Oct/Nov 2022 Montana Grassroots Edition

GRASS ROOTS MONTANA

A PUBLICATION BY MONTANA FARMERS UNION

ANNUAL CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS AG ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

For more than 100 years, the Montana Farmers Union Annual Convention has gathered people passionate about agriculture and this year’s Convention continued the tradition.

“We had a great line up of speakers, several leaders from the USDA and MSU updating us on their activities, as well as presentations from some innovative members on new markets for meat, soil resilience, rural entrepreneurs, precision ag and more,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said about the 107th annual event held in Helena Oct. 14-15.

Highlights included addresses from state agriculture and rural development leaders, as well as veteran political reporter Mike Dennison; panel discussions about regenerative ag practices, rural entrepreneurship, and direct to consumer marketing; and a Q&A session about

“The difficulty for me was choosing which breakout to attend as I thought they were all great,” Schweitzer said.

The panels and presentations were meaningful, but the best part was the people, said Jeff Bangs, who sits on MFU’s board of directors and farms near Inverness.

“The highlight for me was, of course, seeing old and new friends – but also seeing some new active and engaged members at the event,” Bangs said.

Mark Siderius was one of those new faces. He farms and ranches as well as runs a timber harvest and construction company in the Flathead and attended convention for the first time in two decades.

the Farm Bill with National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and other Farmers Union state presidents.

Talking Farm Bill with Farmers Union Presidents at the 2022 MFU Annual Convention: (from left) MFU President Walter Schweitzer, Rob Larew (NFU), Darin Von Ruden (WI), Mark Watne (SD), Gary Wertish (MN).

Member Trudi Bishop speaks after being nominated as a delegate to the 2023 National Farmers Union Convention (right).

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I am excited to announce that Farmers Union Insurance is offering a 5% discount on their auto policy for all MFU members. I have been a FU insurance customer for years and have had great service. If you are not an insurance customer I recommend that you contact one of the agents on the back of our newsletter and ask for a free quote. (See page 16 for a list of agents.)

As we approach the holiday season, I am reflecting on what to be thankful for and how to give back. I wish my grandparents and parents were alive today so that I could thank them for being involved in Farmers Union. They would be pleased with what Farmers Union is doing today.

In September, Montana Farmers Union sent a dozen members, along with hundreds of other Farmers Union members from other states, to Washington DC to advocate for the family farm. We met with Secretary Vilsack (USDA) to discuss AG policy and the future of the farm bill. We met with Chair of the Federal Trade Commission Lena Kahn to discuss Right to Repair and mergers. We met with Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kantor (Antitrust) to discuss the anticompetitive practices of the corporate monopolies. We also met with most of the congressional offices to encourage them to support four of Farmers Union priority issues: Special Investigator Act, Right to Repair, mandatory COOL and Cattle Market transparency.

All these bills have made it through committees and are waiting for a floor vote. If these bills get through it will be historic, and is only happening because of decades of Farmers Union members traveling to DC to educate our leaders on issues important to the family farm.

One of the ways we could all show our appreciation is to become more involved in Farmers Union or one of the many cooperatives around the state. If you belong to a cooperative, consider running for the board. Participate in the lobbying day organized by Farmers Union or your cooperative to help educate our leaders. If your parents or grandparents are alive thank them.

Walter Schweitzer

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:

Walter Schweitzer, President

Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad

Jan Tusick, Secretary/Treasuer, District 6, Ronan

Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power

Jeff Bangs, At-Large Director District 1& 2, Inverness Tom Clark, District 1, Fort Benton

Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan

William Downs, District 5, Molt

Ben Peterson, At-Large Director, Judith Gap

Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director

Sarah Degn, Sidney, District 3

State Staff: Walter Schweitzer, President

Matt Rains, Chief of Staff

Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Audra Labert, Communications / Marketing Director

Rachel Prevost, Government Affairs Director/ Member Svcs.

Maggie Carr, Event Coordinator

Peyton Cole, Event Coordinator

Alice Miller, Press Relations Specialist

Samatha Ferrat, Membership Ambassador

Eleanor Ferrone, Membership Ambassador

Carissa McNamara, Membership Ambassador

Gwyneth Givens, Membership Ambassador

Mary Jenni, Membership Ambassador

Skylar Williams, Membership Ambassador

Dartanion Kaftan, Intern

Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2022 Montana Grass roots 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.

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Montana Grassroots is published bi-monthly. Article submis sions are requested by the 15th of every other month.

Copy Editor: Alice Miller, Jan Johnson

Content/Design/Layout Editor: Audra Labert

MONTANA FARMERS UNION

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Violet Green’s love of Montana Farmers Union summer camp as a youngster grew into her work as Education Director for MFU.

Since 2004, Green has only missed one year of camp as either a camper, a dean or its director. But next year camp will be missing her. In September, she stepped away from her MFU post for a new opportunity at a local insurance agency.

“Violet started at Farmers Union Arrowpeak camp as a camper and worked her way up to managing it all in addition to the work she did for MFU education/foundation. Farmers Union camp is better because of Violet, and she will be missed,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said.

Most recently, she spent five years at the helm of MFU’s Arrowpeak Summer Camp programs, as well as working with Ag education programs throughout the state, handling the maintenance and rentals of Arrowpeak, scholarship programming, MFU Foundation grants, and being instrumental in the annual Women’s Conference.

much of her work happened under the surface. “Camp opens people up to different experiences, and it really opens them up to real world questions,” Green said.

“The best part is just making those connections and seeing (campers) grow in the programming and then becoming young adults. And I really loved the mentorship part – being a tool for them to come to if they needed anything,” Green said.

Cory Kelly experienced Green’s friendship as a camper, and then her mentorship as a counselor. They first met while they were both campers. Their families crossed paths other times of the year, too, and they both continued to spend their summers at camp, first as campers and then as counselors.

When it was announced Violet would be leading camp, Kelly said he and other counselors were pleased.

“I still plan to be involved, just in a member form instead of a staff form,” Green said.

She remembers being hired as a spur of the moment thing, but her intentional connection with and encouragement of campers and students around the state was fueled by her love of the program.

Teaching MFU core principles and about agriculture was the fun part everyone saw, but

“We felt Violet was the perfect person to take on that role,” he said, adding it was a relief to know the camp they all cared for so deeply was in good hands.

“She put all her love and effort into the camp” he added.

“I just hope it continues to grow and be a successful program like it is,” Green said. “Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Programs like EQUIP, CSP, CIG, RCPP and over a dozen other programs you can find at www. nrcs.usda.gov. These programs have been underfunded in the past and only one out of every three farmers were able to receive funding. With the additional funding most of these farmers will receive funding to help improve their soils and watersheds.

Because of baby boomers retiring and a booming economy there is a worker shortage. Our local FSA and NRCS offices are struggling to find help to implement these programs. If you or your kids want to help improve our farmland you should consider applying for one of the many jobs available in our local communities. You can spend a lot of time in the field working on family farms and ranches visiting with farmers and ranchers. These are jobs where you can make difference for families and our environment.

apply for USDA jobs here: usda.gov/our-agency/careers

can find

Meet in Helena, January 3 to hear from State Leaders, have lunch in the Capital Rotunda, catch up with Legislators, attend an invite-only dinner, and observe Legislative sessions.

Space is limited! Learn more & sign up at montanafarmersunion.com. More information in “Events” at montanafarmersunion.com.

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

EDUCATION UPDATE

Education serves as a founding pillar of Montana Farmers Union, and the organization recently recognized several Montana youths for their dedication to agriculture and MFU education programs. The youth, along with several MFU members and Locals, were recognized during MFU’s 107th Annual Convention held in Helena earlier this month.

Taking the Torchbearer Pledge signified their transition from youth programs to becoming engaged adult members of MFU.

To receive the award, youth must have completed at least three years of work in the senior youth leadership program, consisting of attending camp, serving as a camp dean, attending MFU events, and service in their community. They must also demonstrate their knowledge of cooperatives and Farmers Union history.

Several other youths and MFU members also were recognized during Convention.

Henry Merrill of Big Sandy, Denton Everhart from Great Falls, Reagan Aaberg of Conrad, and Lorelei Wakkinen from Dutton received the Mildred Stoltz Award for their positive attitude, kindness, good verbal skills and understanding of cooperative principles that they demonstrated during Junior Camp at Arrowpeak Camp this summer. They are four of nearly 200 campers who attended various programs at the facility this year. The winners received a commemorative camp photo and frame, $50, and free camp registration for next year.

Scholarship winners for 2022 also were recognized during Convention. Winners for 2022 are: Abby Clark, Phillip Prewett, David Shane and Cory Kelly.

The 2023 scholarship applications for graduating seniors, college students and nontraditional students opens for applications

mid-November. More information can be found at montanafarmersunion.com.

In addition to scholarship and leadership opportunities, MFU support youth ag education through participation in Ag in the Classroom, Farm to School, school visits, and through sponsoring and actively participating in youth-focused county-wide ag days around the state.

MFU also has longstanding relationships with FFA and 4-H through sponsorships, grants, and the opportunity to activate a free MFU membership for being a member of those organizations.

Receiving the highest youth honor through MFU of becoming a Torchbearer were (below, from left) Shania Van Spyk of Great Falls, Natasia Van Spyk from Great Falls, Robert Jack Anderson of Great Falls,Tyson Harper of Billings, and Ella Padgett (not pictured), who attends Montana State University.

Mildred Stoltz Award winners and MFU staff (from left): James VanSpyk, Henry Merrill, Reagan Aaberg, Lorelei Wakkinen and MFU President Walter Schweitzer.

Montana Grassroots

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The membership team has been busy at work giving MFU members places to gather, reaching out to members, representing MFU at events in your communities, and planning and staffing events and MFU meetings. Our annual convention was a great success, and the breakout session to introduce our Ambassador team and talk about the direction we are going with Membership outreach and gatherings was well received by convention attendees.

Our team looks forward to working with you on advocacy opportunities and other membership events ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session. We will be having our legislative Drive-In on Jan 3-4, 2023 to talk with your local representatives and Senators on MFU priority issues – stay tuned for more details!

We will continue working with Montana educators, Montana FFA, Montana 4-H and Montana Farm 2 School on educational opportunities for producers and Montana youth.

We have been able to network and hear from members while attending a wide variety of events around the state this fall, including Women Stepping Forward for Agriculture, MFPE Educators Conference in Helena, and the Montana FFA Ag Expo. We also hosted a

To better facilitate our efforts, the Ambassador team has grown by two new team members!

Mary Jenni will be covering the Central Montana Region (reach Mary at mjenni@ montanafarmersunion.com), as well as to Skylar Williams who will be covering Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties (reach Skylar at swilliams@montanafarmersunion.com). If you are a member in those regions, you can expect to hear from our new Ambassadors soon.

Please be sure to read the Ambassador team updates in this newsletter to see what they have been up to in our rural communities all around the state.

In addition to a team committed to helping Montana’s farmers and ranchers thrive, your Montana Farmers Union membership comes with many benefits – including some great retail and travel benefits!

Don’t forget to utilize these great benefits throughout the year. You can see the most updated benefits and deals at montanafarmersunion.com under the Get Involved tab and Member Perks and Discounts. An updated Member Benefits flyer is also sent

when you join or renew your membership.

NEW BENEFIT! Montana Farmers Union has a new membership retail benefit with Boot Barn. This is a nationwide in-store discount of 15% off to our members. Utilize this discount on Work or Western Boots, Work Apparel, Ranch Wear, Hats, Outerwear & Boot Care! Just let the crew member at the register know you are a member when checking out to apply the discount!

An update to one of our long-standing benefits is a change to the Cabela’s retail discount, now a Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops discount. As of this fall, MFU members receive the following discount: 5% off on gift cards, 10 % off third party brands, and up to 20% off on Bass Pro Shop/Cabela’s branded clothing. Add a MFU Logo at the same time at no extra cost! The MFU Account number is 112-513-648 and orders can be placed by calling 1-800-2436626.

If you have questions about membership benefits, how to use them, or how to access National Farmers Union Benefits, please let me know. You can reach me at 406-452-6406 or rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com.

I wish everyone a happy fall and a happy start to the Holiday Season!

Montana Congressional Townhall at the end of our 107th Annual Convention in Helena.

MFU FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $21K IN GRANTS

Projects to benefit rural communities

Montana Farmers Union Foundation and partners are excited to fund three rural community projects receiving a total of $21,000.

Power Public Schools received $10,000 toward purchasing a new freezer and enlarging their dry goods storage. The freezer will expand their Farm-to-School program. Hobson School Agriculture Department received $5,000 for a new CNC Plasma System. Divide School received $6,000 to build a greenhouse to provide students with fresh produce.

Farmers Union Enterprises and the Teton County Farmers Union Local partnered with the MFU Foundation and contributed $5,000 and $1,000 respectively in addition to the Foundation’s $15,000.

“By using FUE and Local money, we’re able to stretch it and do three projects instead of two,” said Erik Somerfeld, an MFU board member who sits on the Foundation Selection Committee.

The three projects are the second round of grants awarded by the Foundation this year. In June, the Foundation awarded: $1,500 to Choteau Schools to expand their garden area that contributes to their food service program with the purchase of supplies and sign-age; $2,000 to Belt School for the purchase of new shop equipment to provide students with hands-on learning experiences relevant to agriculture; and $6,500 to North Star Schools for a four-season greenhouse to use for hands-on experiences for elementary and high school students and for use in the food

service program.

The most recent round of applicants were even stronger than the first round, Somerfeld said, adding that they align well with the Foundation’s work to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth and enhancement of Montana agriculture and rural communities.

Power’s project also is connected to another project MFU has supported. MFU donated a refrigerated van to School House Meats in Missoula to deliver Montana raised and processed meat to Montana schools, including Power.

“Everybody saw good synergy between the two projects,” Somerfeld said.

Ingrid Hill is a community partner in Power’s Farm to School coalition. She works to sell her family’s ranch meat direct to consumer, but many ranchers don’t have freezer space to store large quantities of meat until the school has freezer space for more.

Quadrupling the school’s freezer capacity expands not only their ability to purchase more and from more producers, but also to freeze local produce to use throughout the year, and Hill said the community is grateful to Foundation funding for making the storage expansion possible.

“We can support one of our farmers and ranchers and hopefully one of our families,” Hill said.

Students’ palates will be broadened, but so will

their understanding of their local food supply and the people who produce it.

“It fosters their sense of exploration, their creativity, their sense of adventure and just their willingness to engage in different environments,” Hill added.

While the grants are a one-time infusion of cash, the projects will have long-term impacts. For example, the greenhouse will teach students skills to grow their own food and lifelong lessons about nutrition, while the plasma system will provide state-of-the-art training for students to use throughout their lives.

“It’s just a good hands-on training situation that these kids can take and use to hopefully further on in their own farm careers or maybe they enter the machining world and become a machinist,” Somerfeld said about the plasma system.

Another funding round will open next spring, Somerfeld said, encouraging people to apply. If people are interested in applying, he said, “sharpen your pencils and come up with a good project that has an educational component to it.”

Recognizing recently passed MFU family: Mrs. Herbert (Deanna) Styren, Choteau Arthur Buen, Great Falls (Nashua)

Arthur Buen was elected to the Board of Directors in October 1980. After a year as director, he served as Vice President from 1981-1992.

In Memoriam

This newsletter contains a small sample of the thousands of photos MFU has collected over its nearly 106-year history. As part of the Farmers Union Legacy project, these doc-uments are being digitized, archived, and restored so that eventually these can be made accessible online for our members. The goal of the project is to remind us of our roots, as well as pay homage to the people who have kept our organization thriving throughout the years. If you are interested in contributing to the digital archives or sharing your stories in audio form, please reach out to communications@montanafarmersunion. com.

Dartanion Kaftan is a prospective student going into the social studies field and has been an integral part of this project. Since starting at MFU as a camp counselor in 2022, he has demonstrated the initiative to begin an internship. His attention to detail and curios -ity have helped make

Keynote Speaker Rebecca Undem

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

well as provide producers with the right to repair their own equipment.

in two decades.

Siderius, who serves as president of the Flathead Local, praised MFU Membership Ambassadors for their efforts to increase active participation in the grassroots farm organization. MFU provides an avenue for people to connect over their shared interest in seeing producers and rural communities thrive, and, Siderius said, people seem to be craving just that.

“In my opinion, Farmers Union is kind of the advocate for everybody in agriculture,” he said. MFU’s advocacy takes many forms, including a Washington, D.C., Fly-In and work at the local and state levels.

NFU President Rob Larew attended convention and shared an update on the national organization’s work to gain Fairness for Farmers. Larew attributed the organization’s success in moving bills – the Cattle Price and Transparency Act, the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and Right to Repair legislation – forward in part to the Fairness for Farmers Campaign that launched a year ago.

The heart of Farmers Union isn’t based in D.C., though, he said.

“It’s about the stories and speaking up in our local communities and states to build that strength and actually get things done,” Larew added.

During remarks Friday, U.S. Senator Jon Tester said Farmers Union has never been better represented on Capitol Hill during his time in Congress.

The Big Sandy farmer and legacy MFU member thanked MFU for its support of his current bills seeking to limit corporate power and increase market fairness and transparency, as

2022 Capitol Club

Jeff & Katie Bangs, Inverness

Tammy Copenhaver, Rudyard

Brett & Donna Dailey, Jordan

C & E Farms—Chad & Eric Doheny, Dutton

Ken Elliott, Fort Benton

Rob Larew, Washington, DC

Henry & Vanette Nagamori, Loma

Dean & Trudi Peterson, Judith Gap

He touched briefly on the Farm Bill, saying that its renewal will be important to the health of family farms.

“If you want to transform [the Farm Bill] to keep people on the land, then I’m all ears about that,” Tester said.

MFU members have already begun the conversation about what the Farm Bill should include and Farm Bill-specific policies approved during Convention by the full membership included:

• Strengthen the farm safety net through increased price-based triggers to reflect higher prices and input costs.

• Expand and enhance permanent disaster programs so that family farmers and ranchers can recover quickly.

• Expand conservation programs to help family farmers and ranchers enhance good conservation practices and address the climate crisis.

• Promote resilient regional food systems and diverse markets.

• Support a strong Nutrition Title. • Increased baseline funding.

Resolutions Committee members also made several other recommendations to update the organization’s policy for the upcoming year that also holds a Montana State Legislative Session.

“Our policies articulate a roadmap for the direction and priorities of Montana Farmers Union and its members,” said Tammy Copenhaver, a Resolutions Committee member who ranches near Rudyard.

This year, members focused in on priorities related to climate resiliency, water and land use, competition, health care and food security.

The annual event also provided an opportunity

Rollie & Jennifer Schlepp, Conrad

Erik Somerfeld, Power

Jan Tusick, Polson

John Wicks, Chester

Legislative Fund Contributors

Lela Didier, Chester

John Ferrat, Townsend

Shane Gagnon, Chester

to take care of organizational business.

Board of Directors elected during Convention were: Rollie Schlepp of Conrad,Vice President; Ben Peterson from Judith Gap, District 5 & 6 At Large; Erik Somerfeld from Power, District 2; Jan Tusick from Polson, Secretary/Treasurer, District 6.

Delegates selected as part of the Montana delegation to the National Farmers Union Convention in March are: Eric Doheny, Ron deYong, Phillip Prewett, Paul Neubauer, Mark Siderius and Heather Siderius.

Also elected were Phillip Prewett to Doorkeeper and Paul Neubauer to Conductor for the 2023 state convention.

Awards also were given to members and Locals for their dedication, involvement, and investment in driving the mission of Montana Farmers Union forward. Recipients were: Tammy Copenhaver, Charlotte Kelly, the Teton Local and the Flathead Local.

While the days were jam-packed with workshops and speakers, members still found time to connect with new and old friends.

For Siderius, seeing everyone again and being part of the event was a homecoming of sorts that allowed him to connect with people and hear about common challenges and successes.

“For me, the conversation gives an understanding that the advocacy that needs to happen needs to be a broad picture,” he said.

Convention was about business but also connection for Copenhaver too.

“Attending MFU Convention is a great way to meet and reconnect with those passionate about agriculture and advocacy,” Copenhaver said. “A bonus was learning about the regional, state and national priorities, along with ways we can help our communities thrive.”

Dennis Hull, Chester

Bryan Jones FU Insurance, Hamilton

Charlotte & Ed Kelly, Chester

Alice Miller, Gildford

Paul Neubauer, Havre

Ben Peterson, Judith Gap

Heather & Mark Siderius, Kalispell

John Wagner, Whitefish

Thank you!

MFU AMBASSADOR UPDATES

Central Montana Mary Jenni

Headwaters Area Samantha Ferrat Golden Triangle Area Gwyneth Givens

MFU selects four members to participate in the year-long Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership program every year. My husband and I were part of the 2021 group and learned leadership skills, brainstormed how to be more effective in our communities, and learned about the history of MFU and Farmers Union Enterprises.

FUEL concludes during the D.C. Fly-In, where Farmers Union members from around the country meet with legislators. Through FUEL and the Fly-In, we learned how to advocate for Montanans and see the process in action. I can’t say enough good things about my experience. Reach out to your local Ambassador or board member to find out more about FUEL!

Howdy! This fall has been so beautiful in many ways – especially those times spent amongst fellow MFU members and friends, the fall colors and working alongside my husband on our ranch. I am so grateful to have met and reconnected with our members at Annual Convention held mid-October in Helena. It was a really amazing convention – excellent guest speakers, panelists and policy sessions.

Another highlight was a demonstration of proper parliamentary procedure well executed by members of the Broadwater FFA Chapter. Their practice and knowledge of parli-pro was excellent and really set the bar for our policy sessions.

Mary Jenni has joined the Montana Farmers Union team as a Membership Ambassador in Central Montana. She is a fourth-generation ag producer in Fergus County raising a herd of Belted Galloways for her business, Montana Lamb and Beef. She graduated from MSU-N with a B.S. in Business Administration and a double minor in Small Business Management and Accounting. Her background is accounting, human resources, transportation and hospitality. Her passions are her little dogs (Tico and Teddee), food and travel. Her hobbies are golfing, dinner parties and concerts. Mary looks forward to building relationships with new and current members by hosting events to help raise awareness of ag related issues to support family farms and ranches.

We had a successful state convention in Helena this year, where I shared my FUEL experience and was able to speak about my Membership work with my fellow Ambassadors.

Next up: please join us for a Golden Triangle Region gathering in Chester at Spuds Cafe at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10, to discuss forming a Hi-Line Local.

At the Helena Local member event in early October, two FSA agents from the state office presented useful information and answered questions about current Ag Loan programs and Farm Programs available for farmers and ranchers. Members and guests enjoyed the program as well as visiting over beer and pizza.

I was fortunate to attend the 20th annual Women Stepping Forward for Ag conference held in early October. I was a first-time attendee, and the programming was impactful and rejuvenating. I highly suggest this event for women in agriculture of all ages to attend.

Moving forward, I will continue to engage with members in my region through education, cooperation, and legislation. Connecting with you, and meeting you where you’re at, is a vital part of our efforts.

Please reach out any time with questions, concerns, and ideas – I’d love to meet with you!

Greater Yellowstone Skylar Williams

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Southeast Montana Eleanor Ferrone Flathead Local Carissa McNamara

What a team we have, and what a joy it is to be surrounded by such a capable group of individuals so committed to service to such an outstanding membership. Our work on the ground hasn’t slowed, and momentum is gaining.

Hello hello, everyone! My name is Skylar Williams, and I’m the new MFU Ambassador for Yellowstone/Big Horn County.

I was born in Havre and lived on my Reservation of Rocky Boy for 5 years before moving to Billings, where I’ve lived ever since.

I’m hoping to invigorate these counties as the other ambassadors have their counties by holding meetings with members to hear questions and let everyone know the progress MFU is making on everyone’s behalf!

I’m eager to help in the progress of getting more involvement and help spread the word of what we’ve done past, present and future.

I’ll be doing my part to keep everyone in the loop and to keep us a well-oiled machine.

The last sixty days were full steam! The highlights include: a membership gathering with thirty in attendance, a scholarship gift from the Flathead Local and a matching gift from MFU to Land-to-Hand to continue their invaluable work, a board/staff retreat to hone outcomes in the coming months and year, a successful implementation of a farm to school project, a first ever agricultural days, a farm to school producer training, a successful and engaging state convention, current planning of our upcoming Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference, and so much more! Not only is the rubber meeting the road, but it is also certainly leaving a mark. Our calendar is building into 2024, and we couldn’t be more excited.

If I had to make a holiday wish it would be to let our membership know we are here and available, via email, phone, or lunch, to bounce ideas, connect your ideas to other members and the state office, and move ahead into 2024 in our continuing upward trajectory. Thank you so much all, for all you do.

Be well and Happy Holidays!

Autumn in Forsyth was gorgeous! I got my miles in during October, but most of my traveling was along the Yellowstone, so I still got to witness the color change. I went to the Women Stepping Forward for Ag Convention in Billings, the MFU Convention and Educators Conference in Helena, and the Farm to School training in Great Falls.

The goal of Farm to School is to get healthier, locally grown/raised products into our schools. If you are interested in a Farm to School program in the SE area, please reach out to me!

I am working with different high schools to create lesson plans for an Ag Leadership class, focusing on public speaking and communication skills. I connected with numerous schoolteachers who work in the South East area, and will help them create and teach agriculture-focused lessons for all ages.

There will be a SE Membership meeting November 28th in Miles City. It will be an evening meeting, with dinner provided for everyone who makes the drive! Keep an eye out for postcard invitations that will be mailed to all members in the SE area.

Reach out to the nearest MFU Ambassador to find out how to get involved in your community:

Carissa McNamara- Flathead Area cmcnamara@montanafarmersunion.com

Samantha Ferrat- Missouri Headwaters Area sferrat@montanafarmersunion.com

Gwyneth Givens, Golden Triangle Area ggivens@montanafarmersunion.com

Eleanor Ferrone- Southeast Montana eferrone@montanafarmersunion.com

Strategic

Range &

Livestock Insurance Planning for American Farmers and Ranchers

Shawn “Tater” Erickson 406.366.1287 tater@ericksons925.com rangeandlivestockinsurance.com

Skylar Williams- Greater Yellowstone swilliams@montanafarmersunion.com

Mary Jenni - Central Montana mjenni@montanafarmersunion.com

Rachel Prevost- State Office Membership Director rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com

COOPERATIVE UPDATE

MATT RAINS MFU CHIEF OF STAFF

Grand Opening will be November 21st at the facility! MPPC will be hosting tours for membership and media, followed by the annual membership meeting. This meeting will be vital to operations as MPPC starts laying out the future slots and capacity expectations. The facility is working to be USDA certified before the end of the year and will work under a custom-exempt license the initial few weeks.

Since incorporation a little over a year ago, MPPC has grown to more than 50 members. The Cooperative Model has been working well allowing Montana ranchers to come together and join a facility that will bring direct value to their ranches by allowing them to consistently market their own livestock.

THREE of the seven rotating Board of

Director positions up for elections this year. Ben Peterson (3 year), Eric Bergman (3 year), and Jenny Kahrl (2 year) are the director seats. Nominations for these board positions will be taken on the floor at the annual membership meeting. Opportunities will be given at this time for any nominated member to speak on their behalf for why they would make a great director. MPPC believes in the value of healthy contested elections as opportunities to showcase an organization’s leadership and ensure members can choose who they want deciding on direction.

General Manager Bill Jones has been doing a tremendous job getting the facility built along the expectations of the membership. The facility will be able to ramp up eventually to 10-15 animals per day depending on species. Cooler space has been built to allow

Welcome New Members!

Recruited by:

Richard & Anena Anderson, Scobey Matt Stentoft

Laura Christoffersen, Culbertson Matt Stentoft

Bryan & Jill Davidson, Froid Matt Stentoft

R O Walen, Havre Meagan Kinsella

Knudsen Land & Livestock, Malta Shane Anderson

KDB Properties, Miles City Tayler Kennedy

Rick Ross, Miles City Tayler Kennedy

Kelly & Laura Steen, Kinsey Ron & Blayne Watts

Pete & Alix Wittmayer, Kinsey Ron & Blayne Watts

Larry & Naomi Quinlan, Forsyth Ron & Blayne Watts

Thomas Hart, Laurel Lorna Olson

Kyle Hentges, Wolf Point

Jessie Fleming

Kaye Davis, Big Timber Kaylen Lehner

Lazy BS Bar Inc, Brockway Kaylen Lehner

Rustad Ranch Corporation, Roundup K J Fauth

James & Sherie Harvey, Froid Austin O’Dea

Joseph Schmit, Indianapolis IN Alex Thornton

Larson Homestead Farms Inc, Big Sandy Alex Thornton

Leslie Jo Newhall, Livingston

Martha Ternan, Wilsall

Dean Derby

Daryl Hansen

Robert & Sharon McIlhatten, Bozeman Craig Parker

Nissley-Link Family Trust, Hardin Melissa Wacker

Kimberly Dahle, Lame Deer

Melissa Wacker

Byron & Jean Stimpson, Lodge Grass Melissa Wacker

Clifford Crawford, Great Falls Eric Hinebauch

Gary & Deborah Bodily, Nampa ID Eric Hinebauch

7-14 day options for ranchers with possible 21 day aging if capacity allows.

All renovations are rated to operate yearround in Havre without weather constraints. It’s exciting to see the final renovation projects being completed and looking forward to moving animals through the facility!

To join the cooperative, a ranch operating family needs to buy a one-time common stock share for $5,000. As a member, you will have first-rights to the hook-space, voting rights on issues brought by the membership, and the opportunity to run for the Board of Directors.

If interested, please reach out to info@ mtpremiumprocessing.com.

F5 Incorporated, Galata Korey Fauque

Josh DeVos, Fort Shaw Mathew Luedtke

Katrina Martin, Dutton Mathew Luedtke

Roger Veigel, Power Mathew Luedtke

Naegeli Ranch LLC, Trout Creek Lisa French James & Susan Cupp, Noxon Lisa French Bradley & Cheryl Miller, Florence Lisa French

5 Sisters Ranch LLC, Whitefish Rial Gunlikson

Steve & Georgia Larson, Libby Colleen Wood

Lost Heart Ranch LLC, Ennis Art Hoffart

Montana Big Sky LLC, Sidney Cathy Hintz

Bill Keller, Havre Walter Schweitzer

Conn & Lorri Forder, Highwood Tami Good

Butch Hein, Forsyth Eleanor Ferrone

Gaylen & Patrick Walstad, Billings Gwyneth Givens

Peyton Cole, Ledger Gwyneth Givens

Cary Kolstad & Ashley Korobanik, Ledger Gwyneth Givens

Cole Kleinert, Sunburst Gwyneth Givens

Dalton Wittmer, Fort Benton

John Wicks

Mikiah Cook, Plains MFU Office

Melodie Cook, Plains MFU Office

Allison & Nathan Kosto, Townsend Samantha Ferrat

Max Mack-Hardiman, Havre Paul Neubauer

Cody High Horizon Gardens, Havre MFU Office

Casey Olson, Columbia Falls Flathead Co-wide FU Local

Tate Langel, Rudyard Jeff Bangs

Jan & Dawn Langel, Helena Jeff Bangs

MFU AFOOT & AFIELD

Right: Monica Tranel, Penny Ronning, Gary Buchanan and John Lamb shared their thoughts on those and many more issues during an hour-long Town Hall moderated by Mike Dennison, and sponsored by MFU. The Town Hall concluded the organization’s 107th annual convention in Helena.

Members and local chapters received awards for their dedication, involvement, and investment in driving the mission of MFU forward at the ‘22 Convention. Awards were presented by Rachel Prevost:

• Tammy Copenhaver (right) for her involvement with planning the annual Women’s Conference, as well as her willingness to serve on other MFU committees, including the Resolutions Committee;

• Charlotte Kelly (left) for her longtime support of MFU’s education efforts, specifically her dedication of time and resources to hold an annual day camp in Chester, as well as for her involvement in planning the annual Women’s Conference;

• Teton Local for their efforts and support of the camp program with camperships; and

• Flathead Local for its successful re-organization efforts.

Montana Grassroots

NEWS FROM THE HILL

In Montana, grizzly populations are expanding rapidly, posing a threat to the livelihoods of hardworking Montana farmers and ranchers–including causing the loss of human life and damage to livestock.

The science is clear–the grizzly bear population has more than recovered in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Area and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. Wildlife management must be determined by science, not by activist judges and not based on partisan politics.

That’s why I introduced the “Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2021,” which would remove grizzly bears in the Greater Yellow-

stone Ecosystem from the Endangered Species List, prevent further obstruction in the courts, and return management of the species back to the hands of Montanans. I’ve also pushed the Biden administration to respond favorably to Governor Gianforte’s petition to delist the grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.

Montana-led management is what’s best for our communities, Montana farmers and ranchers, public safety, ecosystems, wildlife, and the grizzly bear itself.

As your voice in the United States Senate, I will continue pushing the Biden administration to delist the grizzly bear and return management to Montana.

Hearing from Montana producers is how we create the best ag policy in the United States Senate, and that’s why it was great to stop by the annual MFU Convention in Helena last month and hear directly from my bosses—you all.

With your help, we’re continuing to push for a vote on my bipartisan Meat Packing Special Investigator Act and the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act to restore competition in the marketplace; we’re building off of recent momentum to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling; and we’re working to gain bipartisan support for my Right to Repair Act, so that you can make quick fixes to your equipment when you’re hustling to plant or harvest a crop.

With broad support from MFU membership –and producers across the state – I’m looking forward to turning up the pressure on in the United States Senate and getting these bills across the finish line so that you’re getting your fair shake.

In the meantime, I’m working aggressively to lower input costs and unclog our supply chain.

That means holding corporations accountable by enforcing antitrust laws, and ensuring that CEOs of the biggest corporations aren’t able to collude and corner markets.

It also means implementing my bipartisan

infrastructure law which will improve our supply chain by repairing our roads and bridges, making it easier for folks to haul goods; connecting folks in rural America to high speed internet, allowing people to do business from anywhere; and improving our grid efficiency, so that energy savings are reflected in the cost of goods across the board.

And, we’re going to continue to pressure the Biden Administration to drop the outdated vaccine requirements for truckers along the Northern border and reverse restrictions on hours of service at our ports of entry. In September, I once again pushed the Administration to make these changes, and I won’t stop until they listen to Montana small businesses and do what’s right.

Our economy can’t run without smooth, dependable commerce, and we need a return to business as usual so that everything from fertilizer to farm equipment gets where it’s supposed to on time.

With your support we’ll keep fighting to make sure that Montana’s family farms and ranches are able to stay strong.

Steve Daines, U.S. Senator

Jon Tester, U.S. Senator

With weeks until the 2022 Midterm Elections on November 8, members of Congress were back in their states and districts hitting the campaign trail, vying for their chance to serve their constituents for another term in Washington. Capitol Hill should be a ghost town until November, which means any further legislative activity by this Congress is unlikely until the election is over – also known as the “lame duck” session.

Despite the connotation, NFU remains committed to pursuing our Fairness for Farmers priorities when Congress returns. In the meantime, NFU has been working closely with the Biden Administration on several of our shared priorities and is pleased to see our collaboration over the past two years continue to yield meaningful results.

WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON HUNGER, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH

On September 28, NFU President Rob Larew attended the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which highlighted the Biden Administration’s goal to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030.

In conjunction with the conference, the Biden Administration released a national strategy outlining actions the federal government should take to drive solutions around hunger, nutrition, and health. The White House also engaged the private and nonprofit sectors and released a fact sheet outlining more than $8 billion in commitments from the private and nonprofit sectors to address these issues.

The extensive national strategy includes many policy priorities and recommendations related to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, especially around improving food access and affordability. Some of these priorities and recommendations include:

• Increasing access to free and healthy school meals for children, including during the summer months.

• Expansion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly food stamps) to more underserved populations.

• Support for nutrition incentives for SNAP participants to purchase foods, farmers markets.

• Support for local and regional food and farm businesses through grants and other financial assistance to provide nutritious food to schools, food banks, and other nutrition assistance programs.

President Larew released a statement in support of the conference and its vision and mission to end hunger.

CATTLE MARKET COMPETITION BILLS IN THE MIX

Two of NFU’s top Fairness for Farmers priorities – the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act and the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act – could be part of legislative efforts before the end of the 117th Congress. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) recently reiterated his hope the bills would pass this year, with the most likely timeframe being after the 2022 Midterms.

Both Sen. Tester and Sen. Chuck Grassley (RIA) have said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) promised them a vote on the measures during the 117th Congress. During the Fall Legislative Fly-In, NFU members emphatically encouraged lawmakers to support these crucial pieces of legislation and get them across the finish line.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) has also introduced the Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act, a different bill that would direct financial assistance, reduce risk management costs, and boost new marketing opportunities for very small-scale (less than 100 marketed animals annually) cattle producers.

NEW PSA RULEMAKING,COLLABORATION BETWEEN USDA AND STATE

ATTORNEYS GENERAL

In late September, at a meeting of the White House Competition Council, President Biden announced the latest Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) rule. The President also announced the availability of funding for state attorneys general to partner with USDA on competition issues.

As USDA continues its work to strengthen the PSA, it announced the “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity” proposed rule – the second of three proposed rules – which it expects to release soon. The proposed rule is expected to amend or update the PSA as follows:

• Revise regulations under the PSA by prohibiting certain prejudices and disadvantages against covered producers in the livestock, meat, and poultry markets.

• Prohibit retaliatory practices that interfere with lawful communications, assertion of rights, and participation in associations, among other protected activities—such as retaliating against a farmer or rancher for blowing the whistle on price-fixing.

• Identify unlawfully deceptive practices that violate the PSA with respect to contract formation, contract performance, contract termination and contract refusal.

In addition to announcing the forthcoming PSA proposed rule, USDA announced it would continue efforts to ramp up enforcement of competition and antitrust laws by challenging state attorneys general to partner with USDA on competition issues in food and agriculture by using up to $15 million in funds from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. USDA noted that “this initiative will improve state AG capacity to conduct on-the-ground investigations of competition issues, enhance coordination between Federal and state agriculture and competition enforcement authorities, create new and more independent research programs, and ultimately result in more rigorous enforcement of the competition laws.”

Anaconda

Stefanie Thompson

OUR AGENTS ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS.

fumico.net

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