Montana Grass Roots January Edition

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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 •

MEMBER profile

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High School and MSU Billings.

Lindsay and I have been married for 13 years. We have two children, Keeley and Kasen. We have several barn cats, two dogs, a border collie named Jaci, and a blue heeler named Dally, and several horses.

MEET THE FAUTH FAMILY

2. What was it about the insurance business that attracted you to the industry?

PAID

GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

KJ Fauth and wife Lindsay with children Keeley(8) and Kasen(5); photo credit Fauth family/Sunshine Photography

In this edition it is our pleasure to introduce the Fauth family. KJ Fauth and has wife Lindsay own and operate Fauth Insurance in Billings. They specialize in Home, Auto, Farm & Ranch, Commercial, Life, & Crop Insurance. In this article KJ shares with us how he and Lindsey blend family life with business and ranching.

1.) Can you share with us your background?

I grew up on a cow/calf ranch south of Musselshell, MT and graduated from Melstone High School. After high school, I attended and graduated from MSUBillings. My wife Lindsay grew up on a ranch east of Melstone, and also graduated from Melstone

I got into the insurance business due to needing to be home more, as well as needing to be more accessible at my family’s ranch.I had a fence contracting business for many years, but the travel took me away more often than I liked.

For nearly a decade, I was a subcontracting agent in Billings.

In October of 2016, I opened my own Farmers Union Insurance office, and the rest is history. Lindsay has a strong administrative background with past jobs at an assisted care facility and an eye clinic. She stayed at home with our kids for about seven years.

Since opening the office, she has worked along side me.

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IN JANUARY’S EDITION...

Women Pivot for Change

Policy work results in Farm Bill Action Plan

NFU tackles health crisis

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Jeff Bangs Bangs Family Farm

CO N F E RE N CE

Women’s

HAVRE GREAT NORTHERN INN FEBRUARY 9–10, 2018

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS FEBRUARY 23-25, 2018

(REGISTRATION OPENS IN DECEMBER)

(REGISTRATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER)

For more details on both events and to register visit: montanafarmersunion.com

CONFERENCE

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!

Member

Matt & Amy Nies, Ekalaka Wendy & Shawn Richards, Broadus Wende Gianino, Boyes Dale & Mona Mills, Volborg M Patrick Magnuson, Wolf Point Estate of Eddie Olson, Wolf Point Thomas & Kacey DeMars, HIlger David Iverson, Ballantine Ward Fenton, Worden Warren Frank, Laurel Tyree & Kerry Larmer, Molt Jay Meyer, Musselshell Tom & Barb Shanahan, Musselshell Erma Gulick, Helena Biggs Ranch Inc, Belgrade Cavin Steiger, Forsyth

Carrie Gregory, Cascade Douglas Kettle, Hayden ID Billie Fleming West Lvng Trust, Ronan Grace Geiger Trust, Valleyford WA Inez Shafer, Spokane WA Kenneth & Deniece Schwab, Sidney Debra & Donald Engesser, Lambert

IN THIS ISSUE MFU Sets Farm Bill Action Plan & Policy at State Convention Page 4

Recruited by Tayler Kennedy Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Tom McKenna Steven Plaggemeyer K J Fauth K J Fauth K J Fauth K J Fauth K J Fauth Dirk Elings Dean Derby Melissa Wacker

A Message from the President; Washington Corner: Farm Groups Team Up to Fight Opioid Crisis & Tax Reform Update Page 5 & 6 Member Profile: The Fauth Family Page 7 MFU in Action: Highlights of 2017 Page 9

Eric Hinebauch Sally Miller Andrew Luedtke Andrew Luedtke Andrew Luedtke Cathy Hintz MFU Office

2018 MFU Women’s Conference Details; Violet Green Page 10 State Officials Meet to Explore Renewable Energy Potential in Montana; Chris Christiaens Page 11 2018 Producer Conference Preview; Justin Loch Page 12

BUSINESS BOOSTERS: Thank you Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center of Ronan for your membership!

Welcome New Business Booster:

MFU News/Women’s Conference Continued Page 13 Message from Senator Tester & Senator Daines Page 14

Red Wing Shoes of Bozeman

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MONTANA FARMERS UNION PO BOX 2447 300 RIVER DRIVE NORTH GREAT FALLS MT 59403 PHONE: (406) 452-6406 1-800-234-4071 FAX: (406) 727-8216 mfu@montanafarmersunion.com www.montanafarmersunion.com Board of Directors: Alan Merrill, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Jeff Bangs, District One and Two- At Large Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan William Downs, District 5, Molt Ben Peterson, At-Large director, Judith Gap Kelly Rutledge, District 1, Big Sandy Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director Paul Kanning, Distric 5, Flaxville Jan Tusick, District 6, Polson State Office Staff: Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director Chris Christiaens, Legislative & Project Specialist Justin Loch, Membership Director Dave Snuggs, Facility Director Violet Green, Youth Education & Camp Coordinator Maggie Shane, Continuing Education Coordinator Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2018.

Montana Grassroots is the official publication of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Montana Division. MFU reserves the right to reject any advertisements. Third Class bulk postage paid at Great Falls MT 59401.

Membership: $50.00 per year Montana Grassroots is published 10 times each calendar year with two combined issues. Article submissions are requested by the 15th of the month. Advertising space is available.

Copy Editor: Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Lyndsay Bruno

Educational Funds Thank you!

Mountain View Co-op

BLACK WHITE

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options under crop insurance.

• Establish a flexible short-term land idling • Support continuation and availability of program as a land management tool for the whole farm revenue protection option. producers.

• Expand access to and funding for the 8.) Fund livestock compensation programs to Conservation Stewardship Program. prevent the sell-off of base breeding herds in • Significantly increase funding for the En- the event of a disaster declaration. vironmental Quality Incentives Program.

9.) Provide capital gains tax relief when land 3.) Ensure inclusion of the Nutrition Title or other capital assets are sold to beginning in the Farm Bill. farmers and ranchers.

Support funding levels to ensure all AmeriACTION AT THE 2017 cans have access to healthy food while imple- Additional policy action: ANNUAL MEETING: menting programs which support nutrition and food access.

• LIVESTOCK: Provide funding to supMFU membership passed a 2017 Farm Bill port the Montana livestock diagnostic labAction Plan. Below is the action plan which is 4.) Increase credit access through the oratory in its entirety. also outlined in the 2018 policy book located Credit Title. online at montanafarmersunion.com.

• Increase access to and funding for FSA • TRANSPORTATION & RAILROADS: loan programs.

Support an electronic log device waiver A strong safety net is critical to keep family • Reduce processing timelines for FSA loan for livestock haulers. farms sustainable, particularly as Montana’s programs. farmers and ranchers continue to face de- • E xpand access to and funding for pro- • AGRITOURISM: Support the expansion pressed commodity prices while paying higher grams under the Rural Development Title. of agritourism opportunities. input expenses. Further, expedient legislation of a new Farm Bill will ensure financial and 5.) Restore full funding of Agricultural Re- • WATER: regulatory stability for food, fuel, and fiber search Services under the Research Title. a. Include agricultural representatives programs which impact all Montanans. As • Retain all current research centers in Mon- on river basin councils.

Congress develops a new Farm Bill, we suptana.

b. Oppose the drilling of exempt port the following: • P rioritize support for innovative research wells that affect existing water users.

1.) Target improvements to the Commodity Program Title • Localize the ARC-County program to more accurately reflect producer risks.

• Authorize advance payment options for the ARC & PLC programs.

• Increase reference prices for all covered commodities to cover the true cost of production.

• Update farm base acres to more accurately reflect acres in production.

• Establish a state-based cost of production floor under dairy prices that reflects the true cost of production • Support current funding levels of all Title I programs.

2.) Continue support of existing Trade Title Amendment • Expand US Food Aid programs to supply more of US surplus commodities to people in need both domestically and internationally.

• Protect the Conservation Title • Continue (CRP) Program at baseline acres, giving the most environmentally-sensitive land first priority.

programs.

• U rge full and continued funding of be- • PUBLIC POLICY: Encourage the FTC ginning farmer and rancher development and DOJ to investigate agriculture indusprograms. try corporate mergers for violations under • S upport increased funding for the Oranti-monopolization and pro-competition ganic Research and Extension Initiative to laws. baseline funding.

• O ppose any reductions in the RFS through • TAXATION: Support estate transfers at the Energy Title. fair market value.

6.) Promote market expansion in the Horticulture Title.

• E nsure funding for specialty crops, organics, and farmers markets.

7.) Retain a strong Crop Insurance Title.

• S upport a subsidized crop insurance program that follows income requirements of Title I Commodity Programs.

• E xpand support for beginning farmers/ ranchers through special disaster assistance consideration when no production history is established.

• Improve access to liability insurance for small local-market and direct-marketing producers.

• P rovide improved quality endorsement

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Thank you to the 2017 policy committee for your work and dedication!

Paul Kanning Levi Ostberg Laura Ginsburg Eric Bergman Jeff Bangs William Downs Visit montanafarmersunion.com for the complete policy book. To request a hard-copy contact the state office.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT....

Each convention varied in size of members present.North Dakota, with their 45,000membership organization, has by far the largest membership of all the four states. Conventions have one thing in common, we all believe in the Farmers Union way of life.

Family farming is absolutely the best way of farming and ranching that there is. All the people I met along the way remain positive for the family farm way of life. Sure, the prices could be better and the weather could be better, but the overall impression I walked away with was that we all look forward to the future and putting forth our best efforts to keep the family farm together.

The last few months I have enjoyed attending state Farmers Union conventions beginning with Montana followed by Minnesota, South Dakota and most recently North Dakota.

There were young farmers at every convention that I attended who are excited to take over and start the next generation of farming. Even if the farming economy is not the best at this point in time they look forward to living their lives on the family farm like the generations before them. These young farm families feel they will make a difference in today’s agriculture.

Wisconsin will complete the state convention season in February. I hope to have a better understanding of how the world of dairy farming operates. A combination of over-supply of milk and import/export problems is playing havoc on the industry. There are many farms that are going out of business. I’m not saying I can help, but I can educate myself and in turn help tell the story of the dairy situation. That is the Farmers Union way. We need to educate and write letters to congress about the problems that the family farmer is going through at this point in time.

The Farm Bill is now on the table. Let’s make the new one better to help farmers in need.

We need all family farmers to add their voice to agriculture! I want to thank the presidents of North and South Dakota and Minnesota for the hospitality I received while attending their conventions. You are truly the backbone of your states agriculture and the heart of National Farmers Union.

life. But according to a recent Morning Consult survey, the effects have been particularly pronounced in farm country.

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

It’s a new year, and Farmers Union has returned to Washington with renewed vigor and purpose after the holidays. In December, Congress rushed to pass its highly partisan, hastily-written plan for the most significant shift in American tax policy in decades. Beyond its procedural flaws, the plan would cut taxes for wealthy Americans and corporations, add more than $1 trillion to the deficit, and threaten funding for farm safety net programs. To aggravate the situation, Congress plans to offset the costs of the plan by cutting welfare programs substantially. Unfortunately, that isn’t the only problem in farm country; according to a poll co-sponsored by National

Farmers Union (NFU) and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), farmers and ranchers are more likely to feel the effects of the opioid crisis than the average rural adult.

Given the severity of the situation, NFU has partnered with AFBF to tackle the problem head-on. The partnership will provide the resources and information rural communities need to do what they do best - to rally together to overcome any obstacle in their path.

NFU & Farm Bureau Team Up to Address Opioid Crisis Over the past several years, the opioid crisis has swept through every corner of the United States, affecting Americans from all walks of 5

The poll, co-sponsored by NFU and AFBF, indicates that three in four farmers and farm workers have been directly impacted by opioid abuse, either by knowing a family member or friend who is addicted, having taken an illegal opioid, or having dealt with addiction themselves. This rate is alarmingly high compared to rural adults at large, 45 percent of whom say they have experienced one of the above.

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ciples are publicly known: for one, the reconciled version will lower the top individual tax Many of the survey results also suggest that rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent, saving the problem of opioid abuse is exacerbated the wealthiest Americans substantial amounts by a number of factors. For one, it is widely of money. Additionally, it will repeal the Alaccessible; 77 percent of farmers say it would ternative Minimum Tax and lower the corpobe easy for someone in their community to rate tax rate from the current 35 percent to access opioids without a prescription. On the 21 percent. More specific provisions are still flip side, treatment is scarce - less than half of unknown. rural adults are confident they could find care that is effective, covered by insurance, con- To offset the immense cost of the proposed venient, or affordable. Even those who have tax blueprint, Congress plans to introduce access to treatment may not seek it because of entitlement reform in early 2018, with anshame or embarrassment - 1 in 3 rural Ameri- ticipated cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition cans say that the stigma surrounding opioid Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare and abuse and addition contributes a great deal to Medicaid, Social Security, and other welfare the crisis. programs. For lower-income individuals who rely on these programs, this would add insult Though these statistics may be grim, NFU to injury, as they likely would not benefit from President Roger Johnson thinks there are rea- tax reform either. sons to be optimistic.“Time and time again, farmers and ranchers have come together to A vote on this version of the bill is expected help their families and their neighbors through to occur in mid-December, as Congressional challenging situations,” he said. “That same leadership hopes to send a finalized bill to resolve and compassion will help us break the President Trump to sign by Christmas. grips of opioid addiction in rural America.”

WA S H I N G TO N C O R N E R C O N T I N U E D

The survey is the first step in NFU and AFBF’s collaboration on this issue. In coming months, the groups plan to launch a larger campaign to encourage dialogue and action.

To accomplish this, the groups will launch an online resource center for both those who struggle with opioid addiction as well as their friends and family members. It will include a treatment services locator, support hotline information, drug disposal information, and links to support groups.

Farm country is strong and resilient; armed with these resources, NFU is confident that we can win this battle.

With only murky details of Congress's tax overhaul, it is hard to say for sure what the specific consequences would be for the average American. However, it is clear that this bill is not substantially dissimilar from its two predecessors: it would cut taxes for the wealthiest individuals and corporations in our country, and pay for those cuts by adding more than $1 trillion to the deficit and shifting the tax burden onto the rest of us, and Two weeks later, Senate and House Republi- to our children and grandchildren. NFU has cans completed the next step in the legislative lobbied both chambers of Congress, urging process: reconciling the differences between them to abandon this closed-door, highly partheir respective bills. At the time of publica- tisan, and fiscally irresponsible approach to tion, only a few of the legislation’s core prin- tax reform. Additionally, several state Farmers Congress Rushes to Pass Tax Reform

In early December, the U.S. Senate voted 5149 to pass its tax rewrite, a mere three weeks after the bill's introduction, and just hours after Senators had access to an amended version of the 479-page bill, complete with scrawled edits in the margins.

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Union divisions have published op-eds in their regional papers, highlighting the bill’s serious ramifications for family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. Moving forward, the organization will continue to advocate for a simplified, progressive tax code that provides realistic solutions to our national deficit while protecting the programs on which our nation’s farmers rely.

RFS Obligations A Missed Opportunity In late November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The agency stated it would maintain the corn ethanol requirement at its current levels, and increase cellulosic and advanced biofuel requirements slightly from their July 2017 proposal. It will also stagnate biodiesel requirements at 2.1 billion gallons, falling 200 million gallons short of the industry’s total capacity.

National Farmers Union, a consistent advocate of ethanol and advanced biofuels as well as policy that supports their production and use, saw the move as a missed opportunity.

Though the final RVOs are a slight improvement over proposed RVOs issued earlier this year, they fall short of the RFS’s purpose to promote expanded use of homegrown, renewable biofuels.

Given the current state of the farm economy and the global grain glut, this decision was particularly disappointing. Now, more than ever, farmers need new avenues through which to market their products in order to make ends meet. In doing so, the RFS can also strengthen rural communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cut transportation costs for consumers.

NFU will continue to pursue avenues to ensure the success of the American biofuel industry for the sake of family farmers, consumers, rural economies, and the environment.

The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner.

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M E M B E R P RO F I L E C O N T I N U E D

3.)What do you like most about your occupation?

What I like most about working in the insurance industry is that no one day is the same. Insurance is something that has a lot of moving parts and I enjoy that.

Our office also offers a vast array of insurance products, so we have something to offer just about anyone. This is very fulfilling, being able to help families protect what is important to them.We still have strong ties to agriculture, being very active on our family ranch.

We have some Simmental cattle of our own. We also sell registered bulls each spring.

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Our kids also love to fish and just be outside, which is great because it is something we all can do together as a family. The great thing about rural Montana is everyone is family, which is huge with our business. We have an abundant amount of support. We in turn, are able to support youth events and other local charities. I think our kids favorite vacation spot is Fort Peck, which is great as we have a lot of family around that area.

Contact Fauth Agency: 926 Main Street Suite 12 (406) 969-2282 Billings, MT 59105

photo credit: KJ Fauth/Sunshine Photography

4.)What advice would you give to someone getting into the insurance business?

My advice is to work hard and be patient. Insurance is a business you are always learning, and must be consistent and disciplined with your practice. We really enjoy it!

Insurance is one of those professions you either enjoy it, or you don’t.

5.)What does your family like to do for fun?

photo credit: KJ Fauth/ Sunshine Photography

Our family rides and works on the ranch in most of our free time.

WHAT MONTANA’S AG SAFETY PROGRAM CAN DO FOR YOU • BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH MONTANA SAFETY CULTURE ACT • ENHANCE EMPLOYEE SAFETY • ENROLL VIA THE WEB • REQUEST WORKSHOPS AND/OR ON-FARM/RANCH ASSESSMENT

CONTACT US: JIM LARSON/ 860.6129; LES GRAHAM/ 580.2919; RON LARSON/ 404.0256 THIS PROGRAM IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY MONTANA FARMERS UNION 7

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BANGS FAMILY · INVERNESS, MT Read stories from our members at MontanaFarmersUnion.com

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.

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406·452·6406 / 800·234·4071 MontanaFarmersUnion.com

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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017:

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2017 Women’s Conference

Hemp Genetics International, Ian Foley with Women came from all parts of the state to at- the Montana Department of Agriculture, and tend the Conference in February at Chico Hot producers Colby Johnson and Andrew Long.

Springs. The conference connected women A big thank you to county president Erik state-wide with learning opportuities in lead- Somerfeld for helping to organize this event! ership and communication.

Farm Bill informational Session Pulse/Industrial Hemp Seminar With the Farm Bill set to expire in 2018 MFU In November, Chouteau County Farmers 2017 Producer Conference got a jump start on Farm Bill education by hosting an informational workshop in Great The conference was held Havre in March. At- Union held a seminar on pulse crops in Fort Falls featuring two panels that examined the tendees enjoyred workshops on the Farm Bill, Benton. Jeff Winker of Mountain View Copotenital of the 2018 Farm Bill. Ben Thomas, pulse crops, bull genetics, drone technology op presented on pulse crops and attendees Lorianne Burhop, Brian Hoven Janet Smith in agriculture, farm lending and the challenges also learned about Industrial Hemp. A big and Rusty Cowan with Farm Service Agency, and successes of starting a hops production. thank you to county president Tom Clark for helping to organize this event!

Matt Perdue of National Farmers Union and Support for farmers in Garfield County Jeff Dow of Farmers Union Insurance were Montana Farmers Union along with the four Community Support/ Sponsorships: among the panelists. other Farmers Union Enterprise (FUE) states • MSU Ag Weekend Scholarship Banquet which include Minnesota, Wisconsin, North • MSU Cooperative Education( Ralph ParkNFU State to State er Memorial Golf Tournament) President Alan Merrill, Membership Director Dakota and South Dakota made a donation thisto the Farmers Union Oil Co-Op in Jor• Young Ag Producers Conference (YALC Justin Loch and Communications Director dan to help farmers replace fencing lost to the • Chouteau County Ag Business Day Lyndsay Bruno met in Jamestown, ND for the devastating wildfire in Garfield County.

• Fort Benton School Robotics National Farmers Union State to State Meet• Cultivating Connections Summer Youth ing.

2017 National Farmers Union Fly-In Internship program MFU members and staff joined nearly 350 Barnstromin’ Farm Bill Listening Tour Senator Jon Tester hosted a series of listening Farmers Union members for a day on Capitol Farm Bill Video Project sessions on the Farm Bill which included par- Hill and briefings from the USDA. The MFU Montana partnered with National Farmers ticipation by President Alan Merrill and Mem- delegation also met with Senator Tester, Sena- Union and Farmers Union Enterprise states to producer a video telling the story of agribership Director Justin Loch. Merrill served tor Daines and Congressman Gianforte. on a panel in Lewistown and Loch on a panel in Glendive.

Montana Ag Summit in Great Falls

MFU Board of Director Paul Kanning served on a next generation panel examining issues facing young and beginning farmers.

Education in the Classroom

Violet Green & Maggie Shane visited several schools in central Montana providing lessons on cooperatives, pollinating and more!

Montana delegation at National Farmers Union Fly-In

2017 Annual Convention

culture through the eye of producers in several Farmers Union states. The video features members Jeff and Katie Bangs of Inverness.

In October Montana Farmers Union held its annual convention in Great Falls. Attendees enjoyed workshops on the state of rural Legislative Accomplishments healthcare, the Farm Bill, and honored the • Sponsored and supported passage of Shane family for celebrating 100 years of HB342(Agritourism) their farm.

• Supported funding for food and ag development centers Industrial Hemp Seminar In October Teton County Farmers Union • Supported allocation of resources for the sponsored a seminar on Industrial Hemp in hiring of additional meat and poultry inPower. The event featured Jeff Kostuik from spectors.

Signing of agritourism bill at state capitol 9

Presentation of $25,000 check to Farmers Union Oil Co-op in Jordan

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2018 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Join us for the 2018 Women’s Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs, February 23rd-25th. At the conference we will be focusing on women in pivoting roles and inspiring attendees to go after something they want to change in their life whether it’s a personal, community, or a business goal. We want to give women the ability to figure out how to achieve their goals from the beginning to end.

Keynote speaker Rebecca Undem will be presenting “Living B.I.G in the Life You’re In” along with doing a breakout session on getting your groove back. There will be workshops about “Living in the Now” that will help apply values to work, home, and a balance of both. Colleen Rudio will be talking with Rebecca Undem in a panel setting Saturday morning. They will identify ways of how women can make a pivot in their life whether it’s now or in the future. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a workshop on interior design led by Joellyn Clark and a yoga class led by Audra Bergman. Conference registration is $85/members and $125 non/members and includes all meals and two-nights lodging.

Register today at montanafarmersunion.com. Registration closes January 22!

Keynote Speaker: Colleen Rudio For more than 25 years, Colleen has worked across multiple industries including accounting, banking, credit unions, economic development, insurance, manufacturing, not for profit, healthcare, technology, helping business owners make strategic connections between human impact and bottom-line profitability.

As Cascadia’s chief strategist, she reviews, designs, and facilitates change-management initiatives for clients, resulting in stabilized functions, reduced expenses, leaner operations, increased human performance, and expanded revenue opportunities.

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STATE OFFICIALS LOOK AT POTENTIAL FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

CHRIS CHRISTIAENS S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S

In December a meeting called by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation brought together the Bonneville Power Administration and the State of Montana together, forming a partnership and hosting meetings with the goal of developing a sustainable long-term strategy in the development of new renewable energy resources in Montana. Governor Bullock made an opening statement laying out the goals and outcomes expected from participants gathered. Next was a listing of several outcomes that are to be expected.

Several mentioned are listed below: • Exploring and identifying opportunities/ markets associated with Montana renewable energy exports.

• Identifying the barriers and possible solutions to transmission and market access.

• Scoping costs and risks to all of the parties participating and potential solutions.

• Identifying a series of forums and leaders needed in addressing the identified barriers.

During the legislative session just

passed, a great deal of time and effort was spent in addressing the looming closure of Colstrip 1 & 2 within the next two years. Since closure will open capacity for additional transmission of electricity over the existing lines. It is generally believed that the current transmission system can be upgraded and repurposed with renewable energy. Currently the electricity generated at Colstrip belongs to NorthWestern Energy (NWE) and is imbedded with a capacity of 1930 MW meeting up with Bonneville Power at Garrison. This term will continue until 2027 and five entities pay the bill for the electricity. Bonneville officials confirmed that they wish transmission remain full. The building of the Montana Intertie was necessary when Colstrip generation project came on line.

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Rock Wind Farms. The first is located near Harlowton and the later is in Glacier and Toole Counties.Gaelectric/Jawbone wind was a failure of their business model despite there being transmission availability. This project was located NE of Great Falls. NWE sources indicated renewables are not economically feasible as they deal with balancing. Supply and demand is key to need and is a complex issue to the balancing authority with additional wind energy.

the closure of Colstrip 1& 2 and can be operational by 2020. The speaker indicated there is a problem with how it is introduced and stated “that it is easier to work with Bonneville than NWE”. It is felt that the transmission capacity dispute between these entities needs to be resolved as the working group moves forward. As it stands currently the Montana Intertie rate requires a double cost to power over the same lines.

The last speaker on behalf of Absaroka mentioned work on GorThe panel participants were im- don Butte project with a closed pressive and I will list them for loop system at Martinsdale, can personal reference; deal with the balancing issues and the equipment can easily be utiTim Baker, Montana Gover- lized over the next 50 years. nor’s Office;JohnLeland, NTTG; Carl Borgquist, Absaroka Energy As you can imagine the six month Joe Lukas, Montana G&T; Johnny plan for resolution of a plan Casana, Pattern Development; dealing with additional renewable Chuck McGraw, NRDC; Mike energy will require diligence on Cashell, Northwestern Energy; the part of all participants and David Mills, Puget Sound En- may be a piece of dealing with a ergy; Jeff Cook, Bonneville changing climate for Montana.

Power; Bill Pascoe, representing Orion Renewables; Scott Corwin, Public Power Council; WELCOME ABOARD!!

Rachel Shimshak, Renewable NW; Michael Cressner, Orion Renewables; Jason Smith, Montana Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs and Patrick Damiano of Columbia Grid.

From Garrison west AVISTA currently has existing capacity up to 2200 MW and currently transmits 2000 MW across the lines. Through a Remedial Action Scheme ( RAS) TSEP and a cluster study can lead to expansion and a future request for capacity to incorporate renewables.While additional electricity is needed in Portland and the Puget sound areas, distance presents a complication. A study is planned by Bonneville by the end of 2018 and has the capacity to utilize the 200 MW The representative of Pattern available at this time.

Development claimed to be the largest Wind Energy Company Both NWE and BP indicated with work occurring in Stillwathey have spent a great deal in ter and the Crazy Mountains. It upgrades to their transmission was reported that wind developlines. NWE has spent 90 million, ers prefer contracts for 20-25yrs while BP has spent 200 million and claim that costs will remain for those upgrades. NWE stated cheaper up to at least the year that permitting is a never ending 2020. They also claim they will be process and as a company have treated favorably for their wind written off 25 million in the at- resources. tempt to facilitate wind exports.

Experts for both companies claim Orion is the developer for a 750 that there is export capability.

MW project known as the Clearwater Wind located in SE MonThere has been difficulty in cost tana in Rosebud and Garfield for integrating large amounts of Counties. This is a 1 Billion dolwind from the Naturener and Rim lar project slated to assist with 11

MFU would like to welcome Jeff Bangs of Inverness to the board of directors. Jeff will represent District One and Two At-Large for a three year term.

Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the board and will be an excellent addition to the team!

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2018 PRODUCER CONFERENCE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R

As you know education is one of the vital parts of our foundation at Montana Farmers Union. Each year we work to provide educational opportunities to our members and the public that supports agriculture. Often times you will see or notice different agricultural organizations working to accomplish the same mission. With that being said, Montana Farmers Union has once again partnered with the Montana State University Northern-Collegiate Stockgrowers to put on our annual Producer Conference. This event will be held in Havre, Montana February 9-10 at the Great Northern Inn. With planning efforts by both Montana Farmers Union and the Collegiate Stockgrowers we have planned an agenda with something for everyone involved in agriculture in mind.

Friday: Peterson Ranch Tour: This tour will give attendees an overview of this working cattle ranch and the programs it uses to keep its cattle productivity moving in the direction of a strong and successful business. You will see how a 4 generation farm/ ranch works to meet industry demands while working to produce cattle that will flourish in the conditions of Northern Montana.

Farm Succession Planning: Keith Tokerud: Keith is an attorney with Scott, Tokerud, and McCarty in Great Falls. This workshop will

and uses of camera technology that producers are using to help with calving and monitoring provide three hours of training so families cattle as well as other uses for livestock camin farming and ranching can plan for the fu- eras. He will also touch on how some producture. It will cover financial planning, how to ers and businesses are using drone technology include all children in a succession plan both in ranching. on and off farm, tax saving, creating a legal entity and much more.

Farm Bill Discussion: With the current Farm Bill expiring and the Beef N’ Brews Event: need for a new one in the works, this workThis fun event is hosted by the Collegiate shop will focus on the changes needed in the Stockgrowers and is included in the registra- next Farm Bill, what existing programs will tion of the Producer Conference. Event will look like, and what does the Farm Bill future consist of dinner, appetizer, dessert and a se- look like in D.C. with the planning, creating lection of Montana brewed drinks and spirits. and roll out of the next Farm Bill. As you can see this will be a busy couple days for those Saturday: wanting to attend the annual Prducer Conference.

Beef Producer Panel: This panel will include Colter Devries of Colt Regstration: James Ranches and Ashley Callahan of Bear Paw Meats. These business owners will dis- • MFU Members without lodging: $35 cuss an alternative way to marketing beef and • MFU Members with two-nights lodging at how value-added products may help create the Great Northern Inn-Havre: $85 more revenue for an operation.

• Nonmembers without lodging: $50 • Nonmembers with two-nights lodging at Industrial Hemp with Jeff Kostuik: the Great Northern: $100 Jeff Kostuik with Hemp Genetics International in Canada will talk about iHemp in its To register visit montanafarmersunion.com. first year of legalized production in Montana.

Jeff will cover all areas from seeding, harvest- If you have any questions please email me at ing, and production of oil seed and the use of jloch@montanafarmersunion.com, call the fiber. This product is NOT hemp with medic- state office at 800-234-4071 or reach me on inal properties and is strictly for production my cell at 945-0959. We hope to see you at the agriculture.

2018 Producer Conference!

Ag Marketing and Hedging with Jamey Kohake: Jamey Kohake is a market analyst from Kanasas who has appeared on several radio shows and been widely published in the industry.

During this workshop he will discuss grain and cattle markets and price trends and market strategies that may help producers with financial planning.

Montana Ag Safety: This lunch time workshop will cover safety on the farm and ranch. The main focus of this workshop will be on creating a safety plan for your operation, or ways to improve your existing plan.

Calving Cameras and Drone Technology in Ranching with Timber Mountain Technologies: Dayv Unruh will talk about the different styles

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Friday, February 23

2018 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AGENDA

4pm- 6pm Arrival & Check-In 5pm Social Hour: Heavy hors d’oeuvres 6pm Dinner 6:30pm OPENING SPEAKER: Living in the B.I.G Rebecca Undem 7:30pm

ENJOY HOTSPRINGS!

Saturday, February 24

8am Breakfast 8:30 am

SPEAKER: MFU Welcome

9am Morning speaker: Making a Pivot

10am - 10:15 Break 10:15am

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Panel DISCUSSIONS:

“Deeper look into yourself ” Colleen Rudio & Rebecca Undem

12:30-1:30 Buffet lunch

1:00-1:25 Harvest of the Moon (Melissa Lafontaine- NCAT)

1:30 Group Activity

2:15pm Workshop: Creating an Action Plan &

Goal Setting : Separated into small groups,

Facilitated by: Jan Tusick, Colleen Rudio FUE couple women

3:30pm

Concurrent WORKSHOPS: -Interior design: Joellyn Clark -Yoga Class: Audra Bergman

4:15pm Break

4:30pm

5:15

Action Plan Presentation & Discussion Cocktail hour, door prize drawings (Must be present to win!)

6pm Dinner 7pm ENJOY HOTSPRINGS!

Sunday, February 25

8am Breakfast

8:30am Closing Keynote Speaker

“Putting it all together”

Register at montanafarmersunion.com. Registration Closes January 22!

MFU NEWS • MFU President Alan Merrill has been appointed to serve on Senator Steve Daines’ Ag Advisory Council • Communications Director Lyndsay Bruno has been appointed to serve on Congressman Greg Gianforte’s Ag Advisory Council • Youth Education Coordinator Violet Green and MFU member Joellyn Clark will attend the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference in January • MFU kicks off a multi-media advertising campaign across the state. “The Power of You” campaign highlights the contributions MFU has made to Montana agriculture. To learn more about the campaign visit montanafarmersunion.com.

• MFU will be hosting a mid-year event in June. More details to come!

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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES

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It’s hard to believe 2017 is over. In June, we had the Montana Ag Summit in Great Falls.

We heard from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and a number of panelists, including Montana Farmers Union member Paul Kanning. The roundtable gave us an opportunity to talk face-to-face with some of our nation’s leaders in agriculture– and I’m glad the Farmers Union was able to participate.

On the Senate Agriculture Committee, we’ve been hard at work staffing the United States Department of Agriculture. Secretary Perdue needs a team of folks who will put Montana farmers and ranchers first. Approving qualified Presidential nominees is an important role of the United States Senate and we were able to help put qualified people in place to help Montanans.

rights in states where industrial hemp cultivation is legal.

This year Montana has suffered one of the worst droughts and fire seasons in recent memory and I remain committed to doing all I can to ensure Montana has the support and flexibility it needs from the federal government. Whether it be working to secure additional funding for drought and wildfire relief or allowing for grazing, I will continue to fight to ensure Montana receives the assistance it needs.

As we look forward into 2018, the current Farm Bill is set to expire in September. It’s been great to hear from Montana farmers and ranchers throughout the negotiations and I look forward to more conversations with you.

Please reach out to one of my offices with your thoughts and ideas about the next Farm Bill – this critical piece of legislation will imAs Montana’s only representative on the Sen- pact agriculture policy for the next several ate Agriculture Committee, it is a priority for years. me to make sure the voice of Montana’s farmAgriculture is Montana’s number one eco- ers and ranchers is heard in Washington, D.C. I look forward to staying in touch during 2018 nomic driver. Family farms and ranches are For example, when I learned that Montana – my door is always open to Montana’s agria large part of our state’s heritage and it’s my farmers who were cultivating hemp had diffi- culture community. honor to represent them in our nation’s capi- culties using their water rights, I introduced a tal. bill that would ensure they can use their water

A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER

As farmers, when we flip the calendar to a new year, we do so with hope.

It is my hope to work with Republicans and Democrats to strengthen our state’s number one industry, protect our rural hospitals and 2017 was a difficult year for many family farm- improve our rural schools. We need to make ers and ranchers across the state. Drought and meaningful investments in our rural commuwildfire undercut a promising crop, prices re- nities to prevent consolidation and ensure mained low for many commodities, and input that our kids and grandkids can remain at costs continued to rise. home, raise a family of their own, and enjoy the same quality of life that we have experiBut as our parents, grandparents, and those enced in rural Montana. who worked the land before us taught us, a new year brings new hope.

Finally, as Congress takes up the next Farm Bill, I am hopeful that Montanans have a seat I hope that 2018 is filled with rain and mild at the table and we pass a bill that meets the weather so we can produce a good harvest. needs of family farmers and ranchers. I will fight tooth and nail to make sure the next I hope for good markets that provide Mon- farm bill bolsters the safety net, invests in tana producers with the opportunity to sell research, improves conservation, fights contheir world class products for the quality solidation for inputs and in the marketplace, price they are worth. and provides families with the opportunity to maintain profitability.

I hope that for those of you who work out in the fields - or send your kids and grandkids I want to wish each of you a safe and happy out to plow, plant, and cut – you do so safely new year, and I want to share my hope with and are able to enjoy the time spent with your you for good year in 2018. loved ones.

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J A N U A RY 2 0 1 8

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