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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
IN THIS ISSUE.... PAGE 11
PAGE 12
PAGE 14
NFU and FUE join forces to expand use of American grown high-octane biofuels
Impacts of the federal aid package, tariffs and a timeline for the Farm Bill
Efforts are moving forward on Montana’s own Country-of-Origin Label
PAGE 8 2017 Arrowpeak Camp theme revealed!
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
BIG SANDY COUPLE TO REPRESENT MT IN FUE PROGRAM
Farmers Union Enterprise is comprised of five Farmers Union states including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each of the FUE states select a couple to participate in the FUE Couples Leadership Program. This year’s couple representing Montana is Kody and Serena Cator. The couple lives on the family farm near Big Sandy and have two children, Faith and Ridge. Kody and Serena come from military backgrounds and share how that experience has shaped their lives. 1.) How did the two of you meet? We met in the army and were married after we got out of the military. We’ve been married for 10 years. Kody was in the army for six years. He was in infantry and I was in the army for four years in military intelligence. 2.) What influence does your military service have on your life? It’s hard to sum up what the military taught us, it taught us so much. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 7
CONVENTION CALL:
OCTOBER 26 - 27, 2018 HOLIDAY INN, GREAT FALLS
MOVING AGRICULTURE FORWARD
MONTANA FARMERS UNION—2018 CONVENTION
TO: ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL AND COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS OF THE FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA, MONTANA DIVISION (MONTANA FARMERS UNION) You are hereby notified that the 103rd Annual State Convention of the Montana Division of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America will be held in Great Falls, Montana at the Heritage Inn, October 26-27, 2018, for the purpose of hearing reports from the state officers, to elect a vice president to a two-year term, two district board members, from Districts 1 and 3 to three-year terms; and an At-Large Director for Districts 3 & 4 to a three-year term. A conductor and doorkeeper will be elected to one-year terms; further, to transact such business and adopt such resolutions as may be desired by the members of Montana Farmers Union. Nominations of board members and officers shall be made from the floor during the afternoon session of October 26. Ballots will be distributed at the time of election, during the morning session of October 27 and all ballots must be in the ballot box no later than 10:30 AM on October 27. It will be appreciated if resolutions be sent to state headquarters by October 19. Resolutions for submission after that date should be given directly to the Resolutions Committee at the Convention site during designated times announced at convention. Alan Merrill
Erik Somerfeld Secretary-Treasurer
President Montana Farmers Union
Montana Farmers Union
2018 OFFICERS ELECTION MFU Board Vice President Rollie Schlepp has announced his intent to run for reelection. Schlepp is a rancher near Conrad and owns Schlepp Livestock. Per Montana Farmers Union bylaws candidates for president and vice president must announce their intent to run 45 days prior to election which will take place at the 2018 annual convention October 26-27. Special room rates are available at the Holiday Inn Great Falls for convention attendees. Please call the hotel directly to make a reservation. Convention registration opens September 1. To register and for more information visit montanafarmersunion.com.
WORKSHOPS: • Mediation Program: Presented by the Montana Department of Agriculture. This workshop will focus on mediation as a tool to support farm transition between generations. • Estate Planning: Along with its partners, One Montana seeks to present about legacy planning for ranching families • The latest in ranching and farming practices: Presented by MSU Extension • USCA Legislative Update: Presented by Jess Peterson • Food Safety and Montana’s collaborative effort: Presented by Jan Tusick, Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center • Low- Stress Cattle Handling: This workshop will be led by Curt Pate, renowned stockman who has conducted demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship, horsemanship and safety for over a decade.
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SEPTEMBER 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!
Preview of the 2018 State Convention!
Member
Charles & Rhonda Dull, Saco Jonathan Seleg, Rosebud S Andrew Seleg, Rosebud Curtis & Lori Reed, Miles City Schmidt Family LLC, Bozeman Paul & Sally Taylor, Bozeman Richard & Charmaine Parker, Belgrade David & Lynette Ruff, Billings Scott Bradac, Marmarth ND Robert Leffler, Billings Perry Breen, Choteau Steven & Amber Kamps, Ovando Leufken Family LLC, Thompson Falls Gary & Karen McDonough, Polebridge Lawrence & Kathy VanDyke, Bozeman Oxbow Cattle Co LLC, Missoula Joan Robinson, Huson Linda Newman, Roundup Jan & Dean McCabe, Circle Jennifer & Lee Taylor, Great Falls Shanley Bay, Great Falls Sande & Chris Herring, Havre Jamie & John Nygard, Great Falls Ariane Wittman, Billings Jeff & Annette Van Pevenage, Lake Oswego OR Colleen & Dusty Campbell, Great Falls Charity Jacobson, Great Falls Michelle & Adam Thoroughman, Great Falls Jennifer & Craig Blansett, Fort Benton Billie Jo & Jay Groskreutz, Great Falls Aryle Azure, Great Falls Craig & Jennifer Blansett, Fort Benton
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Recruited by
MFU Heads to Washington D.C. to meet with Delegation, President Merrill
Shane Anderson Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Dean Derby Daryl Hansen Craig Parker Dallas Hagfeldt, Jr Judd Long Judd Long Mathew Luedtke Mathew Luedtke Sally Miller Charles Monroe Art Hoffart Andre Marcure Andre Marcure MFU Lodge MFU Lodge MFU Lodge MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp
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MFU Names Next FUE Couple, Lyndsay Bruno
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Highlights of Summer Camp
Page 8-9 FUE & NFU Join Forces to Advance American Use of High-Octane Biofuels Page 11 MDA to Host Pesticide Disposal Events, Andy Fjeseth
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MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp MFU Camp
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, At-Large Director District 1& 2, Inverness Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan William Downs, District 5, Molt Ben Peterson, At-Large director, Judith Gap Kelly Rutledge, District 1, Big Sandy Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director Paul Kanning, Distric 5, Flaxville Jan Tusick, District 6, Ronan State Office Staff: Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director Chris Christiaens, Legislative & Project Specialist Justin Loch, Membership Director Dave Snuggs, Facility Director Violet Green, Education Coordinator Maggie Shane, Continuing Education Coordinator Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2018 Montana Grassroots is the official publication of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Montana Division. MFU reserves the right to reject any advertisements. Third Class bulk postage paid at Great Falls MT 59401. Membership: $50.00 per year
Washington Corner Roger Johnson Page 11-12 Producers Impacted by Natural Disaster Eligible for Loans, Jennifer Cole
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Page 12-13 Ag Education Key to Consumer Understanding of Agriculture, Justin Loch, Page 14
Kaylen Lehner, FU Insurance, Circle Tom McKenna, FU Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe, FU Insurance, Kalispell
Could Montana Adopt a Country-of-Origin Label? Chris Christiaens
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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
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REGISTRATION FOR THE 103RD ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MONTANA FARMERS UNION “MOVING AGRICULTURE FORWARD” HOLIDAY INN - GREAT FALLS OCTOBER 26-27, 2018 NAME_____________________________________________ SPOUSE___________________________________________
CHECK IF APPLICABLE:
YOUTH (NAMES & AGES):
VISITOR
MEMBER ________ ________
_______________ ______________ ______________ ADDRESS__________________________________________ CITY__________________________STATE______ ZIP_____ REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES ALL MEALS ON PROGRAM, ALL BREAKS,THE MFU INSURANCE RECEPTION AND ENTERTAINMENT. PRE-REGISTRATION BY OCTOBER 19 COST X #REGISTERING = PER ADULT
TOTAL
$50.00 X _____________ _________
PER YOUTH(12 YRS & UNDER) $25.00 X _____________ + _________ TOTAL REGISTRATION _________ REGISTRATION AFTER OCTOBER 19 COST X #REGISTERING =
TOTAL
PER ADULT
__________
$75.00 X ___________
PER YOUTH (12 YRS & UNDER) $30.00 X ___________ + __________ TOTAL REGISTRATION __________ DAILY REGISTRATION WILL BE $20.00. MEAL TICKETS SOLD SEPARATELY. MAIL THIS FORM IN WITH YOUR PAYMENT TO THE MFU OFFICE, PO BOX 2447, GREAT FALLS MT 59403 OR REGISTER ONLINE AT MONTANAFARMERSUNION.COM. GROUP RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HOLIDAY INN GREAT FALLS. CONTACT THE HOTEL TO MAKE A RESERVATION. 4
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Board. This meeting presents a unique oppor- plaud Senator Tester and Senator Daines for tunity to present our ideas on what is hap- a job well done. It means a lot to the farmers pening with rail service in the northern tier and ranchers in the state of Montana. states. Stay tuned for further information on this vital meeting. The issues of the 2018 Farm Bill will be our priority, along with trade issues. We support the senate’s version of the new Farm Bill and hopefully the Agriculture Conference Committee can iron out the difference between the house and senate version.
MFU members attending the fly-in: Barry Francis, Manhattan; Colter DeVries, Roberts; Ben Peterson, Judith Gap; Will Downs, Molt; Walter Schweitzer and Cindy Palmer, Geyser and Bruce Shultz and Wendy Palmer of Raynesford. In addition member Sarah RoFarming and ranching today is at a cross- cher will be in D.C. as part of the Beginning roads. Low prices, over supply, weather and Farmers Institute and will join the group afthe pending trade wars play a crucial part of ter conclusion of the BFI event. MFU Presiwhat the future holds for the family farmer dent Alan Merrill, Membership Director JusThe 2018 National Farmers Union Annual today. We need a solid Farm Bill that provides tin Loch and Special Projects Specialist Chris Fly-In will be September 11-14. Many impor- security and support for the farmer to sup- Christiaens will join the group representing tant issues will be brought up. Montana will ply Americans with a safe and abundant food the state office. have teams that will meet with the Montana supply. Farming is a noble profession and delegation in Washington. They will also visit should be treated as such. as many other congressional offices as time will permit. Along with MFU there will be One thing we do at each fly-in is the presentaanother 300 hundred people on Capitol Hill tion of the Golden Triangle award, National from other Farmers Union states. Farmers Union’s highest honor. This year I’m proud to say Senator Tester and SenaThere will also be a couple of Montana mem- tor Daines will be receiving this award due to bers visiting with the Surface Transportation their bipartisan work on the Farm Bill. We ap-
Member Tom Clark at the 2017 National Farmers Union Fly-in
Montana delegation meets with Senator Steve Daines at the 2017 National Farmers Union Fly-in 5
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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS? If you are celebrating a centennial on your farm or ranch this year or have reached this milestone recently MFU has a program to honor such families – the Centennial Farm and Ranch Program. During our convention this year which will take place October 26-27 we will honor centennial families at Friday night’s reception, October 26 at 6 p.m. We will present the honorees with a plaque, and publicize their accomplishments statewide. All we need is some information about your family’s farm history and a personal story that we can put into a program to share with our members and media. A couple of photos are also nice, if available. Centennial family members receive complimentary event registration and lodging. Reaching 100 years as a centennial farm is an event to be celebrated! Please consider honoring this accomplishment with us at the 2018 state convention! Contact Lyndsay Bruno at 1-800-234-4071 or lbruno@montanafarmersunion. com to enter your farm.
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Faith and Ridge giving the goats some much needed TLC
Rural living helps Kody and Serena stay close as a family
FUE CONTINUED
I work at the local grocery store and help with youth basketball.
In short it would be to adapt and overcome. No matter what life throws at you, you need to adapt and overcome. I learned that for you to be successful in life, you need a good solid team. A team that supports you and that communicates with you. A team that against all odds will have your back and that it’s all about team, no selfishness. 3.) What was it like growing up on the farm? I had a different type of upbringing than my brother. The women made meals and cooked and cleaned. I mowed yards and ran meals to the men.
7.) What advice would you give to someone who is interested in farming? I would say to do some research before jumping into something. I would say to write short and long term goals, and then celebrate those small victories. Second to that always remain positive. Even when there’s too much rain, or there’s drought you can always find something to be thankful for.
8.) What activities does your family enjoy? We love just being together whether it’s just watching a family movie or going camping or 4.) Have you always wanted to return to fishing. the farm? When I was in high school I didn’t want to return. After college I had plans to 9.) What do you like best about being a join the FBI. But college and the military led Montana Farmers Union member? I enjoy me on a different path. I knew I wanted to being part of a great community of farmers start a family and wanted to be in a farming and ranchers. community. It’s about living in a small town and having a close knit family. 10.) What is your favorite memory of being involved in Montana Farmers Union? 5.) What has growing up on a farm taught I always went to the camps when I was little, you? It’s taught me that you can’t control your those are some of my favorite memories to environment, however you can stay positive this day. and adapt and overcome. 11.) Why do you think it is important to be 6.) Tell us about your work off the farm. part of a farm organization? Being part 7
Serena says the opportunity to teach their kids the importance of a good work ethic is very important to the couple.
of a farm organization like Montana Farmers Union provides the opportunity to be part of a team. 12.) What are you and Kody hoping to get out of the FUE Couples Leadership Program? I’m hoping to learn more about farm topics and study them a bit more. I’m also excited to meet new people.
WE CELEBRATE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF CAMP!
2018 MONTANA FARMERS UNION YOUTH CAMPS
2018 MONTANA FARMERS UNION YOUTH CAMPS
ROLLIE
2018 MONTANA FARMERS UNION YOUTH CAMPS
TEEN CAMP 2
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MFU SPONSORSHIPS:
MFU is proud to sponsor events throughout the state that support and celebrate Montana agriculture. Please consider supporting our partner organizations by attending and spreading the word about their event!
2018 CATTLE PRODUCER’S FORUM SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 BILLINGS, MT
Plant-based protein alternatives are being placed right next to real beef in grocery stores across America. The cattle industry is fighting the same powerful food lobby that won the false claim to label products like soy milk and almond milk as dairy products. They’re coming after beef now by claiming their plant-based and laboratory-grown “meat” product should be labeled as BEEF and marketed in the same meat case as your product in the grocery store.To register visit www.cattlemensmeeting.com.
MONTANA FARM TO SCHOOL SUMMIT SEPTEMBER 13-14, 2018 MISSOULA, MT The intent of the conference is to bring together farm to school stakeholders across Montana to learn and gain inspiration from each other while strengthening and building relationships with the end goal of increasing and enhancing farm to school programs throughout the state. Visit to register. http://www.montana.edu/mtfarmtoschool/summit.html
MT SUMMIT ON AGRICULTURAL FINANCE FEBRUARY 5-7, 2019 CHICO HOT SPRINGS, PRAY MT The Montana Summit on Agricultural Finance is designed to gather Montana farmers, ranchers, investors, financial professionals, cooperative development specialists, non profits, and community and conservation land trusts in one place to share expertise and further develop creative farm financing approaches.Visit www.agsummitmontana.com for more information.
YOUNG AG LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 5-6, 2018 BILLINGS MT
The Young Ag Leadership Conference is a one-of-a-kind event, packed with everything relevant to being a young[ish] person in today’s exciting, changing world of agriculture. With workshops on marketing, finance issues, crop and livestock programs, emerging technologies, leadership development and more, there is something here for everyone. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2018young-ag-leadership-conference-tickets-48429796826
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 HELENA, MT A one-day professional development opportunity focused on brave leadership to improve personal and professional outcomes. An expert on authentic leadership, Kimberly Davis shares her inspirational message of personal power, responsibility, and impact with organizations across the country and teaches leadership programs world-wide; most notably, her program “OnStage Leadership”.
MT PULSE DAY NOVEMBER 11-12, 2018 BILLINGS, MT For more information on this event and to register visit https://northernpulse.com.
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NFU, FUE & UAI ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE TO PURSUE EXPANDED USE OF AMERICAN-GROWN, HIGH-OCTANE BIOFUELS partment of Transportation (DOT/NHTSA) proposed rule requesting input on whether and how U.S. regulatory policy should require WASHINGTON - In an effort to expand the higher quality, cleaner burning fuels such as market for domestic agriculture products, E30. Automakers have said they need these reduce harmful emissions, and provide confuels to power next-generation higher comsumers with lower cost fuel choices, National pression engines, resulting in improved fuel Farmers Union, Farmers Union Enterprises efficiency, a reduction in carbon and other and the Urban Air Initiative announced they harmful emissions, and significant cost savhave formed a strategic alliance to expand the ings for consumers at the pump. use of American-grown biofuels. B Y A N D R E W J E RO M E N AT I O N A L F A R M E R S U N I O N
Urban Air Initiative Director Trevor Hinz noted that the vast body of best available science proves renewable ethanol’s superior octane properties substantially reduce the most harmful mobile source air toxics (MSATs), the predominant source of which are benzenebased aromatics that refiners synthesize from crude oil. Hinz cited the mandatory proviRoger Johnson, president of the nearly sion in the Clean Air Act that requires EPA/ 200,000 family farmer- and rancher-led NaOTAQ to reduce MSATs to the “greatest tional Farmers Union, hailed the alliance as a extent achievable…as technologies present “timely and powerful marriage of urban and themselves.” rural priorities.” “Protecting the public health and welfare—and at the same time improving FUE’s Sombke added that “at the end of the the rural economy and benefiting family farmday, this is about putting America first and ers, is a win-win for America.” making sure that unaccountable regulators are not allowed to create an artificial monopoly Farmers Union Enterprises President Doug for oil interests that harm consumers, the enSombke said there is an unprecedented opvironment, and exacerbate our trade deficit.” portunity at hand with the recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DeThe three groups intend to pursue a broad spectrum of advocacy and advertising activities in furtherance of social, regulatory and legislative solutions to current barriers that limit the amount of biofuels used in the nation’s transportation sector.
MDA TO HOLD WASTE PESTICIDE DISPOSAL EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER B Y A N DY F J E S E T H M O N TA N A D E P A R T M E N T O F A G R I C U LT U R E
Helena, Mont. - The Montana Department of Agriculture’s annual Pesticide Disposal Events will be held in several locations across Montana during September. The collection events will be held September 18 in Havre; September 19 in Great Falls; September 20 in Bozeman; and September 21
in Columbus. The annual events have collected more than 586,860 pounds of waste pesticides since it began in 1994.
Doug Sombke President, South Dakota Farmers Union
collection events, so products can be managed safely and efficiently. Licensed pesticide applicators will receive information and a registration form in the mail. Others The program was designed to with waste pesticides in need of help individuals dispose of any disposal can learn more and regpesticides that are unusable as ister on the program’s website at: originally intended and cannot be https://agr.mt.gov/Pesticides/ used for any other purpose. This DisposalandRecycling/Pesticidallows participants to dispose eDisposal. of waste pesticides in an environmentally responsible way and There is no charge for the first helps protect Montana’s ecosys- 200 pounds of material. Amounts tems and groundwater, as well as over 200 pounds are assessed at families, pets, livestock and drink- $0.50 per pound. A higher fee may ing water. The department asks apply to pesticides with dioxins that participants pre-register by or dioxin precursors. The MonSeptember 10, 2018, before the tana Department of Agriculture’s 11
mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.
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the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), either through direct payments or by purchasing and redistributing surpluses. The plan also includes a provision that would develop and expand export markets.
B Y RO G E R J O H N S O N N AT I O N A L F A R M E R S U N I O N
If farmers didn’t have enough to worry about with a severely depressed farm economy, escalating disputes with some of our biggest trading partners have eliminated key export markets, pushing down already low commodity prices. Though the White House has offered some aid to affected farmers, the 2018 Farm Bill is another opportunity to provide muchneeded assistance. National Farmers Union’s government relations team has been busy advocating for trade relief and a strong farm bill on behalf of family farmers and ranchers, but Farmers Union members also have the opportunity to campaign directly for their political interests. With legislators in recess for the month of August, farmers and ranchers can schedule meetings with their representatives and attend town halls to discuss pressing agricultural concerns. When Congress comes back to D.C. in September, attendees of NFU’s Fall Legislative Fly-In will also have the chance to speak directly with their lawmakers about trade, the farm bill, and other priorities. Farmers Need Long-Term Solutions to Trade War In late July, the Trump administration announced a $12 billion plan to assist American farmers and ranchers coping with an escalating global trade war. The plan will primarily benefit farmers who grow soybeans, corn, sorghum, wheat, cotton, dairy, and pork, all of which have been heavily targeted by international tariffs, although producers of other commodities may be eligible for assistance as well. The government will allocate assistance through three programs authorized by
In addition to the $12 billion package, the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to separately purchase as much as $50 million worth of milk, which will be redistributed through the Emergency Food Assistance Program at loThough farmers affected by retaliatory tariffs cal food banks. The dairy industry was already are in great need of assistance, this plan will experiencing overproduction and depressed only put a small dent in the overall damage; prices before tariffs affected export markets. in the month of June, the market value of U.S. soybeans, corn, and wheat crops dropped Ag Groups Ask for Prompt Farm Bill Passage by $13 billion. Should trade relations not im- Both the U.S. House of Representatives and prove, the damages will continue to accrue; the Senate have voted to send the farm bill to according to researchers at the University conference. In the coming weeks and months, of Illinois Ohio State University, China’s 25 a committee comprising members of both percent tariff on American soybeans could Congressional chambers will reconcile the cost a mid-size Illinois farm 87 percent of its differences between the House and Senate income and $500,000 of the operation’s net versions of the legislation. worth by 2021. This may prove difficult given the major differences between the two bills, particularly in the nutrition title. The House bill would mandate more stringent work requirements for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while the Senate bill maintains the current employment stipulations. There are also significant differences in how the bills address conservation, farm safety net, and payment limitations. See a full chart comparing the two bills at http://bit.ly/ FarmBillChart. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson expressed appreciation for the decision to provide farmers with much-needed assistance but called the plan a "short-term fix to a long-term problem." A one-time payment does not address the potentially permanent loss of key export markets and sustained low prices. In a letter sent to Congressional leadership, Johnson asked for "substantive and long-term relief to farmers,” and urged Congress to provide agriculture committees with “substantially greater resources to be incorporated into the 2018 Farm Bill, including the ability to manage farm inventories to be more responsive to market conditions." 12
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An official timeline for the conference committee process has not been announced, but the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway says it is a priority to get the bill passed by both chambers and signed by President Trump before September 30, the day that the current Farm Bill expires. National Farmers Union (NFU) and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the two largest national farming groups, asked that the conference committee pass the bill by the impending deadline, emphasizing that the bill would provide farmers with much-needed support in a period of economic difficulty. “Low farm prices due to international trade disruptions, commodity market oversupply, and domestic policy uncertainty are putting significant financial strain on farmers,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “If Congress is to provide real relief and certainty to those who feed, clothe and fuel our nation, as well as continue the important environmental sustainability work and diverse market promotion of past farm bills, they need to pass a strong farm bill before September 30.”
fly-in participants will stop by the office of every member of Congress to highlight the key priorities for the organization, struggles they are facing, and goals for future legislation. They will have the opportunity to hear from U.S. Department of Agriculture officials about current events, new opportunities, and work the department is doing on behalf of farmers.
Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Big Horn County, Montana, who incurred losses due to extreme cold, blizzard, winter storms, high winds and excessive moisture that occurred from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2018.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Carbon, Powder River, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone counties in Montana, and Big Keep up with all things Fly-In on Facebook, Horn and Sheridan counties in Wyoming, are Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag also eligible to apply for emergency loans. #NFUFlyIn18. For more information about future fly-in activities, please contact your Flooding: state/regional Farmers Union office. The Physical loss loans are available to eligible agWashington Corner can also be found at www. ricultural producers in Cascade County, Monnfu.org/corner. tana, who incurred losses due to flooding that occurred from June 17 through July 10, 2018. Producers in the contiguous counties of Additionally, the two groups, along with 150 LOW-INTEREST LOANS Chouteau, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, other organizations, reiterated the need for a AVAILABLE FOR MONTANA Meagher and Teton in Montana are also elitimely farm bill in a letter to the Farm Bill AG PRODUCERS IMPACTED BY gible to apply for emergency loans. Conference Committee. NATURAL DISASTERS Tornado: Fly-In, August Recess Opportunities for B Y J E N N I F E R C O L E Physical loss loans are available to eligible agU S DA FA R M S E RV I C E A G E N C Y Farmers to Advocate ricultural producers in Carter County, MonThe August congressional recess is upon us, tana, who incurred losses due to a tornado and elected officials are back in their home BOZEMAN, Mont., Aug. 09, 2018 – Mon- that occurred on June 28, 2018. districts and states spending time with their tana agricultural producers who lost property constituents. This is an opportunity for farm- due to recent natural disasters may be eligible Producers in the contiguous counties of ers and ranchers to speak directly with their for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Custer, Fallon and Powder River in Montana, legislators about the issues that most affect physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency Butte and Harding counties in South Dakota, (FSA) offers these low-interest loans for loss- and Crook County, Wyoming, are also eligible them. es caused by three separate disaster events. to apply for emergency loans. NFU has put together the 2018 District Work Approval is limited to applicants who sufPacket, which serves as a guide for legislative fered severe physical losses including the loss Physical loss loans can help producers repair issues that Congress may take up this year, in- of buildings and livestock. or replace damaged or destroyed physical cluding trade policy, the farm bill, and expanproperty essential to the success of the agrision of ethanol use. You can download the “Montana’s hardworking ag producers feed cultural operation, including livestock losses. our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said Examples of property commonly affected inpacket at NFU.org/2018DistrictWork. State Executive Director Mike Foster. “When clude essential farm buildings, fixtures to real Farmers Union members will have another they suffer losses because of extreme weather, estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, opportunity to advocate on those issues at helping them get back on their feet is impor- fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested NFU’s Fall Legislative Fly-In. The organiza- tant. So, we’re giving affected county produc- or stored crops and hay. For more information expects that more than 250 members will ers through March 26, 2019, to apply for these tion on FSA disaster assistance programs or attend the event in Washington, D.C., from emergency loans.” to find your local USDA Service Center visit September 12-14. www.farmers.gov. Extreme Cold, Blizzard, Winter Storms, High Winds and Excessive Moisture: During their time in Washington, groups of 1133
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EDUCATION KEY TO APPRECIATION OF AG INDUSTRY
a year of introductory Ag classes. This education should cover all general aspects of the Ag industry from growing and harvesting crops, marketing, raising BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R livestock, processing of products and learning about the farm to My wife and I were talking not plate experience. As the courses long ago about how things have advance students will have the really changed in the world over opportunity to learn important the last twenty years. Some for life skills such as changing a flat the better and others not for the tire, writing a resume, preparbest. As we advance more and ing for a job interview, commumore in the world there seems to nicating with others, financing be an increase in the disconnect and much more. Agriculture is within society. Nearly everyone so much more than just growtoday has a cell phone with inter- ing crops and raising livestock. It net and app features. While this not only feeds us, but teaches life might be handy, it’s taken away skills and lessons that a person from direct personal conversation can carry throughout life. with one another. We don’t even use the phone to call and engage I write this article to encourage in conversation with each other. people to start advocating more A simple text message takes care for agriculture. Be a volunteer to of most conversations today. We help promote Ag within the comneed to get back to being able to munity. As interest in agriculture talk to one another and do it in grows among students steer them person. We need to develop rela- toward participation in FFA or tionships and know truly what is 4-H. These programs help probeing said and how it’s received. mote agriculture and help foster The same thing can be said for learning. agriculture. Agriculture can be a very frusAs society has advanced a major- trating, but very rewarding career. ity of our population has become I encourage all of you who read more and more removed from ag- this to get involved in agriculture riculture. Two percent of the US in your communities and lean on population is made up of farm- MFU for support as we have nuers and ranchers. A majority of merous educational and promothe remaining 98% don’t have a tional programs to help initiate general knowledge of where their involvement in agriculture. food comes from and how it gets to the store. They take buying a We are your organization whether loaf of bread or a gallon of milk you are a farmer, rancher, confor granted. They are not aware sumer, or simply a supporter of of poor market prices, drought agriculture. Each member is valuand weather issues, disease pres- able to us. By being a member of ence, loss in crops and livestock, MFU you are helping keep agrirising equipment and input costs culture alive and well. and more. As consumers we all should be aware and have a basic Let’s work to put down our understanding of where our food phones and other devices and comes from. Where and how bring back some of the life skills should this process of teaching that have been lost and recapture society be carried out? It’s simple, them through Ag education and keep Ag education in schools. involvement in supporting Ag! Each child should have to take
SEPTEMBER 2018
COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING AT THE STATE LEVEL BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S
Once again the Country of Origin Labeling(COOL) is on the table and Montana Farmers Union policy has promoted this since 2000. Our policy states:“We urge Country-of-Origin Labeling of all agricultural commodities and processed food products sold in the U.S.”
elling and would include beef, pork, lamb and poultry. It would cover these products born and raised in the country in which an animal or fowl was born or hatched and grown until the time of slaughter. Other States including North Dakota are working on a similar proposal.
Discussions have started recently with the Montana Cattleman’s Association and Northern Plains Council regarding a Montana Country-of-Origin Labelling Act or Born and Raised in the USA Act. The discussions will include other organizations that are part of the agriculture coalition as this proposal moves forward. It is anticipated that a bill will be drafted and introduced in the upcoming 65th Montana Legislative Assembly. Members remember clearly when Congress folded on COOL two years ago when Mexico and Canada went to the WTO and threatened sanctions against the United States over a national labeling of U.S. products. The bill idea currently being discussed is a Montana Country-of-Origin Lab-
Montana producers are good stewards of the animals and fowl raised and believe that consumers want to know where these products are raised and under what conditions. As a producer we are proud of the meat and poultry we raise. We want to educate consumers on beef, pork, lamb and poultry and how they differ from fake or synthetic meat.
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Members who are interested should notice the policy committee or MFU will discuss the issue and vote at the state convention. Your input and support will be needed as the proposal moves forward.
MFU works for family farms through legislation, education and cooperation. Just ask members Charles and Tami Good. “There’s 2.2 million farmers in the U.S. so anyway we can grow and band together to gain power or get a voice it’s important.” – Charles Good
Charles and Tami Good run the family wheat farm near Carter and own MaxAg of Montana. They have two sons Jayden and Landon.
Find out more about our advocacy efforts and education programs at montanafarmersunion.com
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