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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 PARTNERS WITH MDOA ON THE LATEST IN INDUSTRIAL HEMP
PAID
GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
ional, Gary Triple of Green Mountain Technologies and iHemp grower Colby Johnson. Foley shared with the group information regarding the Montana Hemp Pilot B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O C O M M U N I C AT I O N S D I R E C T O R / Program. In 2018, there were E D I TO R 58 licensed growers which In December Montana Farmers amounted to approximately IN THIS Union and theEDITION: Montana Depart- 22,000 acres of crop. ment of Agriculture (MDOA) hosted an event on Industrial The Hemp program and Hemp. The seminar is a continu- changes in the Farm Bill ation of a series of workshops A provision within the Farm MFU has held throughout the Bill calls for iHemp to be restate in the past year on Indus- moved as a schedule 1 drug trial Hemp. December’s seminar which according to Cort Jencovered virtually every aspect of son, Chief Attorney for the Industrial Hemp ranging from the MDOA, will preclude it from crop’s history and uses to market DEA regulation, but Hemp potential and processing. Among will continue to be monitored other presenters were Ian Foley by the FDA.“Theoretically it and Cort Jensen with MDOA, ar- will allow for U.S. sources of chitect Kirby Hancock, Jeff Kos- hemp and U.S. distributions tuik of Hemp Genetics Internat- points even if the hemp originated in Canada,” said Jensen. He went on to talk about the approach MDOA had taken as a fully compliant DEA state.“What the current director and previous director said was they don’t want any farmers to lose their farm, to lose their tractors so we made certain to be 100 percent compl-
N E A R LY 1 0 0 P E O P L E AT T E N D E D T H E I N D U S T R I A L I H E M P M E E T I N G I N G R E AT F A L L S
iant with the DEA.”
2,000 square foot house will take about six tons of processed hemp Uses for Industrial Hemp hurd.“You can get about two tons The seminar also covered the of stock per acre on average,” uses and products of Industrial said Hancock. “But you can get Hemp including hempcrete which as much as five tons per acre. To is generated from the wood stock, facilitate a processing plant we otherwise known as hurd of the need about ten to fifteen thouplant. Kirby Hancock of Trans- sand acres to make it viable.” formative Technologies, is focused on the building applications of Industrial Hemp. According to Hancock in the next five years a C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 0
IN THE JANUARY EDITION... PAGE 3 Member Profile: The Woodhouse family
PAGE 8 Preview of the 2019 Legislative Session
PAGE 11 Details on MFU Scholarships
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IN THIS ISSUE
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Member
Bruce & Brenda Boyum, Havre Alice Carlisle, Ekalaka Thomas & Margaret Blair, Miles City James & Carla Boucher, Miles City Jack Ben Crocker, Rosebud N Triangle Ranch Inc., Fallon Thomas & Shelley Ryan, Jordan Craig & Sherryn Taylor, Angela Mike & Carla Wente, Lewistown Julie Majerus Revocable, Roundup Galata Union Elevator LLC Galata Harold Osterman, Black Eagle Kim Wiest, Conrad Jerold Wiederholt, Huntley Randy & Brenda Wegner, Hardin Gagnon Farms Inc, Chester Gain Grains LLC, Missoula JMC Farms, Shelby Harry & Ruth Thorning, Darby Neil Hoff, Glendive Danielle & Dan Engellant, Geraldine Stacy & Rich Bronec, Carter
Member Profile: Woodhouse Family Page 3 & 5
Recruited by Cindy Schubert Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Tom McKenna K J Fauth Dirk Elings Dirk Elings Dirk Elings Wes Schwend Melissa Wacker Gary Seubert Gary Seubert Korey Fauque Bryan Jones Cathy Hintz MFU Office MFU Office
MFU Prepares for Annual Women’s Conference Page 4 Registration Open for the 2019 Producer Conference Page 6 MFU Partners with the Central Montana Resource Council on COOL Seminar, Laurie Lohrer
Page 7 Legislative Preview, Chris Christiaens Page 8 Montana Pulse Day, Paul Kanning Page 9 Members‘ Comments on the Farm Bill Page 10
In Memoriam
MFU Announces Education Scholarships Page 11
Larry Schanz, Ryegate Mrs. Alvin (Katherine “Kay”) Forsman, Great Falls Robert Rice, Bynum
Washington Corner, Roger Johnson Page 12-13 Montana Delegation Columns Page 14
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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, 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
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FARMING: A FAMILY TRADITION
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MEMBER profile
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Member Profile: The Woodhouse family This month we feature the Woodhouse family who farm on on the family operation near Power. Mike Woodhouse shares his family’s background and observations on how agriculture has changed through the years. 1.) What is the history of family farm? I was born and raised on our farm near Power. My Grandpa and Grandma homesteaded here in the early 40's. They ran a dairy until 1963. I spent my childhood following my Grandpa around the farm. I remember as a young boy driving the truck for my Grandpa as he chipped hay off for our cows. My Grandpa saw my love for farming and gave me a few shares in the family place.Eventually my dad and I took over the operation from my Grandpa. I worked hand-in-hand with him until about 2002. Then I went off on my own. It was then that I diversified my farm. I bought some farm land and started raising malt barley. I expanded my cow herd from the original 14 to over 100 head. Throughout the years I have raised pigs, cattle, hay, canola, barley and wheat. I have flood irrigated, changed wheel lines and now I am enjoying pivots. My family and I live in the original house. We have three children:Sunny who is 14 and a freshman in high school, Colin who is 8 and in 2nd grade and Trevor who is 3. 2.) How does the commodity market affect your bottom line? The cost of machinery and inputs have increased a lot in the past few years. Anymore you dump more money into a crop and still make about the same as you did 10 years ago. Being diversified has saved me and has helped even out the ups and downs of commodity prices.
Mike & Stacy Woodhouse with children Sunny,Trevor, & Colin; photos courtesy of Lucy
5.) What are the challenges associated with operating a farm? The main challenges I have had trouble with in the last few years is finding good, honest help, surviving weather ups and downs and fighting the influx of non-farmers/investors buying up farm land. Also, as my kids are getting older and more active and it is hard to balance family life with farm life. 6.) Who in your family is involved with the operation? My dad and nephew help me when they can. My wife, who is a teacher he-
lps in the capacity that she can. Out here, we have long-time friends that are willing to jump in and give a hand when needed. 7.) What are your future plans for the farm? I have three kids and someday, I hope that one or all of them have the love for farming that I have had throughout my life. I hope to pass it on down. Until then I hope to keep farming successfully. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E
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3.) How did the 2018 harvest go? Other than a couple wicked storms in June, in cluding one that flipped a pivot on my wheat, my overall crops turned out pretty nice. 4.) Do you use precision agriculture on the farm? I do use auto-steer and GPS in my Throughout the years the Woodhouse family has raised pigs, cattle, hay, canola, barley and wheat on their farm near Power, MT. tractors. 3
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Friday, February 1, 2019
4:00:
Load bus
4:00-6:00: Check-in 5:00-6:00: Social hour 6:00-7:00: -Dinner 7:30-8:30: Opening Speaker: Laura Peterson
4:30-5:00:
Return to hot springs
Saturday, February 2, 2019 8:00-8:30: -Breakfast 8:30-9:15: Courtney McKee, Headframe Spirits 9:15-9:45: -Break9:45-11:30: Jolene Brown:“Balancing Act: 10 Ideas to Relieve Stress and Bring Renewal to Our Farm and Family Life.” 11:30-12:00: MFU Presentation 12:00-1:00: -Lunch- 1:15 Load the bus
5:00-5:30: Free time/ Social hour 5:30-6:15 -Legislative Update: Cindy Palmer -NFU Women’s Conferece: Laura Garber 6:15-7:00: - Dinner MFU Launches Foundation: Jan Tusick 7:15: Night Activities:Concurrent -Dancing: Dance Kinexion -Paint & Party
Sunday, February 3, 2019 8:00-8:30: - Breakfast 8:30-9:30: Closing Keynote: Jolene Brown “Who’s Hiding the Humor” See you next year!
1:30-4:00 Tours: Montana Craft Malt & Headframe Spirits
Registration: $95/Members; $135/ Nonmembers; includes meals and lodging Register at montanafarmersunion.com 4
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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
Some of the big issues hitting farmers are the economics and the urban sprawl hitting 8.) What advice would you give to some- our farm land. Anymore you have to produce one considering agriculture as a profes- more to make as much as you did 10 years sion? Have a strong back, strong faith, strong ago. There are a lot of people moving onto family and good friends. the farm land areas and building homes. This movement leaves little room to raise crops 9.) What do you love most about farming? and drives up the price of land to unrealistic I like to see the cycle of life from start to fin- highs that don't match what we are making on ish and the satisfaction that comes from see- commodities. ing my hard work reap its rewards. I love that I am my own manager. 15.) How did you become involved with MFU? My grandparents and parents were 10.) Are there particular farm policies that long-time members of Montana Farmers are of interest to you? I enjoy working with Union. diversity in agriculture and am always looking for new ways to sustain my way of life. I en- 16.) What are some things you and the famcourage sustainability in farming. ily enjoy doing? We enjoy traveling when we have a chance, attending sporting events and 13.) Have you noticed a change in climate? spending family time at home. I have noticed a slight change; I feel the timing of seasons has changed. Winter comes faster 17.) What do you enjoy most about living and spring is shorter. Overall, it seems more in a farming community? I love that most volatile. The highs and lows are more notice- community members understand and accomable. Also the agronomy and plant breeding modate to our ways of life. Some of the hardhave done a good job of balancing it out, but est working people I know are my neighbors. The work ethic that comes out of these comwe definitely see some climate change. munities is something to be proud of. 14.) What do you consider to be the most important issue facing agriculture today?
All hands on deck at the Woodhouse farm
Mike hopes to pass on the family farm to the next generation.
Mike’s grandparents homesteaded on the family farm in the 40’s. Mike and his family live in the original house on the farm.
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EVENT SPEAKERS:
Friday, January 25, 2019 12:15 - 1:15 1:30-2:30 2:30-3:30 3:30-4:30 6:00
JESS PETERSON USCA
Registration Matt Perdue; National Farmers Union: Lobbying & the Political Scene in D.C. and How it Relates to Agriculture Aeric Reilly – Ag Risk Coverage Jess Peterson, USCA - ‘Fake Meat’ and ELD’s MSUN Collegiate Stockgrowers Beef N’ Brews Event Chick Wilfong- Keynote and Entertainment)
Saturday, January 26, 2019 9:00-10:00 10:00-11:00 11:15-12:15 12:15- 1:00 1:30-3:30
John Walker- Farmers Business Network Corbitt Wall- Cattle Markets and Futures Keith Horton- Cargill Canola Project Lunch- MFU Presentation; Scholarship program Curt Pate- Cattle Handling Clinic
AERIC REILLY REILLY INSURANCE AGENCY CHICK WILFONG Chick Wilfong is a fourth generation rancher and graduated high school from Centerville. He was a finalist at almost every major PRCA rodeo and holds the arena record at the West of the Pecos over the Fourth of July, which is considered the oldest rodeo on record. In 2004 he married his wife Jodi and began a work in Ag construction.
JOHN WALKER FARMERS BUSINESS NETWORK
Register for the 2019 Producer Conference at montanafarmersunion.com Registration is $35 members & $50 nonmembers One night lodging at the AmericInn is an additional $25. When registering indicate lodging needs & MFU will make the hotel reservation.
John grew up in an agriculture background south of Livingston, MT. He attended Montana State University in Agricultural Business. According to Walker one of FBN's greatest feats is that everything they have created has been farmer driven. P RO D U C E R C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E 6
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COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING SEMINAR: JAN 17, 2019 BY LAURIE LOHRER
WHAT:
A Free informational seminar on Country-of Origin Labeling(COOL) •How beef is currently labeled at retail and why (with examples) •Draft bill for 2019 Montana Legislature •How ranchers and consumers can weigh in with legislators •QA session
WHEN:
Thursday January 17, 2019 5:30 pm Registration & Refreshments 6-8 pm Seminar and QA
WHERE:
The Community Center at 307 W Watson (also known as Council on Aging) Next to Lewistown City Hall, Police & Fire
Featured speakers include: Gilles Stockton, a Grass Range rancher & others from across Montana who’ve been fighting for COOL since the beginning.
WHO:
WHY:
P RO D U C E R C O N T I N U E D
for 25 years. Corbitt grew up at his father’s side taking delivery of country cattle purchases off New Mexico ranches and wheat pastures. They were also some of the first to order stocker calves from the Southeast, partnering with shippers from Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
Presented by the Central Montana Resource We already had a COOL bill in place, and it Council, sponsored by Montana Farmers worked well. Montana passed COOL back in Union, Northern Plains Resource Council 2005. Unfortunately, Montana's bill sunsetted and others. when COOL passed in the 2008 Farm Bill. COOL was enacted across the country for a
few years before bad trade policy forced Congress to repeal it in 2015. After COOL was repealed, cattle prices began falling, and ranchers lost upwards of $500 for each animal sold.
HOW:
Pre-register for this free seminar at: Phone: 406-538-5584 Email caitlin@northernplains.org Day of registrations are also welcome.
Corbitt received a bachelor’s degree in Agbusiness and Economics plus a master’s degree in Agriculture from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. Upon graduation, he started an 18 year career with the USDA’s Ag Marketing Service and carved a niche in feeder cattle market reporting as the author of the weekly National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary. In 2014 Wall accepted a position with DV Auction as their Commercial Cattle Manager and Livestock Market Corbitt Wall is a native of eastern New Mexi- Analyst. He recently relocated to the Texas Panhandle, co and west Texas. He is a fourth generation after 16 years in northwest Missouri where he operated a cattleman and has been a livestock auctioneer small stocker cattle operation with his three daughters.
CORBITT WALL
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MONTANA PREPARES FOR LEGISLATIVE SESSION BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S
For many, the end of the election cycle is welcome news and preparations for the Montana 66th legislative assembly are underway. The committee assignments have been announced and I will share the chairs of the committees where bills pertaining to the goals and policy of Montana Farmers Union will be heard. The Agriculture House Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee meet at the same time on Tuesday and Thursday at 3 p.m. The house committee will be chaired by Ray Shaw with vice chairs being Casey Knudsen and Andrea Olsen. The Senate Agriculture Committee chair will be Brian Hoven with vice chairs Mike Lang and Frank Smith. The other committees MFU lobbyists will spend time covering are the Appropriations in the House and Finance and Claims in the Senate. House Appropriations will again be chaired by Representative Nancy Ballance for the third session in a row and supported by four vice chairs, Carl Glimm, Dan Bartel, Llew Jones and Ryan Lynch. Senate Finance and Claims chair is Ryan Osmundson with Cary Smith and Jon Sesso as Vice chairs. Both of these committees meet Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. unless otherwise announced. Another committee expecting brisk work since real estate is now reappraised every two years will be Taxation. The house committee will be chaired by Alan Redfield with vice chairs Becky Beard and Zach Brown. The senate taxation committee is chaired by Roger Webb with vice chairs Brian Hoven and Dick Barrett. While I have a list of the other committees and full membership, those with internet access may wish to go to the LSD-Legislative Services Division and click on the 2019 House of Representatives Committees and on the 2019 Senate Committees for complete details. The 2019 Policy Book for Montana Farmers Union updated at the fall convention is available on MFU’s website and in hard copy. Your organization will be represented by lobbyists Cindy Palmer, Levi Ostberg Ron Ostberg and supported by myself. If you are interested in a bill or position please call the state office
and visit with Alan Merrill, president or myself as we are in touch with the lobbyist every morning discussing the work of the day rather than attempting a call to the lobbyists as they will be busy with committee work and testifying on your behalf. As in the past, Communications Director, Lyndsay Bruno will be sending out a weekly report every Friday during the session and a wrap up at the end of the 90 day session tentatively set to adjourn May 1. For those of you visiting or testifying at the capitol copies of the Montana Legislative Guide will be available in the rotunda of the capital. If visiting the capitol and planning to testify, please check with our lobbyist so that you can testify first, since you come from out of town and legislators can meet with the lobbyist anytime during the 90 days of legislative action. Over the coming weeks spend quality holiday time with your family and friends as 2018 comes to a rapid end and a New Year beckons.
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SAVE THE DATE: 2019 MFU MID-YEAR CONFERENCE JUNE 5-6, 2019 KALISPELL RED LION HOTEL AREA TOURS & WORKSHOPS
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN GREG GIANFORTE
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The Farm Bill also helps Montana’s family farmers and ranchers by improving and expanding access to credit. It maintains the Agricultural Research Service which includes several experiment stations in Montana.
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful 2018 and that your new year is off to a It supports the Farm and Ranch Stress Assisgreat start. tance Network, so we can continue addressing the crisis of farmer suicide. As you’re aware, the House and Senate passed a new 2018 Farm Bill, and as I write this, the It also includes a measure I advanced that president is expected to sign it soon. provides access to resources so that EMS proThis Farm Bill is a win for Montana’s farmers and ranchers who work the land to feed our country and the world. As they know too well, weather and markets bring uncertainty. This Farm Bill gives our farmers and ranchers a strong safety net that protects them against the impact of natural disasters and unpredictable, unfair trade practices of other countries.
viders in our rural areas have the training and equipment they need to get the job done.
Thanks to your dedication and feedback, this Farm Bill has Montana’s fingerprints on it. I wish you a healthy, prosperous new year. Please reach out if I can help you with anything.
MONTANA PULSE DAY HELD IN BILLINGS B Y PA U L K A N N I N G
Montana pulse producers recently held their annual MT Pulse Day grower meeting on Nov 1112. This year the event was held in Billings with over 230 people attending. The annual event is hosted by the Northern Pulse Growers Association, with Montana Farmers Union serving as a sponsor this year. The trade show portion of the meeting was fantastic, with pulse processors from across Montana and North Dakota in attendance. Processors also held a panel discussion on the first evening to discuss markets, pre-harvest desiccation, and trade issues. Other activities included industry updates from the US Dry Pea & Lentil Council, a pulse producer panel, and a question & answer period with MSU pulse researchers. For the first time, portions of MT Pulse Day were broadcast live on Facebook where 955 additional people viewed the processor and producer panels. The remarkable
aspect of having so many viewers is that the live-streaming was not advertised in advance. In addition, MT Pulse Day was recently highlighted on This Week in Agribusiness with Max Armstrong, with a TV segment featuring the growing pulse industry in Montana. MT Pulse Day continues to grow each year as the premiere event for Montana pulse growers. Mark your calendars for NPGA’s annual convention on Jan 28-29 in Minot, ND; MonDak Pulse Day on Feb 7 in Williston, ND and the next MT Pulse Day on Nov 1314, 2019 in Bozeman.
MONTANA GRAZING LANDS EDUCATION AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FUNDING AVAILABLE B Y M O N TA N A N R C S
The Montana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) is accepting applications for mini-grants and demonstration projects for 2019. The mini-grants will provide funding for educational events throughout the year and support partners and organizations with an interest in the conservation, education, and awareness of grazing lands and natural resources in Montana.Mini-grant funding requests are limited to a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $1,000. There is no application deadline. Submissions will be considered year-round by the Montana GLCI steering committee. Applications will be accepted from groups of individuals, non-governmental organizations, and state or local units of government. The Montana GLCI steering committee places special emphasis on cooperative efforts working with partners. Individual projects will be considered only if the project provides broad-scale, community-wide impacts and education.Projects must be initiated in 2019. Funding will be allocated on an annual basis, which is dependent upon the yearly Montana GLCI budget allocation. Application submission does not guarantee project funding will be available. All applicants must show a one-to-one match for project costs. Get more information about both the mini-grant and demonstration project funding opportunities, including application requirements and forms, at www.mtglci.org.
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IHEMP SEMINAR CONTINUED
The Global Market Jeff Kostuik of Hemp Genetics International located in Canada talked about the global market for iHemp and the reason behind Canada’s spike in iHemp sales in 2016. Canada’s biggest customer at the time was South Korea. According to Kostuik 40 percent of South Koreans buy groceries online. There was a home shopping network in South Korea that sold out of a container of Canadian iHemp in 20 minutes. “From that there was a massive rush,” said Kostuik. “We were shipping four containers a week to South Korea. Then China discovered the potential and began growing the crop which put pressure on price and Canada couldn’t compete.” Kostuik went on to say there were other factors that ultimately shut the door for the market. “Hemp is still a niche crop. Market fluctua-
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tions have a huge effect. There is tremendous potential for iHemp, but it’s the awareness part that is important.” Crop Insurance As with other commodities farmers would like crop insurance for iHemp. According to the MDOA there must be at least five years of growing conditions data collected to get the ball rolling on a crop insurance program.The first step is for growers to collect and turn in this data to the USDA Risk Management Agency.
have an Industrial Hemp advisory committee,” said Johnson. “There is no sense in letting legislators decide our regulation, but rather the producers ourselves determine the direction of Industrial Hemp.”
The 2019 application period for the Montana Industrial Hemp Pi lot Program is now open. Completed applications are due by January 31st, 2019.For more information on Industrial Hemp visit the MDOA’s website at https:// agr.mt.gov/Industrial-Hemp.
What’s next for Hemp in Montana? Zack Coccoli with the MDOA and iHemp grower Colby Johnson talked about the creation of a working group which would guide the MDOA on research, position and policy to develop iHemp production in Montana.“We should
MEMBERS’ THOUGHTS ON THE FARM BILL “Passage provides certainty that the safety net remains in place basically as is. It will give relief to all of us that have been hurt by the down turn in commodity prices.” -Erik Somerfeld Power, MT “Keeping with the Conservation Title intact was a big win for Montana farmers and ranchers. Family farms are dedicated to leaving the land in better condition for the next generation and the conservation title helps to do that with education on new conservation practices and support to implement those practices.” -Will Downs Molt,MT
“ We thank our senators and representative for working hard for Montana agriculture.The passage of the Farm Bill gives Montana Ag producers the increased governmental stability and safety net necessary to help ensure the future sustainabilitiy of the family farm and local economic benefits that those Ag based businesses create.” -Ben Peterson Judith Gap, MT
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MFU ANNOUNCES 2019 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD The MFU Scholarship period is now open. All scholarship applications must be sent to and approved by the Montana Farmers Union Foundation Board of directors. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2019. Below is a list of available scholarships:
Flathead County Wide - Local Farmers Union Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. Please contact county schools for award criteria or the MFU state office. The application must be postmarked by March 15, 2019.
Montana Farmers Union Scholarship: Two $500 scholarships. The recipient must be a high school graduate planning to attend a university, college, community college or college of technology in or out of state; the scholarship must be used the year it is awarded; and Montana Farmers Union family membership dues must be current.
Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship: 1 $500 scholarship in memory of Bud Daniels. Daniels had a life-long devotion to improving the lives of rural Americans and to keeping farmers on the land. He served as Montana Farmers Union president from 1989-1993, was National Farmers Union vice president in 1992, and in 1999 he received the Meritorious Service Award for his contributions to Farmers Union and to American agriculture. The application must be postmarked by March 15, 2019.
Cascade County Farmers Union Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship Contact county schools for award criteria or the MFU state office. The applica- John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship: tion must be postmarked by March 15, 2019. 2 $500 Scholarships in honor of John Korsbeck. Korsbeck earned the Torchbearer Chouteau County Farmers Union Award, which is the highest award presentScholarship: ed to MFU youth. Korsbeck was a Farmers One $500 scholarship Union Insurance agent from 1976-2005 and Please contact county schools for award cri- proudly served his country in Vietnam. The ateria or the MFU state office. The applica- pplication must be postmarked by March 15, tion must be postmarked by March 15, 2019. 2019.Visit montanafarmersunion.com for a
list of scholarship criteria and to download a scholarship application which must be postmarked by March 15, 2019. Scholarship questions should be directed to the education coordinator at 1-800-234-4071.
JOIN OUR TEAM! Job Description: MFU Youth Education Assistant
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and
written communication skills; the ability to assist in planning, coor-
Position Overview: Assist with developing comprehensive plans dinating, and implementing multiple projects and effectively utilizes that coordinate, implement and evaluate educational programs/events for youth on behalf of Montana Farmers Union.
Position Duties: • • • • • • • • • •
Set up school visits around the state Create lesson plans that we can use throughout schools and camps. Assist with Ag Days Report/check in with Education Coordinator Assist with youth camps (Day camps & Arrowpeak camps) Assist with camp planning Attend all SYAC meetings Assist with State Convention Implement the STEM program into schools Must assist with all summer camp (hours will change)
work time for work related business. In addition, knowledge of agriculture, food, and cooperative business is helpful but not required.
To apply:
Send a cover letter & resume to mfu@montanafarmersunion.com or by mail at: 300 River Drive North Suite 1 Great Falls, MT 59403
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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
After a long stretch of difficulties, a new year and a new farm bill bring some optimism to farm country. Though the 2018 Farm Bill is, in many ways, similar to its predecessor, the mere fact that it was passed in Congress is a source of relief for many farmers and ranchers. There’s been movement on the trade front as well, though the results are less promising than hoped. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico agreed to replace one trade deal with a nearly identical one, albeit with very modest improvements. Additionally, the White House has made some progress in negotiating a truce with China. Unfortunately, that minor success has been overshadowed by a report that the administration will not continue to distribute payments to farmers suffering the consequences of the trade war. Given these and other disappointments, it is clear that NFU’s government relations team has another busy year ahead advocating on behalf of family farmers and ranchers . CONGRESS APPROVES BIPARTISAN FARM BILL After the agriculture committee leadership came to an agreement in principle on the 2018 Farm Bill, both the House and Senate hurried to pass the negotiated legislation before the end of the session. All 807 pages of the bill’s finalized text were released nearly 70 days after the previous farm bill expired. Neither chamber wasted time voting on the bill; the Senate passed it 87- 13 the following day, while the House followed suit on the day after that, with 369 voting in favor and 47 against. The bill will require President Donald Trump’s signature by the end of the year in order to become law. Many of the provisions included in the bill are victories for Farmers Union members. For one, it includes some modest chang es to the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Ag
ricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programs that would allow farmers to update their payment yields based on their 2013- 2017 averages. Additionally, the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) will be replaced by Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), which is more effective and attractive to smaller-scale producers. NFU was also pleased to see that conservation programs were left mostly intact, with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) kept as two distinct programs. Overall funding across conservation programs will be maintained, and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage will be boosted. A number of lesser-known but important “orphan programs” were also reauthorized and funded. Many of these support the development of local and diverse markets, such as the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (NOCCSP). In addition, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network was re 12
authorized. Though the program has never before received funding, NFU is optimistic that it will receive full funding of $10 million in the next appropriations cycle to provide mental health services to farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. What isn’t included in the bill is perhaps just as important as what is. On a positive note, negotiators did not incorporate stricter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a provision that would have eliminated benefits for an estimated 1 million households. However, the bill also does not contain Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) proposal to strengthen payment limitations for Title I programs. NFU supported the payment limits, as they would have ensured that federal commodity payments are directed only to farmers actively participating in both the labor and risk of a farm operation. Many of these support the development of local and diverse markets, such as the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and the C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E
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war. Starting on September 4, the agency began distributing the first round of incremental payments to soybeans, sorghum, wheat, corn, pork, dairy, and cotton producers through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). A second round of payments was anticipated, but following a slight détente with China, the White House will reportedly delay or perhaps cancel them entirely with the expectation that Beijing will resume its previous imports.
National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (NOCCSP). In addition, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network was reauthorized. Though the program has never before received funding, NFU is optimistic that it will receive full funding of $10 million in the next appropriations cycle to provide mental health services to farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. What isn’t included in the bill is perhaps just as important as what is. On a positive note, negotiators did not incorporate stricter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a provision that would have eliminated benefits for an estimated 1 million households. However, the bill also does not contain Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) proposal to strengthen payment limitations for Title I programs. NFU supported the payment limits, as they would have ensured that federal commodity payments are directed only to farmers actively participating in both the labor and risk of a farm operation. USMCA OFFERS MORE OF THE SAME After more than a year of contentious negotiations, President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed the U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The agreement will not have binding force in the United States until it is approved by Congress; however, President Trump has threatened to withdraw from NAFTA to force Congress to approve USMCA more quickly. The threecountry format is not the only way in which the two trade agreements are similar. In fact,
in most regards, they are largely identical. There are a few notable changes however. For one, the deal will allow U.S. dairy farmers marginal access to Canadian markets, though it is likely not substantial enough to put even a small dent in the American dairy surplus. Additionally, the reworked agreement limits the InvestorState Dispute Settlement (ISDS), a provision that has given corporations an unwarranted advantage over citizens.
However, the decision is potentially premature. The administration’s deal with China is far from finalized, and its benefits are likely limited. The country has already found new markets from which to import agricultural goods, and they may not be eager to rebuild an alliance with the White House. In the meantime, American farmers and ranchers are already enduring the trade war’s consequences – primarily large surpluses and depressed prices – and are in significant need of assistance. In a recent statement, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson emphasized that given the difficulties facing family farmers and ranchers. the administration must reconsider its decision and allocate a second round of payments. ““Now, during this period of significant financial strain, is not the time to renege on promises to farmers to help mitigate the losses,” Johnson said. “The administration should be doing everything it can to protect the men and women who feed, fuel and clothe this nation. That means following through with short-term relief through MFP payments and working with Congress to significantly bolster the family farm safety net for years to come.”
When it was implemented 24 years ago, NAFTA established a framework for international trade agreements that have contributed to the United States’ annual $500 billion trade deficit, exported jobs, lowered wages, and eroded domestic sovereignty. Since Trump announced his intentions to renegotiate NAFTA, National Farmers Union (NFU) has supported efforts to improve the deal by establishing parameters that narrow our trade deficit, protect family farmers and ranchers from corporate consolidation, discourage off-shoring of do- EPA RVOs Disappoint mestic jobs, and maintain sovereignty. At the tail end of November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalThough USMCA makes important improve- ized next year’s renewable volume obligations ments over NAFTA, it does not go far enough (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard to institute a fair trade framework that ben- (RFS). The rule will increase total volumes 3 efits family farmers, ranchers and rural com- percent over 2018 levels, from 19.29 billion munities. As a result, NFU is urging Congress gallons to 19.92 billion gallons. to demand additional changes be made to the deal before ratifying it. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner.. Farm Aid Payments Reportedly Delayed In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it would be spending up to $12 billion in direct payments, food purchases, and trade promotion to assist farmers affected by the administration’s ongoing trade 13
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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER
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After months of making political hay out of the Farm Bill, both parties were able to unite last month and strike an agreement that works for Montana family farmers and ranchers. This bipartisan Farm Bill provides the kind of certainty that producers need. It reauthorizes and keeps intact important initiatives like Price Loss Coverage and Ag Risk Coverage insurance, while improving the Environmental Quality Incentive Program. This strong Farm Bill also reauthorizes the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative that is so vital to the mission of the Northern Plains Research Lab in Sidney, and it removes hemp from the list of controlled substances to ensure that it can be sold as a commodity. To ensure that farmers and ranchers in rural areas get a fair shake, I fought hard to successfully redraw the Ag Risk Coverage boundaries in large counties to prevent growers from getting the short end when conditions vary throughout the county.
Finally, this Farm Bill provides resources to address the growing epidemic of suicide in farming communities by establishing a pilot program to help farmers cope with the stress related to the job. This new funding will give farmers more tools to care for their mental health and get the treatment they need. After hosting Farm Bill listening sessions across our state over the past two years, I am confident that this new Farm Bill meets the needs of Montana’s farmers and ranchers and lessens the blow producers are feeling during this administration’s escalating trade war.The Montana Farmers Union was front and center during many of those Farm Bill listening sessions. Thank you for the hard work you do to strengthen our state’s number one industry.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
Happy New Year! With the holidays behind us and Spring now just two months away, many of our ag producers are busy planning 2019 operations. I’m glad to report that Congress finally has acted to give our farmers and ranchers the certainty that they need and deserve. After months of uncertainty and political wrangling, last month we finally got the 2018 Farm Bill across the finish line.As Montana’s lone voice on the Senate Ag Committee, and as the Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus, I fought hard to ensure we
got it done. I also want to thank Montana Farmers Union members for making your voices heard during this process and helping ensure that Montana priorities were included in the bill. These priorities include: • Protected crop insurance, a critical part of the safety net for Montana farmers to mitigate risks inherent to agriculture. • Secured funding for land grant universities, including MSU, specialty crops, and agriculture research stations across Montana. • Secured provisions to expand broadband access in rural Montana, promote precision agriculture, and prioritize funds to areas that are unserved with no access. • Included an amendment to help the ARC-County program, an important commodity support program, better reflect actual growing conditions in many of Montana’s large counties. • An important vaccine bank to help better respond to animal disease outbreaks • Protected the sugar program, which is critical to ensure our farmers are able to compete on a level playing field • Fought to support important conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) that help farmers and ranchers improve the best practices on their land. • Inclusion of the Hemp Farming Act, which allows states to regulate hemp production and research and make hemp eligible for crop insurance. Now that 2019 is upon us and a new Congress is in session, it’s time to look ahead. I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion for the good of Montana including working with the administration to make sure that our trade agreements benefit Montana farmers and ranchers, combating the Montana meth epidemic, and passing common sense legislation that improves management of our public lands and reduces the impact of catastrophic wildfires. We must also work to ensure that Montana’s economy remains strong and record job growth continues. As your U.S. Senator it is my goal to ensure that Montana has a strong agricultural economy and that federal policies help and don’t hinder farmers and ranchers. Please reach out to me with your ideas on how we can strengthen Montana agriculture in 2019. I wish you a happy and successful 2019! 14
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MFU ANNOUNCES ATV SAFETY SIMULATOR BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R
ATV safety can be addressed. Please be
ATVs are a popular mode of transportation across Montana. ATVs are used widely for recreation, farm and ranch activities and much more. With the wide use of ATVs comes increased risk and accidents which can result in serious injury or even death. Almost daily there is someone who suffers an injury due to an ATV accident. More shocking Montana is currently averaging slightly more than one death per month! Due to the rise in accidents and deaths caused by ATVs Montana Farmers Union has seen the need to increase awareness and safety. Recently MFU purchased an ATV simulator that will teach riders of all ages the proper riding position when on an ATV as well as tipping and rollover points. MFU will unveil the simulator at MAGIE in Great Falls January 18-20. This new simulator will be open for the public to experience. MFU plans to take this ATV safety simulator across the state to Farmers Union Insurance offices, 4-H and FFA clubs, schools, fairs, tradeshows and wherever else
MFU’s ATV Simulator is modeled after South Dakota Farmers Union’s ATV Simulator, pictured here. Photo courtesy of South Dakota Farmers Union
safety can be addressed. Be on the lookout for this new MFU program and experience MFU’s new ATV simulator for yourself at the MAGIE! If you would like to learn more about the ATV safety simulator or schedule it for your event please call Justin Loch at the MFU office at 1-800-237-4071 or jloch@montanafarmersunion. com.
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