, is an asset I bring to our team at GFDA. I’m climbing a steep learning curve relative to other aspects of the work. 5.What are some of your goals moving forward in this position? Broadly speaking, my goal is to play a role in the development of new and more agricultural processing in Montana, and specifically the Golden Triangle region. GFDA has created 8 agri-processing business cases that outline specific industries that would fit well in our region. I invite anyone interested in copies of these to contact me. I think this work gives me the opportunity to help facilitate the growth of thriving communities. 6.How can the public get more involved in supporting economic growth of Great Falls and the growth of agriculture in our communities? One project that GFDA is just initiating is a series of public discussions focused on economic development activities in the region. These are being called “What’s Up with Great Falls Economic Development?” and will be held once a month at Great Falls College MSU. The goal here is to create a venue to discuss the work that GFDA clients and others are doing, and anyone interested can participate. If someone wants to know the dates and times of these, they can contact GFDA or look at the website www.gfdevelopment.org.
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