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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
MFU HEADS TO WASHINGTON FOR NATIONAL CONVENTION
B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
Montana Farmers Union sent 14 delegates to represent the organization at the 2019 NFU Convention held in Bellevue, Washington in March. MFU delegates, board and staff joined more than 460 family farmers and ranchers to adopt the organization’s policy and special orders for the year. In addition to policy action attendees heard keynote remarks from Andrew Winston, a globally recognized expert on helping businesses thrive and create a more sustainable world, and remarks from Bill Northey, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation and a panel discussion on trade issues with Michael Stumo of Coalition for a Prosperous America, and Kathy Baylis of the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
C O N T I N U E D PA G E 3
2019 MFU Delegation: Ron Ostberg, Jan Tusick,Walter Schweitzer, Doug Crabtree, Erik Somerfeld, Alan Merrill, Justin Loch, Erik Kelly,William Downs, Eric Bergman,Tom Clark, Jeri Copenhaver, Lyndsay Bruno, Lilly Green,Violet Green, Charlotte Kelly, Sarah Rachor, Maggie Shane and Abby Clark. Photo Courtesy of National Farmers Union
IN THE MARCH EDITION... PAGE 6 MFU Members Talk National Women’s Conference
Trade panel with Michael Stumo of Coalition for a Prosperous America, and Kathy Baylis of the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics and NFU President Roger Johnson. Photo Courtesy of National Farmers Union
Montana Farmers Union Enterprise Couple Kody and Serena Cator of Big sandy
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MONTANA FARMERS UNION
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!
IN THIS ISSUE
Member Recruited by
Rhonda & Mathew Anderson, Lindsay Ron & Blayne Watts Gage Frye, Miles City Ron & Blayne Watts Shannon Majerus, Roundup K J Fauth David & Michele Christoffersen, Froid Austin O’Dea Kopitzke Farm, Boone IA Austin O’Dea Montana Farms & Ranches, LLC Daryl Hansen San Rafael CA Randy Robertus, Billings Judd Long Charles Hedrick, Stanford Aeric Reilly MP Livestock Trust, Stanford Aeric Reilly Charles & Sharon Blixrud, Choteau Mathew Luedtke Don & Donna Coffman, St. Ignatius Andrew Luedtke Mark & Chris Jackson, Ronan Andrew Luedtke
NFU Convention Recap Page 3 Legislative Update. Chris Christiaens Page 4 & 5
It’s Almost Time for Summer Camp! Violet Green
Page 6 Message by the President, Alan Merrill Teton County Farmers Union Tours Local Brewery Page 7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
My Neighbor in Need Celebrates Milesone, Dave Snuggs
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM E.L. Peterson Ranch, Judith Gap
MFU Members Appointed to Hemp Advisory Committee Page 8
THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS BOOSTERS: Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, Ronan Loucks & Glassley, Great Falls
Washington Corner, Roger Johnson Page 9 Resiliency is Key in Agriculture, Justin Loch Page 10
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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 Paul Kanning, District 3, Flaxville Eric Bergman, District 1, Fort Shaw Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director 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 Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2019 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 Mary Bold, Big Sandy
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NFU CONVENTION CONTINUED
– Family Farming and Farm Labor and Consumer Economics.MFU members – Family Farming and the Farm Safety Net Maggie Shane of Floweree and Jeri Co- – Family Farming and Market Concentra penhaver of Havre served on the Montana tion delegation. One particular policy issue that – Family Farming and Trade both delegates testified on was the Electron- – Family Farming and Truth in Labeling ic Waiver Device for livestock haulers and Hours of Service policy. “The policy stuff Full text of the adopted policy manual will has been very exciting,” said Copenhaver. be available soon at www.nfu.org. “We have Montana livestock haulers that go to Alabama and they are trying to do it in Convention attendees also had the opportuone drive so they can get cattle off the truck nity to help raise money for NFU education and get water and feed and they aren’t able programming by participating in carnival to do that. This is why it’s important to ex- night. MFU members Lilly Green and Abby tend those Hours-of-Service.” Clark hosted the game Pass the Pig to raise funds. Copenhaver also testified on policy in regards to higher education support for col- “The NFU Convention is an excellent oplege students. portunity for Farmers Union members from Jeri Copenhaver testifies on livestock hauling hours-of-service law across the country to make policy that makes Maggie Shane has served as a delegate sev- a difference at the local, state and national eral times, originally as a youth delegate. In level for family farmers and ranchers,” said talking about other policy items looking to MFU President Alan Merrill. “Montana’s next year Shane said there are a few states delegation did a great job of speaking to interested in extending the ELD waiver to the issues that are important back at home. perishable items like produce and other ag- We look forward to the 2020 convention.” riculture commodities. “I think we take one The 2020 National Farmers Union Anniverstep at a time, get the livestock through and sary Convention will take place in Savannah, then add on to that,” said Shane. Georgia. Other policy items with considerable debate were on increasing the THC level of Hemp and the ownership of farmland by institutional investors. Eight special orders of business were approved by the 177 Farmers Union delegates as priorities to guide the organization: – Family Farming and Biofuels – Family Farming and Climate Change – Family Farming and Dairy
MFU delegates during policy adoption
Member Sarah Rachor accepts her certificate from Roger Johnson for completing the Beginning Farmer Institute Program. Congratulations Sarah!
MFU members Lilly Green and Abby Clark led the game ‘Pass the Pigs’ at NFU game night 3
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66TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH
BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S
Legislators serving in the 66th Montana Legislative session returned to work following the transmittal break on March 7th to complete the second half of their work. The halfway mark signifies the deadline for policy bills to be transmitted from one chamber to the other. Those bills that failed to be heard and acted on are now dead. In addition over 240 bills died,either voted down by the legislators or failing to meet transmittal by the deadline. By the same date the governor has signed 59 bills into law. You might ask what that all means over the last 45 days remaining in the legislative session. Those bills transferred but not heard in the second house are now being scheduled and heard before passage, amended and voted or killed either in committee or floor action will then go to the governor for review and either sent back for amendatory veto, signed into law or vetoed. There are big issues remaining before the session completes its work, including appropriating money to the various agencies providing services spread across the state, whether that is the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Commerce, Corrections, Education, Health and Human Services, Supreme Court, Libraries to name a few that impact all of our lives
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on a daily basis. The House Appropriations Committee will hear the work completed by the respective sub-committees and fine-tune their action before taking the package to the floor of the House for action. Once that work is completed the bill known as House Bill 2 goes to the Senate Finance & Claims Committee for their review and action. Seldom do the two bodies agree to either, so some cuts or addition of monies to agencies, leading to appointing the Conference Committee that will take final action on a budget for the next two years. While there has been major work completed there are several big pieces of work remaining before the body. The first of two bills regarding Medicaid expansion were heard in March and are awaiting executive action.HB 425 sponsored by Rep. Mary Caferro of Helena continues eligibility requirements and the same healthcare coverage that has been law since 2015. Changes include some fees to be paid by hospitals that have benefited from Medicaid payments. The bill also ends the expiration date of Medicaid as it currently exists. HB 658, sponsored by Rep. Ed Buttrey, generally revises healthcare laws and permanently expand Medicaid. The bill includes work and a community engagement requirement. The bill contains some requirements that will regulate the number of enrollees who will be eligible for enrollment and would further remove those who are able-bodied but do not work from the Medicaid program. The current program included a Help-Link program that offers a voluntary workforce development program that has been administered in the
Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Those involved, report that a joint study with the Montana Department of Revenue found some 7 out of 10 recipients are now working. Some 100,000 Montanan’s who participate in the program will be watching for a program continuation and look forward to a boisterous debate with a conclusion of a solution for those currently enrolled. The other major work remaining is that of dealing with the infrastructure needs of the state. The governor has been pushing for a comprehensive infrastructure package that would fund public works across the state. The session has passed House bill 553, sponsored by Rep. Eric Moore of Miles City, as it provides a structure with guidelines for how the state will pay for public works projects. This issue is also being addressed in HB 652 carried by Rep. Mike Hopkins of Missoula. This bill has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and provides $104 million funding for capital and infrastructure projects. The bill covers several projects that are included in other house bills: HB 5, the long range building program; HB 6, the renewable resource grants program, HB 7 which is the reclamation and development grants and HB 11,which is the Treasure State Endowment program. The bill includes bonding, capital projects and local infrastructure. MFU sends out a weekly legislative update to membership each Friday with a recap of the week’s legislative activity and frequently posts updates on the website and social media. Stay tuned as the next few weeks will be busy.
Governor Steve Bullock signs HB 151, sponsored by Ross Fitzgerald, into law. HB 151 increases maximum annual assessment on wheat and barley. MFU Lobbyist Ron Ostberg joins the Montana Grain Growers Association & the Montana Farm Bureau Federation at the signing.
66TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH
Photo is courtesy of the Montana Governor’s Office. 4
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Visit nfu.org to learn more UNITED TO GROW FAMILY AGRICULTURE
The Farmer’s Share Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 14.8* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend?
According to the USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.
Bacon
Retail: Farmer:
$4.66 $0.61
Retail: Farmer:
Retail: Farmer:
$12.99 $1.95
$3.49 $0.05
Retail: Farmer:
$4.59 $0.53
1 gallon, fat free
1 lb.
$2.89 $0.34
Retail: Farmer:
$4.59 $0.13
Beer
Retail: Farmer:
Retail: Farmer:
6-pack cans
$4.59 $1.33
Flour
King Arthur, 5 lbs.
Retail: Farmer:
$2.29 $1.101
Retail: Farmer:
$4.39 $0.44
@NFUDC
Retail: Farmer:
Soda
Retail: Farmer:
Retail: Farmer:
Retail: Farmer:
$3.39 $0.42
$4.59 $0.49
Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2018 | Prices based onJanuary 2019 data. Retail prices based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted. | *Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service
/nationalfarmersunion
1 lb.
Fresh Potatoes Russet, 5 lbs.
/nationalfarmersunion
$3.99 $0.61
2 liters
$1.19 $0.05
March 14, 2019 nfu.org/topics/blog
National Farmers Union | 20 F Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20001 P: (202) 554-1600 | F: (202) 554-1654 | www.NFU.org | info@nfudc.org
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$8.99 $0.04
Boneless Ham
Fresh Apples
Granny Smih, 1 lb.
$4.59 $1.43
Fresh Carrots 5 lbs.
1 dozen
Milk
Lettuce
2 lbs.
Eggs
1 lb.
18 oz. box
Retail: Farmer:
Bread
Tomatoes
Cereal
Retail: Farmer:
Top Sirloin Steak 1 lb.
1 lb.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ARROWPEAK CAMP:
camp dates JUNIOR 1 (AGES 8 TO 12)
BY VIOLET GREEN E D U C AT I O N C O O R D I N AT O R
JUNE 16-20 JUNIOR 2 (AGES 8–12)
Montana Farmers Union Camps are just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited!! Registration opens April 11. The cost is $75 for members & $130 for nonmembers. Register at montanafarmersunion.com.
JUNE 23–27 SENIOR/ TEEN 1 (AGES 13-19)
JULY 14–19 TEEN 2
Here are some things for parents to keep in mind while helping your kids pack:
(AGES 12–15)
JULY 21–26 THEME NIGHTS CRAZY HAIR NIGHT • SUPERHERO NIGHT COWBOY/WESTERN NIGHT
SENIOR/TEEN CAMPS: We will have a banquet night Thursday night. Campers will need dress clothes! ALL CAMPS: Bring old clothes for a color obstacle course!
Senior & Teen Campers:
• There will be a banquet night on Thursday dedicated to our youth program and electing a new Senior Youth Advisory Council(SYAC) and Junior Advi sory Council.(JAC) Please bring nice clothes for this event! The SYAC pro gram is a yearlong commitment to planning next year’s camp and attending events throughout the year. This program allows for campers to get their ideas into camps and guide the way of how the youth programs are run. We are always looking for new ideas for camp and what better way of doing it than through our youth! • The MFU Senior Youth Advisory Council members are elected by their peers to represent the many Farmers Union youth statewide. Opportunities to lead include, but are not limited to the following: camp, state convention, and other leadership opportunities. • Applications will be available during camp and campers who are interested will be responsible for giving a small speech, which they will have time at camp to work on. Their peers will vote on who they think is best for the position and then will be announced at our banquet nights on Thursday. • Ages 15-18. Being on SYAC gives our youth a voice and also will give them great leadership skills they can apply in their life.
• Bringing back THEME NIGHTS!!! Make sure to pack items from these fun nights: Crazy hair night, superhero night, & cowboy/western night. • We are also going to be having a color obstacle course during our water Olympics so please bring old clothes! • Appropriate clothing is a MUST! We will ask campers to change if needed and will have extra clothes if they can’t find anything appropriate in the items they packed.. • Please leave all electronics at home including cell phone, smart watches, fit bits, tablets etc. • Most importantly bring good attitudes and be ready to have FUN!!!
MFU Presents New Leadership Program: Junior Advisory Council (JAC): This program is going to be very similar to the SYAC program, but will be more for teen campers. It’s a yearlong commitment to planning next year’s camp and attending events throughout the year. This program allows for campers to get their ideas into camps and guide the way of how the youth programs are run and also work with the SYAC. We are always looking for new ideas for camp and what better way of doing it than through our youth! • The MFU Junior Advisory Council members will be elected by their peers to represent the many Farmers Union youth statewide. Opportunities to lead include, but are not limited to the following: Camp, State Convention, and other leadership opportunities. • Applications will be available during camp and campers who are interested will be responsible for giving a small speech, which they will have time at camp to work on. Their peers will vote on who they think is best for the position and then will be announced at our banquet nights on Thursday. • Ages 13-14. Being on JAC gives our youth a voice and also will give them great leadership skills they can apply in their life. 6
We are looking forward to the warm weather and making lifelong friends during the 2019 MFU Summer Camps!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT....
APRIL 2019
NFU convention by my peers. This committee continues to have a proactive attitude which the national staff inspires. I need to go to the convention a couple of days before so I can attend the National Farmers Union Executive Committee and the NFU Board Meetings. It has been an honor for me to serve on the Executive Committee. I was chosen by my peers to serve as Chairman of the Education/Cooperative Committee because of my involvement in education and my commitment as a lifetime member. There are seven members on the executive committee and 23 Presidents on the NFU Board.
farming economy can affect the well-being of not only the parents, but the children as well. Suicide is a topic not talked about much, but it’s real in rural America. We learned what to watch for and how to help someone in a depressed state of mind. It was a very good breakout workshop.
The main part of the convention is always the policy and what the delegates discuss and approve for the coming year. All states are in attendance and help determine what the NFU stance will be on all sorts of agricultural issues. The great thing is we come out of the policy meeting understanding more of what These board meetings consist of reports from the different states have in common. We all legislation and current issues of not only na- want a fair price for family agriculture so we tional concern, but also what is happening in are able to pass the farm on to the next genthe Farmers Union states. E-30 Ethanol is one eration. We all have the same values in farm of our priorities. It not only makes the emis- and ranch living and want those values to sions from gas burning vehicles safer for the continue. environment, but also helps the corn growers. In closing, I ask that everyone be in prayer Membership is another issue we tackle as a for the farmers and ranchers in Nebraska and board. I am pleased to announce that mem- Missouri. This disaster is beyond words. It bership has increased nationwide. Some states is hard. The weather reports that other states I would like to spend some time summarizing report a large increase. In my opinion this is will soon have flooding as well. the 2019 National Farmers Union Conven- due to the beliefs of our grassroots organization held in Bellevue, Washington in March. tion. I serve on the Executive Committee because I am the chairman of the Education/Coop- At the Regenerative Agriculture Local Food erative Committee and was re-elected at the (RALF) committee meeting we heard how the
TETON COUNTY-WIDE FARMERS UNION LOCAL TOURS BREWING COMPANY In March members of Teton County Farmers Union were treated to a tour of the Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company in Great Falls. Jeremiah Johnson started out as The Front Brewing Company. In 2018 Jeremiah and Katie Johnson took ownership.Today Jeremiah Johnson produces a full lineup of seven canned beers and other specialized beers on tap all across the state. Jeremiah uses specialty grains in his beer as well as Smoot Honey in three of the beers. A big thank you to Jeremiah Johnson for giving Farmers Union members the opportunity to see valueadded agriculture at work in Central Montana.
Pictures courtesy of Erik Somerfeld, MFU Member & Collin Watters with Montana Wheat & Barley Committee 7
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MY NEIGHBOR IN NEED NEWS FOUNDER OF MY NEIGHBOR IN NEED RECEIVES SPIRIT OF MONTANA AWARD In recognition for his work with the My Neighbor in Need(MNIN) program, which is sponsored by Montana Farmers Union, Dave Snuggs of Great Falls was awarded the the Spirit of Montana Award by Congressman Greg Gianforte. MNIN, launched in 2012, allows for those in need to ask for help with a specific need whether the need is for themselves or for someone else in their community by going to myneighborinneed.org and completing the Request a Need form. Snuggs is humbled by the award. “It’s truly the community’s efforts that help us help our neighbors in need,” said Snuggs.” I want to express my appreciation to Montana Farmers Union for being the presenting partner from day one. Their vision and understanding of helping our neighbors in need is demonstrated every day in their own mission.” Dave Snuggs, Founder of MNIN
MNIN celebrates milestone
MNIN has fulfilled 12,900 needs and celebrated its seven year anniversary in March.“Today we once again celebrate the power of kindness and generosity that is alive and well in our backyard! And today, we remind people that if you give today, we can help today,” said Snuggs. “What started out as the simple idea of anonymous giving has grown into a movement encompassing other social services needed by members of the community including www.mystudentinneed.org and the free Pet Food Pantry. “ I want to thank our sponsors, community partners, board members, volunteers and all the caring individuals and organizations who every day wake up and make the choice to help a neighbor in need. I would like to send out a You Rock award to our Presenting Partner, Montana Farmers Union for seven years of amazing support. In addition, I want to thank the Great Falls Tribune, who each week prints our column and STARadio for hosting the Need of the Week radio show every Wednesday at 7:40am on 101.7fm. These generous businesses help connect those in need with those willing to help.” Myneighborinneed.org developed by Tom Penwell of Tom’s Web Designs, allows for anyone to ask for help with a specific need whether the need is for themselves or for someone else in their community. Anyone in need is encouraged to call (406) 750-2542 or stop by our office inside Times Square at 525 Central Ave Suite M5A – Downtown Great Falls. “Montana Farmers Union supports My Neighbor in Need because of its dedication to serving our communities,” said MFU President Alan Merrill. “We appreciate all the work Dave has done on building a foundation for such a fantastic community program and look forward to continuing support of MNIN.”
MDA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO MONTANA HEMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE Committee, and the selection process wasn’t MFU MEMBERS KEN ELLIOTT & KIM PHILLIPS AMONG APPOINTEES
• • • • • •
Jamie Fitterer – Bozeman, MT Arlin Fratzke – Stevensville, MT Bart Icopini – Hysham, MT Ross Johnson – Conrad, MT Dean Nelson – Homestead, MT Kim Phillips – Helena, MT
easy,” said Director Thomas. “The appointees represent Montana hemp growers both large B Y A N DY F J E S E T H and small, and also reflect the diverse growing M O N TA N A D E P A R T M E N T O F A G R I C U L T U R E regions of Montana’s ag industry. I look forAfter receiving significant interest from pro- ward to working with the committee to shape The Committee will hold its first meeting in ducers and stakeholders throughout the state, the future of Montana’s hemp industry.” April. Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Ben Thomas announced today that Nine individuals were appointed to the Comnine individuals have been appointed to the mittee, all for terms of one year. Those indiMontana Hemp Advisory Committee. viduals are: • “We are grateful that so many folks were in- • terested in serving on the Hemp Advisory •
Jeremy Anderson – Fort Benton, MT Jackee Beck – Deer Lodge, MT Ken Elliott – Wolf Point, MT 8
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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
With the Farm Bill and the USDA funded through the end of September, family farmers and ranchers are finally getting some muchneeded certainty and relief. Unfortunately, there may be new challenges to face elsewhere. Though the EPA moved to approve yearround E15 before the beginning of summer, the agency continues to undermine the RFS with the approval of hardship waivers. Additionally, President Trump’s budget proposal would cut the USDA’s budget by 15 percent next year despite agricultural producers experiencing depressed prices, trade uncertainty, and oversupply. At NFU’s annual convention in early March, delegates representing the organization’s 33 divisions passed special orders of business pertaining to all of these issues. These policies will guide the D.C. staff ’s positions and priorities for the year ahead, and they will ensure that NFU continues to advocate on behalf of its members, family farmers, and rural communities.
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and opioid misuse, on the whole, the proposal disregards the challenging economic circumstances in farming communities. “Despite the rapid decline in the farm economy, additional damages from self-inflicted trade disruptions, increasing demand for credit, overloaded farm hotlines, and deteriorating infrastructure in rural communities, the White House today called for significant cuts to the one department tasked with serving farm families, rural residents and those struggling with food insecurity,” said NFU President Roger Johnson in a statement. “Major relief is needed to weathUnder Trump’s proposal, the U.S. Depart- er these tough times in agriculture. It’s time ment of Agriculture (USDA) would receive 15 the President’s policy proposals and rhetoric percent less funding in 2020 than 2019. Some acknowledge the financial pain in farm coundepartments would be hit harder than oth- try.” ers; for instance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - also known as APPROPS BILL FUNDS FARM BILL food stamps - would lose 20 percent of its PROGRAMS, DELAY ERS/NIFA MOVE budget. This would theoretically be achieved Congress thwarted another government shutby both switching the flexible EBT card to down by passing an appropriations bill in a prepackaged “Harvest Box” as well as by mid-February. tightening existing work requirements further. The White House also proposed cutting crop In addition to providing funding for nine insurance and commodity program spending government agencies - including the U.S. Deby $28 billion. These cuts would be achieved partment of Agriculture (USDA), the Food by changing eligibility criteria for commodity and Drug Administration (FDA), and the programs, capping maximum adjusted gross Commodity Futures Trading Commission annual income at $500,000, and reducing the through September 30, the bill has other sigaverage premium subsidy for crop insurance nificant implications for food and agriculture. from 62 percent to 48 percent. Perhaps most notably, it delays the proposed relocation of the National Institute of Food The proposal deprioritizes spending across and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic several other USDA agencies as well. Rural Research Service (ERS), pending thorough Development would lose 12 percent of its justification, including cost-benefit analysis, funding, largely from programs that assist from the USDA. Additionally, the bill indefiwith rural housing and economic develop- nitely postpones the proposed reorganization ment. The Rural Energy for America Program of ERS under the Office of the Chief Econo(REAP), a Farm Bill program that supports mist. Both the relocation and reorganization renewable energy production in rural commu- were opposed by a number of agricultural nities, would lose all of its mandatory fund- organizations, including National Farmers ing. Furthermore, the proposal would entirely Union (NFU), due to concerns that it would eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Pro- undermine the functions and objectivity of gram. both agencies. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Though the President proposes directing additional resources towards rural broadband TRUMP BUDGET IGNORES STATE OF FARM ECONOMY In mid-March, President Donald Trump released his fiscal year 2020 budget proposal. It marked the third straight year that the President’s budget proposal includes steep cuts to farm, food, and rural development programs. Though Congress is unlikely to adopt the vast majority of the President’s recommendations, the budget is a reflection of the administration’s priorities for the coming year.
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EXTREME WEATHER BRINGS UNCERTAINTY FOR FARMERS BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
Agriculture can bring about some of the best and worst times in a producer’s life. Things are great when crops and livestock are healthy and plentiful with a thriving market. On the flip side when things are down and out of a producer’s control it can be some of the most helpless and devastating age, and much more. During this times in their lives. event many livestock were lost This winter has brought about due to being buried in drifting some of the harshest conditions snow, swept away in flood wanot seen in years. In Montana ters, drowning, or being trapped livestock producers have had to with nowhere for adequate food, calve and lamb in extreme cold shelter, and water. Ranchers were and record snowfall. This has led given little or no time to prepare to many days and nights or little for this harsh weather, nor did or no sleep just to make sure they think it would have the damnewborn livestock have a fighting aging results it did. When you chance. With the cold also brings deal with large numbers of liveextra expense in the way of more stock there simply isn’t enough feed and utilities to keep things time or physical resources to operating smooth. Many ranch- help relocate livestock to safer ers put their livestock’s needs and areas. Imagine trying to move a comfort before their own because 16,000 head feedlot in Nebraska, they are not just financial prop- or even a 500 head sheep flock erty, but they are part of their in Colorado. Ranchers were left family and livelihood. They tend with one choice, and that was to to their animals with the utmost hunker down and do everything attention and care, as they realize they could to save as many aniit’s the livestock that allow them mals as they could. While many people were able to pack up perto live the life they do. sonal belongings to move to safer While Montana has suffered areas, Ranchers had to stand tall through extreme conditions, and try and protect the livestock. I want you take a minute and They put their personal lives on keep some of our other Farm- hold to try and save animals as ers Union family in your thoughts they might have seen their barn and prayers. The middle of March and equipment float by in a flood, brought unbelievable devasta- or their home’s roof collapse due tion to parts of South Dakota, to extreme snow load. The sadColorado, Wyoming, and Ne- ness doesn’t end there. Once the braska. A weather event known weather breaks, producers are left as a “Bomb Cyclone” hit which with picking up the pieces. Trying brings extremely intense weather to find any missing and alive liveconditions in the way of wind, stock, putting their own homes rain, and snow. The results can back together, and simply trying have damaging effects ranging to ranch another day. from flooding, drifting snow with blizzard conditions, wind dam- We have seen all kinds of trage-
dy in the world lately, but I don’t think the general public realizes what has happened in these states and to the people who raise the food they eat. People in Agriculture don’t ask for a lot of attention. Most just want to be able to make enough to get up and do it all over again the next day. The media hasn’t given these people much attention or offered them much assistance to rebuild. I would encourage you to reach out to our fellow Farmers Union family in South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska and offer support to help pick them back up. The MFU office can help get you in touch with the suffering states if you need. Remember a couple summers ago when Montana suffered extreme wildfires? Many of these Farmers Union states that are suffering now stepped up and sent hay and fencing supplies over to get us back up and going. If you are able, please help return the gratitude and help support these states. If nothing else please . continue to pray. We are all one big family in Agriculture and this is just another bump in the road that we need to help smooth out. Thoughts and prayers to all our Agriculture Family suffering during these harsh weather conditions. May there be better days ahead.
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2019 MFU MIDYEAR CONFERENCE JUNE 5-6, 2019 KALISPELL RED LION HOTEL AREA TOURS & WORKSHOPS
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WE’RE A FAMILY OF COMPANIES. AND FAMILY IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU.
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Since 1915
OUR AGENTS LIVE AND WORK NEAR YOU. Anaconda Stefanie Thompson 563.5991 Belgrade Craig Parker 388.6774 Bigfork Janice Erickson 692.6020 Billings Jim Mathews 656.2323 Billings Steve Plaggemeyer 294.9491 Billings Judd Long 252.9391 Billings KJ Fauth 969.2282 Billings Jeanne Benson 252-9391 Bozeman Dean Derby 556.0893 Bozeman Trent Leintz 551.2163 Bozeman Art Hoffart 586.6230 Bridger Wesley Schwend 662.3930 Chester Gary Seubert 759-5150 Choteau Mathew Luedtke 466.5146 Circle Kaylen Lehner 485.3303 Conrad Dirk Elings 271.7047 Dillon Judy Siring 683.2365 Dillon Sara Nye 683.1250 Dutton Will Rasmussen 476.3444 Fairfield Matt Luedtke 467.3444 Froid Austin O’ Dea 766.2205 Glasgow Del Hansen 228.2284 Great Falls Eric Hinebauch 453.8413 Great Falls Aeric Reilly 570.5853 Great Falls Jeff Thill 452.7283 Hamilton Bryan Jones 363.6583 Hardin Melissa Wacker 665.1867 Havre Cindy Schubert 265.2693
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