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FARMS: MAKING HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES page 12

Welcome to

Montana Farmers Union Magazine

Branding on our place isn’t a particularly glamorous day. There’s no roping, or fire, or cowboy hats. Just a lot of bawling and yelling over the bawling as we move calves through the chute to the branding table. If you’re not covered in manure, dust, and slobber by lunch, were you even there?

Perhaps the most important component of branding isn’t the DNA samples or the vaccines or even the brand. It’s the friends who come to share the experience and the work. Who good naturedly push calves and ignore the bad jokes. There’s no pay, no take home benefit. Just a hot meal and time together.

And when push comes to shove, it’s those same people who show up for the shared work of fundraising to save a community center or to help a sick farmer harvest or to make sure a new mom has a hot cup of coffee or to plough out their neighbor after a snowstorm. Because not much in this world is as satisfying as a day of work done well, together – on the ranch and in our communities.

Montana Farmers Union is a partner for that work.

Whether it’s Ladies Who Ag events or Far Out & Waiting workshops or Lunch & Learn podcasts or Financial Literacy presentations, Montana Farmers Union supports you with the practical knowledge you need to improve your operation, while an extensive network of other members and resources provides on-the-ground knowledge on which you can rely.

Whether it’s the more than $10,000 in annual scholarships or $10,000 in $100 Sentence grants for 4-H Clubs or $30,000 in annual grants, MFU provides the resources to make dreams realities, strengthening rural communities across the state.

Whether it’s the tireless work of MFU staff to advocate for family farmers and ranchers at the state and national levels based on grassroots policy or forming the policy during Annual State Convention, MFU provides the megaphone for what matters most to you.

As a grassroots organization, everyone who cares about agriculture and rural communities has a place in this work MFU has done alongside family farmers and ranchers for more than 100 years, meeting needs as they change over time.

Learn more about MFU’s programs and members in this Edition. Attend an MFU program. Talk with another member or a Membership Ambassador. Join. Because not much in this world is as satisfying as a day of work done well, together – on the ranch and in our communities.

Message from the President

by MFU President Walter Schweitzer

As we continue to advocate for family farmers and ranchers during the Montana Legislative Session, I would like to share the process of one bill so readers can understand the lobbying and research process that takes place on hundreds of bills.

While we had the MFU Helena Drive-In, the House scheduled a second Beef Checkoff bill to be heard in the House Ag Committee later that week. After reviewing the bill (HB 119), we saw several amendments necessary to align it with MFU policy. Our policy supports a checkoff if it is done right – and after we have Country of Origin Labeling so that our checkoff dollars are not used to promote foreign beef. During our visits at the Capitol, we started working with committee members to amend the bill.

Some background: the bill was promoted and crafted by citizens with a vested interest in seeing the bill succeed. They recruited the Speaker of the House to carry the bill, giving the bill extra stature.

Before the hearing, MFU’s biggest objections were as follows:

1) It formed a new bureaucracy appointed by the Governor that could be all members of one organization and one region, creating lack of transparency.

2) Using a second committee to administer the second checkoff would be an unnecessary expense.

3) Although the bill said there would be a referendum, it had no specifications on how the vote would be conducted. Therefore, the potential existed that 100 producers vote, and if 51 said yes, then all 9,700 producers would have to pay.

4) Finally, the bill needed guardrails on how the money could be spent. The federal checkoff requires 50 cents of every dollar to go to the Cattle Beef Board and the Cattle Federation (NCBA affiliate). The other 50 cents is allocated to the Montana Beef Council. Proponents talked as if the second dollar would only fund research, education and promotion by and for Montana, but the bill doesn’t limit spending to Montana. In fact, the committee could spend with any national organization, like the NCBA.

Interestingly, during the initial hearing, the first proponent to testify in support was the Vice President of NCBA. Some other proponents were the citizens who brainstormed the bill, Stockgrowers, and Farm Bureau. Opponents of the bill were MFU, Montana Cattlemen’s Association, a board member from United States Cattlemen Association, Intertribal Ag Council, and several livestock producers. The committee asked many questions after the proponents and opponents testified, which led to a lot more research by our team.

Proponents claimed there is a second checkoff in 19 other states. We researched and found that all 19 states ultimately use the existing beef councils to manage the funds rather than create a duplicate bureaucracy.

Proponents claimed that all other state committees are appointed by the Governor. In fact, many of the other state committees are appointed the same as MBC.

Proponents claimed that any producer wanting their money back can get it back. It will be onerous, with requests having to be filed within 45 days of sale and only in lots larger than five.

Proponents were dismissive of our request for the vote to reach a threshold of producers to be a valid referendum, claiming no other voted-on tax or fee requires a threshold. MFU learned that for mill levy and bond votes there is a 40 percent threshold of eligible voters that must participate for a vote to be valid. We learned this because there is a bill that would increase the threshold to 50 percent.

Once we’ve done the research, we must effectively communicate it during hearings and in conversations with Legislators.

We had a big win during the executive session when the committee debates and votes on the bill. During the executive session, we worked with committee members to propose several amendments and succeeded in adding an amendment which requires a ballot for the referendum to be mailed to everyone who pays the livestock per capita fee or is a qualified cattle producer who requests a ballot.

MFU had a small win on the House floor, where all 100 legislators vote on each bill two times. During the first vote, the bill passed 59-41. MFU members reached out to representatives and flipped a few votes, but it still passed 5247.

Then it was assigned to the Senate Ag Committee to start the process all over in the Senate. We worked with Senate Ag Committee members to add amendments, including one that would require at least 40 percent of eligible producers to vote in the referendum. We would also like to have the requirement that, when the ballot is mailed, it includes a short paragraph from the proponents and opponents explaining their positions. Additionally, we worked toward an amendment that requires the Governor to select a nominee from each of the major cattle organizations to serve on the cattle committee, and another amendment that would direct how the funds can or cannot be spent.

If there is going to be a second checkoff, we would prefer that it be managed, like the 19 other states that have a second checkoff, by the existing Beef Council. We continue to follow this bill through the process, and, if we can’t amend it, we hope to kill it.

This bill is just one of thousands that are introduced during the Legislative Session.

It is important to have members and staff watching the thousands of bills that are being drafted, raising an alarm when they go against our policy, and supporting positive policy change. By the time you read this article, the process on HB 119 Cattle Committee will have been concluded in the Legislature.You can find the final action on the bill on Montana Farmer’s Union website, where we track the legislative process, giving updates to members on bills impacting their farms and ranches.

MONTANA FARMERS UNION

PO BOX 2447

300 RIVER DRIVE NORTH, STE 1 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

Erik Somerfeld, Vice President, Power

John Ferrat, DIstrict 1, Toston

Rollie Schlepp, District 2, Conrad

Jeff Bangs, At-Large Director, District 1 & 2, Inverness

Sarah Degn, District 3, Sidney

Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan

April Martin, District 3 & 4, At Large, Busby

Trent Stoltz, District 5, Pompey’s Pillar

Mark Siderius, District 6, Kalispell

Ben Peterson, District 5 & 6, At-Large Director, Judith Gap

MFU Staff:

Walter Schweitzer, President

Matt Rains, Chief of Staff

Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Kari Kester, Administrative Assistant

Rachel Prevost, Government Affairs Director/ Member Svcs.

Matthew Hauk, Education Director

Heather Link, Communications Director

Alice Miller, Press Relations Specialist

Andrea Rutledge, Social Media Associate

Samantha Ferrat, Membership Ambassador

Eleanor Dutton, Membership Ambassador

Carissa McNamara, Membership Ambassador

Mary Jenni, Membership Ambassador

Skylar Williams, Membership Ambassador

Jeri Copenhaver, Membership Ambassador

Jodi Koterba, Education Associate & Ambassador

Montana Caise, Membership Ambassador

Julie Gagnon, Data Coordinator

MFU reserves the right to reject any advertisements. Membership: $50.00 per year

Montana Farmers Union Magazine is published quarterly.

Editors: Heather Link & Alice Miller

Layout & Design: Heather Link

Copy Editors: Alice Miller, Jan Johnson & Heather Link

Montana Farmers Union is the oldest & largest family farm organization in the state who represents family farmers & ranchers.

MFU is working for family farms, ranches, rural communities & supports its members through: strong education programs for both youth and adults, advocating member-driven policies, & legislation at the state and federal level, & cooperation through producer-owned co-ops.

The Montana Phone booth Project:

Photos & Story

Courtney Kibblewhite, NorthernAg Netowrk

In Montana’s vast and open space, where communities are often small and far apart, isolation can take a heavy toll on a person’s mind. Artist Jim Dolan, known for his public art installations including “Bleu Horses”, is launching a unique initiative aimed at bridging that gap–The Montana Phone Booth Project.

The idea is simple yet profound: Handcrafted phone booths, painted bright red, placed across eastern Montana, each bearing messages like “Call Home” or “Keep in Touch.” These booths, while not functional as actual telephones, serve as physical reminders for people to reach out–to call a friend, check in with family, or seek help if needed.

Dolan, who has personally experienced the effects of suicide in his own family, sees the project as a way to encourage connection in communities where mental health resources are scarce. “These aren’t memorials for those we’ve lost,” he explains. “They’re for the survivors, the people still here, to remind them to make a call, to stay in touch, to not let isolation take over.”

Montana has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, particularly among rural populations. Limited access to mental health services, combined with the stigma surrounding mental illness, leaves many struggling in silence. Dolan considers the project an extension of the “Beyond the Weather” movement which seeks to eliminate stigma around rural mental health, encourage people to talk about the hard stuff, and promote all-around good neighboring.

A phone booth, a seemingly outdated relic, stands as a symbol of direct human connection–something modern communication technologies like social media and texting often fail to replicate. “There’s a difference between sending a message online and actually hearing someone’s voice,” Dolan notes. “That moment of real connection can be lifechanging.”

The first phone booth is set to be placed in Ringling, another in Hilger and the hope is to expand further into Eastern Montana and the HiLine: Farm and Ranch communities. Dolan and his team including metal sculptors Clint Lesh and Kal

Creating Conversations on Rural Mental Health

Hansen are looking for landowners near main county roads and highways who are willing to have the installations placed on their private land.

Thanks to a generous donor, the first 10 phone booths have been paid for and interested parties need only to reach out and share their location in order to be in the running to receive a phone booth on their land. If all 10 get claimed, Dolan says they’d happily make more. They’re looking for donations around $10,000 for each sculpture in order to continue to raise funds to support Montana’s rural mental health.

If just one person sees a booth, pauses, and decides to make a call that changes their path, or the path of someone else, Dolan believes the effort will have been worth it. In a state where the landscape is wide and isolation can feel overwhelming, a simple phone booth might just be the sign someone needs to realize they are not alone.

If you are a landowner who cares deeply about rural mental health and lives near a highway or county road, please reach out to Jim Dolan, 406-570-4731, jim@jimdolanart.com or Courtney Kibblewhite, 406-698-6932, ckibblewhite@ northernbroadcasting.com.

If you know someone who needs mental health support now, have them call 988 to talk to someone immediately.

Pictured left to right Jim Dolan, Jason Deshaw,Tom Schultz

Longtime Hardin business serves up love for community

Story by MFU

Photos provided

Landa Uffelman

With the same love and commitment with which families pass family farms from generation to generation, so too has Hardin staple The Farmer’s Daughter General Store and Soda Fountain been passed down.

Owner Landa Uffelman grew up in the retail business her grandmother inherited from her parents. She learned to walk by holding onto the store shelves for support. At the age of 5 she could count back change.

When her grandmother decided to sell the business, Landa assumed her mother would want to purchase it, but her mom was busy with the family farm. She did, however, promise to help at the store if Landa purchased it.

Landa was in her final year of college for Elementary Education when her grandma announced retirement. Although she was eager to launch her teaching career, the opportunity to keep her family store in business was also exciting. She continues to keep her teaching license current and “in her back pocket,” but chose to pursue running The Farmer’s Daughter. The move seemed fitting, especially since she debated between a business degree, or education degree and, Landa said, she has no regrets.

Once she was back in her hometown, she dove into community service by helping revisualize a small park across from her general store and how it could be used. In the winter she spearheads a 30-foot Christmas tree, decorations, and a stroll. For the Fourth of July, she organizes a celebration with 50 teams in a corn hole competition, free Bingo with prizes, Giant Yahtzee, and Ladder Ball. A barbecue is provided by a community group that is fundraising for a community project.

Finally, Landa serves on the fair board. Her role is to organize a PRCA rodeo. She is proud of the work the board does for 4-H, FFA, and other youth groups.

Her business has been successful, largely thanks to community members and tourists passing through, and, Landa said, she feels the Hardin community appreciates the social activities she helps organize, and she appreciates her community. Her motivation to keep events happening in Hardin is to help keep community momentum going.

Her pride of ownership and commitment to community is much like the pride multi-generational farmers and ranchers have for their land and communities.

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Growing Up Ag

Jordan

According to the National FFA Organization,“The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.” You might think it’s my obligation to write about the benefits of being involved with the FFA organization (and to a point, you’re not wrong), but even if I weren’t the Montana State President, I would still be telling you about the wonders of this incredible organization. I have been an active FFA member for seven years, and I plan to be involved as long as I possibly can be. FFA has not only given me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and love of agriculture, but also countless connections and experiences that will benefit me, as well as those around me, for the rest of my life.

Currently, the Montana FFA Association consists of more than 6,600 student members, 109 middle school and high school chapters, and approximately 126 agricultural education teachers. On a national level, the FFA organization has more than 1 million members and 9,235 FFA chapters in all 50 states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.These statistics should not only amaze you but also give you comfort in knowing that the future of agriculture is in good hands.

I dedicated my entire high school career to being heavily involved in agriculture through both 4-H and FFA, and I can confidently say that I am a well-rounded individual because of both organizations. Growing up on a first-generation sheep and cattle ranch near Ledger, I quickly learned the value of hard work and a strong dedication to the ag industry. Since 2009, my family has raised quality Rambouillet sheep for both meat and wool. Each of us are heavily involved in all of the ranching activities, whether it be feeding grain and hay in forty-below zero or trailing the flock to summer pasture. Sheep are a very labor-intensive and hands-on species, meaning there are no days off, and each task must be done to the best of our ability.

Because of my upbringing and the opportunities I was blessed to have while growing up, I decided at an early age that it was my obligation to teach future generations about agriculture and its incredible importance in our lives. Since I was in seventh grade, I’ve known without a doubt that I was going to become an Agricultural Education teacher and FFA advisor, where I could continue to encourage one young mind at a time to find their passion in ag. Because of this goal, I am attending Montana State University in Bozeman for a degree in Ag Ed with a minor in Ag Business.

I would specifically like to thank Montana Farmers Union for their unwavering support of not only Montana agriculture as a whole, but for supporting me and my journey by awarding me with the 2024 Montana Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship. MFU’s generosity and support has no doubt helped me substantially in furthering my education! I would also like to thank MFU on behalf of the Montana FFA Association for their dedication and support of our incredible organization.The future of ag is looking bright!

Jordan

Leach, Montana FFA President

Leach with her sheep during winter months

(left) Jordan Leach

Making Hay While the Sun Shines:

How Math Farms is turning challenges into opportunities

By Alice Miller, MFU

Editor

working the land to the next generation, however, hasn’t changed.

The willingness of the current generation to adapt and change is making a sustainable living on the land a possibility for the next.

“There’s always a way, you’ve just got to think outside of the box and keep moving forward,” Michelle Math said.

Buying into longstanding traditions

His family homesteaded north of Whitewater, close to the Canadian border, in 1915, and Cody Math said he always knew he would continue the farming and ranching operation.

“I don’t really think I had any other plans,” Cody said, laughing.

When he and his wife met, Michelle was in her second year

still here, and she seems happy about it. She dove right into this way of life,” Cody said.

Michelle, with no background in agriculture, has wholeheartedly taken on the farm and ranch lifestyle from day one. Now, with four young kids and a burgeoning direct-toconsumer beef business, Michelle said she has no regrets.

“It’s exciting and honestly a bit stressful at times. Life is busy. Some days are easier than others and having four kids in tow can be difficult, but they need to be a part of it all and experience the daily tasks as much as possible. Whether it’s feeding a calf, watching a gate, mucking out the barn, or delivering packaged beef, the kids are helping where they can,” she said.

The Maths hope recent expansions to their current operation will continue to create more opportunities of growth within

Magazine Co-

Photos provided by Math Farms

Choosing the best investment

But recent droughts and low commodity and cattle prices meant the family needed to consider what Math Farms would need to become to remain.

When the family had to rely on outside hay sources during droughts, they looked at ways to become more selfsufficient, keeping open minds about what that could mean.

Because their Angus seedstock operation relies on investment in genetics, selling numbers when times are tough undercuts long-term profitability.

“It’s painful letting a drought make decisions for you. Grandpa got this herd going almost 40 years ago.” Cody said.

Instead, they settled on being able to produce more hay themselves, expanding from their homestead north of Whitewater to include irrigated acres on the Milk River near Dodson in early 2024.

“At least this way we can invest in ourselves, and hopefully keep the herd intact that we’ve worked on so hard over the years,” Cody said. “We were very reliant on purchasing and trucking in a lot of the hay from other places, which was getting expensive. Developing bulls, backgrounding the heifers, and now feeding out the beef just added more costs to that. Now we have a bit more control in supplying better feed to our cattle and hope to create some security in the tough years.”

Farming and ranching have been a part of the Math family for over a century. In 1915, Cody’s great-great-grandfather, Phillip Math, relocated from Germany and homesteaded in Montana, where he ran mostly Herefords. The family transitioned in the 80s to today’s Angus herd, with roughly 100 bulls selling during their annual sale in April at the Glasgow Stockyards.

Today, Math Farms is raising the sixth generation on the farm and ranch.

continued on next page

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The impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on food supply chains spurred Cody and Michelle to contemplate expanding to sell retail cuts directly to consumers.

Diversifying for stability

In the past, the Maths sold whole and halves to friends and neighbors, but they didn’t feel like they were capturing the animals’ true worth, Michelle said. “We feel that we are creating a high-quality product –we invest so much into the genetics of the seedstock operation.”

Thanks in large part to a Value Added Producer Grant and the opening of Montana Premium Processing Cooperative in Havre, they opened Math Farms Beef, a direct-to-consumer beef business selling retail cuts of grass raised and grain finished Angus.

“Right when we found out we were awarded the VAPG grant, MPPC was offering stock sales before they were really operational, but we knew we had to take a chance and invest,” Michelle said, adding that knowing reliable and nearby processing was available was key to starting their new business.

While Cody heads the already busy farming and ranching operation, Michelle has taken the lead role of ensuring animals are scheduled, delivered, and the packaged product is picked up from MPPC.

“Having a USDA Inspected facility in Havre, on the Hi-Line, and the availability of hook space has been invaluable,” said Michelle, who was recently elected to the MPPC board.

“[Bill Jones, MPPC general manager] and his crew have been an integral part of Math Farms Beef. If the processing plant was not operating under USDA Inspection, I don’t think we would have been able to follow through on this new venture. USDA Inspection has been key to sell retail,” Michelle added.

The Maths originally planned to start selling direct-to-consumer and hoped at some point they would have their beef featured in a restaurant. Plans quickly changed as they learned a restaurant would be opening at the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, and it was looking for local fresh ingredients to use in the menu.

“To us, it felt like doors were opening, and we thought, why not change plans and start providing beef to the restaurant first instead,” Michelle said.

And so, 54 Prime Steakhouse in Saco became Math Farms’ first customer.

The business means the Maths get to do the work they love of raising beef while also keeping locally raised and processed beef in Montana.

Feedback from consumers has been positive as they experience high quality beef and learn more about the effort that goes into raising it, Michelle said. “People are just genuinely surprised at the quality of beef that they can get locally.”

Selling direct to consumer has had an unintended benefit, too, with the retail cuts illuminating carcass quality that is a direct result of the genetics.

“We’re still young in this retail game, but it’s allowing us to see the end product of what we are doing on the seedstock side of the operation and evaluate how our genetics are working,” Michelle said.

Keeping the main thing the main thing

While the cattle markets continually change, with cattle prices currently at a high, the Maths hope the direct-to-consumer business will have long-term benefits.

“I think we just really wanted to see if we could make it work and not look back one day and regret we didn’t give it a go because we were too scared to try,” Michelle said. “We want to build another aspect of the operation to sustain multiple families on the ranch –provide something for the next generation.”

Learn more at www.mathfarmsbeef.com.

Earn Your Renewal Credits at Upcoming MFU Events

By Jodi Koterba, Education Associate

We have heard you! You learn from the workshops and events sponsored by Montana Farmers Union but need to earn renewal credits toward licenses you hold. Often the availability of renewal credits for pesticide licenses and Office of Public Instruction Professional Development Units are limited in our rural communities. Montana Farmers Union strives to serve Montana farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by meeting the needs of the people.

Therefore, Pesticide Recertification Credits are now available for many of the Montana Farmers Union events.To date, we are approved to issue credits at the approved Far Out & Waiting events.These events work with local EMS to prepare you with what to do while you wait for the ambulance. Pesticide and other chemicals are the cause of close to 15% of all occupational injuries in the agriculture industry.There are plans for Pasture Tours, Farm Tours,Weed walks, and more that will include pesticide recertification credits.To receive credits, you must sign in on the Pesticide Credit attendance sheet with your complete license number to earn your credits with the state.Watch www.montanafarmersunion.com for more information.

OPI Professional Development Units allow Montana educators to renew their teaching license.There are so many Montana Farmers Union events that include components of science, career and technical development, nutrition, technology, and more.We have offered 17 credits for the Montana Farmers Union Annual Convention and 6 credits for the Winter 2024 Book Study.There are plans for Ladies Who Ag events, nutrition events, and kids day camps that also offer educator credits.

One member can make an impact in the programming that is offered. Our MFU member, Montana Caise, along with his employers, expressed interest in support and information sharing about regenerative farming practices.We have embraced this idea and are in the starting stages of forming a RF Cohort for the 2025 growing season.Are you a crop farmer who is interested in exploring regenerative practices for farming? Watch the MFU‘s publications for the kickoff event in late March/early April.

The education and membership staff of Montana Farmers Union are happy to serve you. If you have a topic you need information about or other forms of renewal credits you wish to receive, contact your local membership ambassador or the state office.

Montana Farmers Union has worked more than 100 years for family farms, ranches, and rural communities. It is important for you to communicate your needs for us to improve our programming to best serve you.

FARM TABLE

If you know why farm families love slow cooker meals, you know.

All the new life and flurry of activity spring brings on farms and ranches means a lot of work – and since it’s on a farm, none of it goes according to plan.

Maybe you’re a single farmer burning the midnight oil. Maybe both you and your spouse are in the field planting or tagging newborn calves. Maybe you thought you were working from home all day only to be called to help move equipment at 5:15 p.m. Maybe someone doing any of the above forgot to plan their own dinner and and showed up at your house to eat instead.

In this edition of MFU Magazine, we share some favorite slow cooker recipes. We hope they take at least one moving target off your Spring schedule.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

(This is my fancy dinner out of crock pot.)

Submitted by MFU Ambassador Mary Jenni

Serves 4 (one shank per person)

4 lamb shanks

1 onion, any color, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 C carrot, diced

2 ½ C dry red wine

3 Tbs Dijon mustard

Rosemary (4 sprigs fresh or 1 Tbs dry)

Parsley (1 Tbs dry or fresh)

In a bowl, add mustard, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, rosemary, and parsley. Add wine, stir until combined. Place a slow cooker liner in slow cooker, add 4 shanks, then the onions and carrots. Pour wine mixture over shanks. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

To serve, place a shank on mashed potatoes then spoon carrots and onion around the potatoes and drizzle the cooking liquid over the whole dish.

Mississippi Pot Roast

(This is a great dinner after working livestock all day!)

Submitted by MFU Ambassador Mary Jenni

4 lbs (give or take) Chuck roast

1 packet Ranch dressing mix

Au Jus (a packet or a can)

1 stick butter

Jar of pepperoncini peppers (12 oz)

Place a slow cooker liner in slow cooker. Place roast in slow cooker. Top the roast with a half jar of pepperoncini peppers and half the juice, the stick of butter, Ranch mix, and au jus. If using the Ranch packet, mix packet in 1 cup of water. Cook on low 8 hours.

To serve, shred beef in the juices and serve over mashed potatoes.

Kalua Pork

(This is my summertime crock pot dinner.)

Submitted by MFU Ambassador Mary Jenni

Boneless Pork Butt

3 Tbs Hawaiian sea salt (or regular sea salt)

5 Tbs Liquid Smoke

Make shallow cuts along the surface of the roast or use a fork and thoroughly fork it. Place a slow cooker liner in a slow cooker.

Place pork roast in slow cooker. Rub the salt all over the roast so the meat absorbs the salt. Then drizzle the Liquid Smoke all over the roast. Rub the Liquid Smoke into the cuts of the meat. Cook on high for 4-5 hours. To serve, shred pork in slow cooker and mix any cooking liquid back into the pork.

Southwest Chicken

Submitted by MFU Magazine Co-editor Alice Miller

8 boneless chicken breasts, frozen

1 jar salsa 16oz

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 can corn, drained

1 bar cream cheese

Powdered garlic, salt, pepper to taste

Place chicken, beans, & corn in slow cooker. Season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour salsa over the top. Cook on low 8 hours, adding cream cheese the last hour. Shred in slow cooker.

Serve over rice, garnished with scallions and shredded cheese.

Crockpot Alfredo Sauce

Submitted by MFU Magazine Co-editor Heather Link

1 C Butter

2 8oz cream cheese (dice into smaller pieces)

1 can black beans, rinsed

3 C whipping cream or half n half

3 C shaved parmesan cheese (may add another cup if needed)

4 Tbsp Powdered garlic, salt, pepper to taste – I use a blend of the three spices and always end up adding more.

Place all ingredients in a slow cookeer. Cook on low 2-4 hours,stirring occasionally. You can add extra cheese or half and half for desired consistency.

Marry Me Crockpot Chicken

Submitted by MFU Staff

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp cbutter

For the sauce:

2 C chicken broth

3 Tbsp cornstarch

1 C heavy cream (READ NOTES BELOW FIRST!)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes

½ tsp paprika

⅓1 C chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained

½ C freshly grated parmesan cheese

In a small bowl, mix together: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper then Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with the seasoning mix.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter (allow the butter to melt.)

Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, take the pan off the heat, and set aside. Note: You are not cooking the chicken all the way, you just want it brown on both sides. Turn off the heat but keep the leftover oil and butter in the pan (you'll use that in a bit)

Whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch in a bowl until there are no lumps.

Add the chicken broth mixture to the bottom of an 8-quart slow cooker.

Whisk in heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and teaspoon paprika.

Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the olive oil and butter from the pan on top. Top each piece of chicken with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Place on low for 6-7 hours (do not cook on high - see my notes below.)

Take the chicken breasts out and whisk in freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add the chicken back into the slow cooker, cover with sauce & serve.

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Using a QTIP Trust to save on income taxes

By Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist, PhD. CFP, CRCS

Karen and Bill run a farm Karen inherited from her father that is valued at $1.2 million. Karen has the farmland titled in her name as sole owner. Their estate also consists of other non-farm assets valued at $400,000. Karen and Bill have titled those assets as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. They each have an adult child from an earlier marriage.

They have agreed they want Karen’s daughter to inherit the farm because she has been involved in its operation for a decade. They want Bill’s son and Karen’s daughter to share the non-farm assets equally. Karen and Bill do not have a premarital agreement, written will, or any other type of estate plan.

They recently attended one of my MSU Extension estate planning seminars, where I explained that if they do not write a will, their property passes to heirs according to Montana intestacy statutes. If Karen dies before Bill, all $400,000 of the nonfarm assets transfer directly to Bill. Why? Because Karen and Bill titled their non-farm assets in joint tenancy with right of survivorship. Under Montana law when one of the joint tenants dies, the survivor receives all.

Even if Karen had written a will leaving the non-farm assets to her daughter and Bill’s son, the joint tenancy with right of survivorship takes priority over the will. At Karen’s death, Bill becomes the sole owner of the $400,000 of non-farm assets.

If Karen died without having a written will, her farm assets valued at $1.2 million and titled in her name only, pass according to Montana’s intestacy statutes. Bill, as the surviving spouse, receives the first $225,000 in value of the farmland, plus one-half of the remaining property ($487,500). The remaining one-half of the farmland ($487,500) passes to Karen’s daughter.

I explained to Karen and Bill how a Clayton Election QTIP trust could be helpful for their situation. In prior years, married couples used Clayton Election Trusts to minimize federal estate taxes. Now married couples can use these trusts to reduce capital gain taxes for the beneficiary of the property if, or when they sell it.

One of the benefits of the Clayton Election QTIP trust is the step-up in basis at the surviving spouse’s death. This means the cost basis of the property eventually passing to Karen’s daughter will be based on the farm’s fair market value at the time of Karen’s death and then again at the time of Bill’s (often referred to as a double step-up).

What is QTIP?

QTIP stands for Qualified Terminable Interest

Property, which is a type of trust used in estate planning. QTIP trusts are often used by married couples with substantial wealth to provide income for a surviving spouse while also preserving assets for other beneficiaries.

Assume the value of the property was $1.2 million upon Karen’s death at the time the will transferred it to the QTIP trust for Bill’s benefit. He can’t sell the property. Nor can he give it away to his favorite charity. Assume by the time Bill dies; the property had increased in value to $2 million. Karen’s daughter inherits the farm at the stepped-up value of $2 million. If Karen’s daughter sells the property for $2 million there is no capital gain because of the step-up in basis on the property at the death of Bill.

Karen’s daughter would not owe a capital gain tax because there is no capital gain on the sale of the farmland since it sold for a stepped-up basis. However, if Karen’s daughter sells the farm a couple of years after Bill’s death for $2.2 million, then she would have a capital gain of $200,000. Karen’s daughter would pay state and federal capital income tax on that amount.

The assets in the Clayton Election QTIP trust qualify for the unlimited federal estate tax marital deduction because there is no limit to the amount one spouse may give to the other spouse. A Clayton Election appears on Form 706 filed within 15 months following the deceased’s date of death.

The Personal Representative passes the farm assets to the QTIP trust for Bill’s benefit during his life. He has some control over these assets while he is living, but he cannot give or sell the property to anyone else as he cannot change beneficiaries of the QTIP trust. The QTIP trust document set up by Karen authorizes property in the QTIP trust to pass to her daughter upon Bill’s death.

If Bill remarries, he cannot place the assets in the QTIP trust in his new wife’s name. The property in the QTIP trust does not belong to Bill. He only has the right to use the property during his life. Because of the federal estate exclusion of $13,990,000 in 2025 there is no federal estate tax due upon Karen or Bill’s death.

A QTIP trust could also be helpful in a first marriage family with children. Parents could protect assets for their children and the assets can’t be transferred to a later spouse.

To explore whether a QTIP trust would help your family situation contact an attorney who specializes in estate planning and probate. Before the first meeting read our MSU Extension MontGuide “Using Trusts in an Estate Plan to Provide for Children From Blended Families.” https://www.montana.edu/estateplanning/pdf/MT202109HR.pdf

Inspiration or desperation?

How a community of ranchers formed Glacier Processing Co-op

Story by MFU

Photos provided by GPC

When Northwest Montana producers were faced with the potential sale of Vandevanter Meats to a housing developer, several ranchers in the Flathead area began scrambling to solve the negative impact losing processing capacity would have on their operations.

It would take years of working together to make what seemed impossible possible in the form of Glacier Processing Cooperative.

At the time Vandevanter was put on the market in 2022 when the owner decided to retire, hook space in the region already was limited, and the loss of another processor would mean less meat available for a growing customer base.

Lisa Wade Mayorga and her husband, Oscar Mayorga, were concerned about processing space even before they heard Vandevanter might not continue in operation.Vandevanter, located in Columbia Falls, already didn’t process beef during hunting season or when they were butchering for 4-H during fairs, and reserving a space with any area processors was two years out.

Therefore, when the Mayorgas learned of a butcher shop for sale in Troy, they toured the facility. The owners were friendly and openly shared all their financials. Nonetheless, the Mayorgas were left with questions: Can we afford it? Is

Troy too far away? What will we do if the butcher quits since we aren’t butchers ourselves? How hard is it to upgrade from custom exempt to state inspected status? Since our days are full now, who will do the work of another business? Meanwhile, Mark and Heather Siderius were asking their own questions. They had developed their direct-to-market beef business from three head per year to 50 steers per year and did not want to lose their loyal customer base. As lifelong Farmers Union members, they had been reading about the startup of Montana Premium Processing Cooperative in Havre and were considering joining, but it was a four-hour drive one way. To use MPPC would be expensive, timeconsuming, and routinely crossing the Rocky Mountains in all weather conditions could be dangerous.

He’s not sure whether it was inspiration or desperation, but Mark asked Vandevanter Meats if they would provide the time needed to allow a group of interested producers to form a cooperative. Although the Vandevanter family was skeptical that a cooperative would work, they agreed to delay selling. Siderius formed a steering committee of people, including the Mayorgas and other producers wary of losing processing capacity. The committee began meeting every other week for what became two years.

Casey Olson is one of the producers who served on the steering committee, putting in time, perspective, and a commitment to maintaining processing infrastructure for producers. “The amount of work involved has been immense, but there have been so many people there to help along the way,” Olson said. “You are not alone.”

He credits the abilities and selflessness ofboard members for their success. Although the board of directors all produce livestock, they have other talents and businesses, including an environmental engineer, a water specialist, construction continued on next page

Glacier Processing Cooperative board members visit with interested ranchers and community members during a member outreach meeting in the fall of 2023.The co-op purchased and assumed operation of Vandevanter Meats in Spring 2024 to preserve meat processing capacity in the Flathead Valley.

continued from previous page photo provided by James Corwin

company, mason, and general contractor – all willing to share their expertise and save the project money and valuable time.

Lisa echoed Casey’s sentiment. While her family couldn’t buy the Troy butcher shop, 40 producers together could buy a processing facility and handle any issues that arose.

“Cooperatives make the impossible possible,” she said.

The steering committee also credits the timeframe in which they formed Glacier Processing Cooperative for its success. They formed the cooperative shortly after the COVID 19 pandemic caused food shortages when the Biden Administration worked to make funding assistance available for local food processing. The steering committee also leaned on organizations like Mission West Community Development, which exists to help with local development. Mission West connected the committee with Flower Hill Institute, which has assisted them with acquiring federal low-interest loans and grants.

In April 2024, Glacier Processing Cooperative officially purchased Vandevanter Meats, securing processing capacity for 40 producers and their customers.

Looking back on the journey from an idea to purchasing the facility, Heather said she is proud of supporting producers, customers, and employees. She is proud that all the employees stayed and still have jobs. Mark is proud that they have been able to afford pay raises for the employees, and, he says, even a new, inexperienced employee makes at least $20 an hour. For the first time, GPC is able to provide some job benefits.

Lisa likes to think about the difference Glacier Processing Cooperative makes in terms of keeping producers in business and profitable. She still has questions that she’s glad don’t need answers thanks to GPC. She wonders how many ranchers would have quit or moved? How much farmland would have been sold and developed?

She, and other GPC board members, are asking – and solving – other questions around continuing producer profitability, including: How can GPC expand and improve to best meet producer needs?

What isn’t a question is whether Glacier Processing Cooperative has staying power. Thanks to the member-owned cooperative model, the facility won’t go anywhere unless its producers decide they’re ready to call it quits. If the tenacity they showed in forming the cooperative is any indicator, GPC will be around for a very long time.

The Power of Cooperatives in Rural Montana: A Lifeline for Communities

By Tracy McIntyre, Executive Director of Montana Cooperative Development Center & Administrator of Montana Council of Cooperatives

Rural America, and particularly Montana, faces unique economic and social challenges. Vast distances, limited access to essential services, and shrinking populations make it difficult for many communities to sustain businesses, retain workforce housing, and expand necessary infrastructure. However, cooperatives are meeting these challenges head-on, playing a crucial role in keeping Montana’s rural communities thriving.

According to the 2022 Montana Cooperative Economic Impact Report from the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, cooperatives contribute $7.1 billion annually to the state’s economy. If Montana’s cooperative sector were considered a single industry, it would be among the largest in the state. These member-owned businesses directly support over 24,000 jobs and provide $1.6 billion in family income, demonstrating their substantial impact on economic stability and job creation.

Cooperatives provide the backbone of Rural Infrastructure. They are as diverse as the landscapes they serve. Working across multiple industries ensures access to vital services and supports local economies.

• Electric and Telecommunication Cooperatives – These cooperatives are the lifeline of rural connectivity. As broadband expansion and high-speed internet become increasingly critical for economic growth, Montana’s telecommunications cooperatives are bridging the digital divide. By delivering reliable internet access to rural areas, they enable businesses, schools, and healthcare providers to function at the same level as their urban counterparts. Collectively, Montana‘s electric cooperatives own and operate more than 48,000 miles of distribution power lines, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to reliable electricity. These cooperatives provide electricity for over 400,000 Montanans, covering all 56 counties in the state.

• Credit Unions – Member-owned financial institutions offer essential banking services and access to credit, often providing better loan rates and lower fees than traditional banks. With the closure of many small-town banks, credit unions have become a lifeline, keeping capital circulating within Montana’s communities and supporting local business growth.

• Grocery Cooperatives – Keeping a grocery store open in a rural community can be difficult, but cooperative models have helped towns like Geraldine and Turner, preserve their access to food and essential supplies. These communityowned stores ensure that residents don’t have to travel long distances for groceries, strengthening food security in rural areas.

• Agricultural Cooperatives – Some of the state‘s oldest and most established cooperatives help farmers and ranchers pool resources, access markets, and gain bargaining power, ensuring their long-term viability in a competitive industry. Montana’s agriculture cooperatives continue to be a critical component of the state’s agricultural economy, enabling small and mid-sized producers to thrive.

Montana’s cooperative movement is not just about preserving traditions–it’s also about innovation. Across the state, new cooperatives are emerging to meet community-specific needs.

• Opportunity Development Cooperative of Petroleum County – In Winnett, residents leverage the cooperative model to pool local capital, ensuring their community can invest in itself. This approach allows residents to fund businesses, infrastructure, and local projects without relying solely on outside investors.

• Riverside Crossing Senior Housing Cooperative–Located in Ravalli County, this innovative cooperative is Montana’s first senior housing cooperative. It provides a long-term solution for aging residents with a new project emerging to address senior care needs.

• Montana Premium Processing Co-op and Glacier Processing Co-op showcase how producers can still use the cooperative business model to address market needs and build more sustainable businesses without middlemen consuming profits.

• The Montana Food Hub is a cooperative that pulls consumers, producers, and processors together to create a more sustainable and accessible localized food system across Northern Montana. These emerging new forms of agricultural cooperatives maintain the rich history of the state’s largest industry while forging new pathways for production and profitability.

• Worker-Owned Cooperatives and Business Transitions – More small businesses are exploring the cooperative model as a way to maintain local ownership when business owners retire. This model allows entrepreneurs to pool resources, similar to what Crucibles did when opening a new business. In towns where finding a buyer can be challenging, employee-owned cooperatives offer a viable path for ensuring continuity and retaining local economic stability. By providing a framework for entrepreneurs to collaborate and create something together, this model fosters innovation in funding and management while promoting loyalty among the worker-owners.

The cooperative model is not just about business; it’s about community ownership, democratic control, and keeping wealth local. As Montana and the United States, faces shifting demographics and economic pressures, cooperatives offer a viable solution to preserving rural communities and ensuring long-term prosperity.

Field Notes

GOLDEN TRIANGLE (1)

Spring has finally arrived! With calves dotting the fields and snow melting away, it’s a perfect time to start thinking about spring planting and our plans for the summer ahead (like camp).This season represents a fresh start and renewal for us all.This goes beyond just renewing your memberships.

Since stepping into my role as an ambassador, my primary goal has been to create impactful programming that not only educates but also fosters community among our members. One way I have been working towards this is by starting food preservation programming that equips individuals with the ability to preserve food within their families and communities.We’re not just sharing knowledge, but cultivating a support network for all who participate.

In addition to food preservation, we are working together with our first responders to continue providing Far Out & Waiting programs.The workshops provide critical, practical knowledge while we’re also working to bridge connections between our communities and those who serve them through EMS.

Listening to our members’ feedback during events and conferences is crucial, as their insights are invaluable in shaping future programming. Recently, we wrapped up two successful women’s conferences, and I’m genuinely grateful to all the wonderful attendees.Their engagement has sparked plans for upcoming ladies’ events, designed to create a safe space for women to ask questions and to earn pesticide credits.

Navigating programs from the FSA and NRCS can be challenging, particularly with recent administration changes.That’s why I’m committed to create programming that will help our members understand the resources available to them, allowing them to explore ways to evolve and expand their operations.

Every program I develop is inspired by member feedback, and I am dedicated to continuing this approach for the benefit of our community.

Ambassador Jeri Copenhaver - Golden Triangle

CENTRAL MONTANA (3)

Have you ever wondered how Montana Farmers Union remains accountable only to its members – free from the influence of corporate sponsors – when shaping policy? Or where the funding comes from to support the many projects and events MFU hosts across the state?

The answer lies in MFU’s unique funding model, which plays a crucial role in ensuring its independence and commitment to grassroots advocacy. Montana Farmers Union is part of Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE), along with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Farmers Unions. FUE has Farmers Union Industries (FUI), which are family farm-oriented businesses, including:

- Central Bi-Products

- Performance Pet Products,

- Artex Manufacturing

- Redwood Farms

- Midwest Grease

- Northland Choice

These businesses are strategically structured to provide long-term financial stability while directly benefiting family farmers and rural communities.

These funds ensure financial sustainability for MFU’s work in advocacy, education, and community development.

Due to this financial support, MFU can focus solely on the priorities set by its members. Only Montana Farmers Union producer members can vote on policy decisions, ensuring that MFU’s grassroots advocacy efforts reflect the real needs of Montana’s farmers and ranchers.

In October 2024, MFU voting members gathered at State Convention to establish policy priorities for the upcoming year. As a result, MFU is advocating for the following key issues in the 2025 Montana State Legislature:

• Ensuring farmers have control over their own data.

• Promoting transparency in beef labeling.

• Strengthening local and regional food networks.

• Ensuring farmers’ ability to repair their own equipment.

MFU will always advocate for the issues that impact family farmers and ranchers – not bending to the will of corporate monopolies. One notable example is our support for the Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against John Deere & Co.The lawsuit challenges the company’s restrictive repair policies. Montana Farmers Union has long advocated for Right to Repair for farmers and ranchers.

While all agricultural organizations work toward strengthening Montana’s agricultural sector, their funding models reflect different priorities. Some organizations rely heavily on corporate sponsorships, agribusiness partnerships, which can shape their advocacy in ways that align with their financial backers’ interests. In contrast, MFU follows the desires of its members by reinvesting dividends from affiliated businesses to serve its members.

For Montana’s farmers and ranchers, understanding these differences is essential when choosing which organization best represents their values and interests.With MFU, the priorities are set by the producers—not corporate sponsors.

Ambassador Mary Jenni - Central Montana

Continued from previous page

YELLOWSTONE BIGHORN (6)

Hey, hey, members! I know you’ve all been excitedly waiting for my next update, and I, of course, am here to deliver. It’s still Legislative Season in Montana, which means it’s time to get those folks who are usually passive in the political process engaged and making their voices heard this session! We’ve started our very own MFU Phone Tree efforts with the aim of reaching out to members and sounding the horn on bills that could be amazing if implemented or have serious consequences if left alone.

There are quite a few Representatives in the greater Billings area who can make or break these bills coming up for our family farmers and ranchers. Having folks educated on the upcoming bills and speaking to their own Representatives is the best way to advance issues at the heart of local agriculture, including right to repair, Country of Origin Labeling, and so many others.

We’ve had a few local Representatives show up to our membership meetings and other local gatherings, and they’re always open to hearing from their constituents. Our local meetings going forward though the session will have an aspect of the legislative process involved, such as calling a Representative, looking at upcoming bills, how to testify, committees your Representative is on, etc.This is just so you know and can make certain that they have your interests in mind and are well informed prior to casting their votes.

Far Out & Waiting is a program started by our very own Eleanor Dutton, the Eastern Montana MFU Ambassador. It’s such a beneficial program, providing skills to help minimize loss of life due to common medical emergencies and injuries that happen while working on your own remote operations, where it might not be possible for timely EMS response.This program is designed to help save lives, and I’m going to start some Far Out & Waiting programming locally. I’d love for folks to join in and invite friends and family because this is training that can help you anywhere, anytime, and could quite possibly save a life.

Please make sure to check out both our weekly Boot Up and Rotunda Roundup emails for the most up-to-date info on local, statewide, and national agricultural interests, and feel free to reach out to me. As always, I’m just a phone call away!

Ambassador Skylar Williams - Yellowstone Bighorn

FLATHEAD (5)

Are we are already more than three months into 2025!?

The first thing that needs to be said – heralded in fact – is we are continually moved by your work.

As a reader of this magazine, you are part of an incredible community, made up of farmers and ranchers of all ages, backgrounds, and disciplines, as well as incredible communities we all hale from.

But what you may not know, or see day to day, is how powerful our communities are when we are engaged, organized, and informed, which is exactly what Montana Farmers Union works on daily through all three pillars of its core principles: cooperation, legislation, and education.

Every day MFU is in action

. Every single day.

But performance is only one side of the coin; the other is inspiration.What you all do on your farms and ranches and in your communities matters. It matters more than you know.We see it, we hear about it, and it inspires us to continue our good work inspired by your drive, passion, and patience to continue the traditions of agriculture and life in rural communities.

In looking back over the last three years, the greatest honor serving our membership is visiting your farms, homes, and hometowns. Some of my most cherished memories with our membership include tear-soaked shoulders because loved ones have passed, or new births are being celebrated, or harvest was successful or a complete loss.Watching our membership endure and make positive the hard times reminds us to do the same.

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year. Please, mark your calendars for our annual State Convention, National Women’s Conference, our regional Local meetings, our Ladies Who Ag programming, our youth camps, and other educational events that we are hosting statewide. And, as always, please be in touch if you have programming that would benefit farmers and ranchers and rural communities.We love more than anything to put our grassroots values to work, alongside what is important to you all.

In closing, thank you.Thank you for sharing your legacies, memories, and futures, so that we can continue our good work growing community.Thank you for sharing your testimony and reaching out to your leaders so we can continue our legislative work. Thank you for prioritizing the next generation, who will teach the following, and never forget … each day your work calls us to action.

Ambassador Carissa McNamara - Flathead

EASTERN MONTANA (4)

We are all looking forward to the spring months, when the temperatures warm, the snow melts, and the daylight increases.These changes are always welcomed after the long months of winter.

How is your community changing? Rural America has seen tremendous growth over the past five years, and living in rural communities has become more accessible and feasible.We know that the rural community structure and “the way to do things” is evolving. Change in our communities is essential to navigate the future, and doing the same things as we did 20 years ago is not necessarily productive. Agriculture will continue to be the backbone and substance of our rural economy, and therefore our rural communities.

On the business side, you might see a significant shift in ownership and energy.Younger business professionals are coming home to take over or buy local staples in our communities.

On the social side, there might be more enthusiasm surrounding community events, meeting spaces, and starting new traditions such as community art walks and festivals.

Some of the less positive changes might be the downsizing of local schools. Health care accessibility and support continue to be a problem to navigate, as well as hiring employees for essential services, such as law enforcement, day care, and our local grocery stores.

Montana Farmers Union is invested in the success of our rural communities.Without them, farmers and ranchers would not have essential support and resource structures.That’s why the MFU Foundation has Community Grants, which invest in the vitality of rural communities.The mission of the Montana Farmers Union Foundation is to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth and enhancement of Montana agriculture and rural communities.

If your community has a project or goal to improve or encourage agricultural opportunities and resources, let us know how we can help! Our grant application is designed to be accessible and easy to submit, and can be found on our webpage: https:// montanafarmersunion.com/about-us/mfu-foundation/.

The Community Grant deadline for 2025 awards is May 1.

Changing and improving our communities is necessary for the longevity of the rural way of life. As community members and leaders, consider how you can help that process be successful, and know that MFU is committed to lending a helping hand. Reach out to our state office or your local ambassador to get connected with other rural development and improvement opportunities today!

Ambassador Eleanor Dutton - Eastern MT

TETON/CASCADE (7)

I continue to be amazed by the information and opportunities available through Montana Farmers Union and its members. I have said many times, and continue to feel, this is the job I didn’t know I needed. I have worked to provide strong programming and information for members, but I think I have learned even more from them. I was able to man a booth for trade shows at many of our Montana agriculture industries annual conventions.These allowed me to share all the MFU opportunities with individuals, but, more importantly, I became aware of the work being done in our state.

Montana’s No. 1 industry is agriculture.These are hardworking individuals who plow through adverse weather, economic times, and other trials without complaint to provide us with the world’s safest and most affordable food supply. I am impressed by the open sharing of resources and processes between producers to bring everyone greater success. Experienced producers give their time and knowledge to share and organize industry conventions for their friends, neighbors, and newcomers.

Personally, I experience this sharing with the Montana Legislative session. I have never paid much attention to government affairs. However, through the Legislative Advocacy sessions, Montana Farmers Union Drive-In, weekly Rotunda Round Up, and legislative updates, I feel that I have been given the tools and information to be informed. I can now follow the bills and issues that are important to me. I have been given the resources and tools to influence those who can make changes.This is just one example of the empowerment you can get by becoming involved in Montana Farmers Union.

MFU has all kinds of programs and educational opportunities for members and rural communities, no matter what your interests are. Engage in the events in your area and statewide to become informed about rural mental health, accident preparedness and prevention, succession and estate planning, regenerative farming practices, beginning farmers and ranchers, leadership training, and so much more. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and events near you, and then choose to attend something that will help connect you with your agriculture community and support network!

Ambassador Jodi Koterba- Teton-Cascade

MISSOURI HEADWATERS (2)

Everyone has stories. Some tell them better than others. Some are crazy, unbelievable; some are mild and amusing. People who own livestock have the best stories, though, in my opinion!

My ranch stories usually overlap between athleticism and ranching. I grew up on a small pig farm, and I also played several sports. On the pig farm, my parents would remind me to use a defensive stance to keep the pigs going or stop them from going where they weren’t supposed to.To this day, remembering the volleyball ready position or defensive stance in basketball has also helped me with handling cattle.

During our fall calving season, I was on my 4-wheeler checking a couple of first-time heifers in the pasture. I found one of them near the creek. I could see that she had indeed had her calf, but I was having trouble locating the calf. As I approached her, I could see the afterbirth but still no baby.Then I heard a very small ‘moo’ and saw the calf in the creek trying desperately to climb out up the bank. I had no rope. Rookie mistake. So, I jumped into the creek, wrapped my arms around the extra slimy, slick calf.When I tried to lift it, it slipped out the first try, so I tried again and successfully deadlifted a minutes-old heifer calf from the creek!

Then there was the time we were doctoring a calf at the tail end of calving.We successfully roped and doctored the calf, who then pulled the rope loose from the pickup and took off with our lariat around its neck. Hopping back in the pickup, we chased him down with no luck. After several tries with the same result, I gently suggested that maybe we should try something different. I took the driver’s seat, and my husband sat on the flatbed planning to jump off when we got close to the calf. After several more attempts, I suggest we switch it up – me on the flatbed and John driving.

As I jumped off the flatbed and ran towards the end of the rope, the calf took off again. All I could think of at that moment was a volleyball dive. So that’s what I did – dove for the rope, and, amazingly enough, I caught it and held on with the calf dragging me through the grass and dirt! I was sore for days, but the rope was recovered, and the calf was on the mend.

Ambassador Samantha Ferrat - Missouri Headwaters

SOUTH CENTRAL (8)

Hello! My name is Montana Caise, and I’m excited to be serving as the new ambassador for Carbon, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, and Park counties. I come from a long line of farmers in Illinois and grew up helping on the family row crop operation. After working as a civil engineer for several years, I returned to agriculture and have spent the last few years working on various ranches around The West. I’m glad to now be calling Wilsall home, where I’m working for a diversified grain and pulse farm and beginning to venture into raising livestock of my own. I’m a strong advocate for farming and ranching in ways that promote soil and ecosystem health, economic sustainability, and resilience and thriving communities. I love to learn and to try new things.

I was introduced to the Farmers Union organization through the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Fellows program (comparable to FUEL) and quickly realized that, in Farmers Union, I had found a like-minded community determined to help producers both on an individual basis and on a large scale through policy and other means. Upon moving to Montana, I quickly joined MFU and now am even more eager to be part of the Ambassador Team. In this new role, I look forward to encouraging and educating the next generations of producers, fostering community and collaboration amongst members, and getting to know more of Montana’s agricultural community.

Please feel free to reach out with any ideas or suggestions you may have for the South Central region, or just to introduce yourself. I look forward to working with you.

Ambassador Montana Caise - South Central

MFU Foundation Strengthens Montana Communities

Creative visions across Montana have become realities, bringing together and strengthening communities and agriculture, thanks to more than $60,000 awarded to date from Montana Farmers Union Foundation to projects that align with the Foundation’s mission to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth and enhancement of Montana agriculture and rural communities.

Montana Farmers Union is a grassroots organization, and the Foundation’s grant program dovetails with MFU’s principles of cooperation and education to buoy rural communities. Previous recipients have ranged from plasma cutters and beef models for high school classes to greenhouses and community gardens to children’s books about agriculture.

“Most of these grants are geared to our youth and getting them involved in the agricultural and food economies of our state and teaching them even the very basics of where their food comes from and how it is grown. From there, we go onto expand this into providing the tools and knowledge to help them prepare for careers in the agricultural industry or other fields that are affected by agriculture,” MFU board member Erik Somerfeld said.

The grants help MFU fulfill the education tenant in the Farmers Union Triangle, in turn helping to inform consumers to build understanding and eventual affect change to ensure Montana family farms and ranches continue in the future, Somerfeld said.

“I love to see the innovative ideas to provide knowledge about agriculture to our young people.A prime example is the beef cutout model that Power Schools received.This helps those kids understand where food comes from and gives them potential ideas for future careers in agriculture.This one was geared towards someone wanting to be a butcher, but could also help ones that want to become chefs by teaching them about different cuts of beef.”

Since Fall 2024, students at Power Public School are learning about butchering, food handling safety, and more with a butcher beef model purchased with an MFU Foundation grant by the school’s family and consumer science teacher Lauren Vick.

By Alice Miller, MFU Magazine Co-Editor

Photos provided by Power Schools

“It’s really only been a few months, but it’s already made a big impact,” Vick said, adding that the model enables students to learn about career fields related to agriculture.

“Being able to be relevant to students and bring them all these career opportunities and exploration, I feel is really important,” she said.

Vick said she got the idea to purchase the model, which is a 21-piece magnetic, life-size replica of half a steer, during a family and consumer science convention where other attendees were lamenting the need for more butchers and education to increase processing capacity and availability of Montana beef.

The issues others expressed struck a chord with Vick.

“[Power] student’s families are ranchers and farmers and so they see how the process is – having to ship their beef off to be processed, and then us going to the store to buy it, and it’s not the same beef,” Vick said.

With the model, students are learning more about where their food comes from, but also more about how to properly process, handle, and prepare beef and what career paths that opens to them. Student interest has been high and has led to other activities, including job shadowing with 406 Processing.

“It is awesome because it’s so desperately needed,” Vick said.

Somerfeld encouraged people to apply for the current round of $30,000 in grant funding by the application deadline of May 1. Projects must include an educational component for youth and/ or adults, with priority given to rural communities.

“Come up with ways to provide educational information and opportunities that have lasting impacts, especially in new or innovative ways,” he said.

The simple application is available at https://montanafarmersunion. com/education/scholarships-grants/.

Preparing to meet with your ag lender: A guide to success

By Brooke Kmetz, Relationship Manager, AgWest Farm Credit Services

For many farmers and ranchers, securing financing is an important part of running a successful operation. Working with a trusted ag lender who can provide the right guidance and financial capital can be very valuable. Whether you’re looking to renew your annual operating loan, buy new equipment, or make a major expansion, being prepared to meet with your ag lender can make a significant difference. Here is a guide of what to expect and how to prepare to meet with your ag lender.

1. Understand Your Financial Needs

This may seem simple, but before meeting with your lender, take some time to clearly define your objectives and financial needs. A few questions to consider include: What will the loan be used for? How much money are you looking to borrow? Do you plan to provide a down payment? What collateral can you offer? Does this loan fit your long-term goals? Being able to articulate this information to your lender will help them advise you on the right loan product, payment structure, , etc.

2. Tell Your Story & Goals

Ag lending is a relationship business, and a good lender will want to get to know your operation and may even want to visit in person. Of course, relationships are built over time, but being willing to share some of your operation’s history and goals will help your lender understand your business and gain context overall.

3. Gather Financial Documents

Your lender will need to compile a comprehensive picture of your financial position before approving your loan. Having well-organized and current financial records will streamline this process. Be prepared to provide:

a. Balance Sheets: Details your assets and liabilities.

b. Income Statements: Shows your revenue,

expenses and net income over a period of time.

c. Tax Returns: Shows your historical earnings and can be used for projections and to verify information.

d. Business Operating Plan: Details what you plan to grow (crop, acres, yield) and/or raise (livestock numbers/type/weights) in the year ahead.

e. Cash Flow Projections: Projects your income, expenses, and debt payments to show overall repayment ability.

This list may seem a lengthy, but I promise it’s not as bad as it seems. It’s your lender’s job to help you complete these documents if you don’t feel comfortable doing so on your own. This process is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I have found customers have all the information “on file” in their heads, it’s just taking the time to put it down on paper.

4. Consider Collateral and Risk Management Strategies

Most ag loans require collateral. Consider what you would be willing to utilize for collateral on your loan and be prepared to discuss the options with your lender. Generally, the type or purpose of loan (i.e. land, cattle, machinery) matches up with the type of collateral pledged.

As the stakes in agriculture continue to grow, risk management is becoming more and more important. Be prepared to discuss what types of risk management strategies you use in your operation, whether it be crop insurance, livestock risk protection, forward contracting, etc.

5. Understanding Your Financial Position

After providing the information discussed above, your lender should remain in close communication while analyzing your application. They may request additional information or follow up on certain items.

However, at this point, expect your lender to provide feedback on the information you provided and share their assessment of your overall financial position.

One way lenders may do this is by calculating various ratios that measure liquidity, solvency and repayment ability. The chart below summarizes some of the basic ratios used in ag financial analysis and can be used as a guide for many operations.

In addition to ratios, it’s important to consider the overall financial trends of an operation. As we know, the ag industry is volatile, so it’s not realistic to expect every number or ratio to improve year after year. There will be downturns, but building a strong relationship with a trusted ag lender will help your operation get past the bumps in the road and continue towards your goals.

Providing current and accurate information to your ag lender will allow for overall better service and decision making for your operation. Consistently providing information, will allow your lender to share feedback and highlight areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement to assist you in making the best decisions for your operation.

Belonging: The Key to Stronger Community

By Rachel Prevost, Member Services & Government Affairs Director

Rural isolation, shrinking small towns, traveling farther and farther for parts, groceries, appointments, vets – the list goes on. Sound familiar?

A loss of services and a smaller number of people threading together our communities are realities rural Montana face. Communities and businesses consolidate. Social clubs dry up. Youth programs go by the wayside. Rural EMS services become strained.

While social media has been a boon of connection for rural residents and small businesses, it doesn’t replace face-toface human social connections. The farther we grow apart from one another in social and community connections, the more isolated our rural communities, and we, become.

Being a rural Montana girl with a deep love and dedication for sustaining vibrant rural communities in our state, this worries me – and spurs me to action.

We have seen many movements across the state that are looking to address these issues, whether it’s MSU’s Reimagine Rural program, 4-H and FFA leadership programs, Annie’s Project, a co-op, or a Montana Farmers Union community building event, there are actively evolving and growing opportunities to combat this “loss of rural” that we are all facing. If you’re wondering where you can start, join Montana Farmers Union as an actionable first step toward combating rural isolation and building resilient rural systems.

Belonging is powerful, as both a foundation of rural grit and determination for generations and as a source of increased mental and physical health for community members. While one motivated person can do a lot of good through action and boots on the ground effort, even greater things happen when motivated people come together to support one another in that work to address the everyday issues facing our rural communities.

MFU has seen this firsthand through the development of two rancher-owned meat processing coops in the state. Montana Premium Processing Cooperative and Glacier Processing Cooperative exist today thanks to the dedication

of Farmers Union members and the communities around them and the shared desire to create resiliency in processing options in their communities. Belonging to MFU, joining a co-op, and joining in the community building movement made positive change.

I challenge you, take the leap to belong at Montana Farmers Union. There is a community of committed people and opportunity waiting for you to make the same commitment to yourself to help build rural sustainability. Do it for yourself to meet new people and challenge yourself to learn new skills. Do it for your community to be part of making a difference.

If you are a current MFU member, I challenge you to get active in the organization. Start by getting to know your local MFU Ambassador. Share the value you find in your MFU membership with your neighbors.

MFU strives to meet members where they are. If you need a more “feet first” approach, I encourage you to join our book club (just one Zoom meeting with the author after a couple of weeks to read the book). Or if you are ready to dive in “head first,” join one of our grassroots member committees (Policy, Women’s Conference Planning, Convention Planning). Share your ideas and watch the action that follows from the front row.

I hope we at Montana Farmers Union can inspire you toward action to help us keep the rural communities we love sustainable for generations to come.

What is Montana without our rural communities? I don’t want to know.

There are many things outside our control in agriculture, but where and how we choose to belong rest in our hands.

Take that first step.

Join MFU.

Everything you wanted to know about germination but were afraid to ask

By Jasmine Krotkov, Master Gardener

Spring has got to get here sometime, doesn’t it? In parts of Montana, by the time you’re sure that it’s really spring, and there won’t be another three feet of snow or sub-zero event, it’s almost too late to plant your garden.

When the time is finally right, you can buy vegetable starts at the garden center, which will jump start your garden, or you can start seeds inside.

If you choose starts, be aware that not all nursery-grown seedlings are created equal. You’ll have to inspect seedlings carefully for signs of disease, pests, or stress before bringing them home.

They’re also more expensive than seeds, and you won’t find a wide variety of seedlings available. The bigger chain stores generally will sell varieties that are “good enough for most areas” rather than varieties that are best adapted to Montana’s climate.

By starting from seeds, on the other hand, you have complete control over the entire growing process, from selecting the best varieties for your microclimate, to germination to harvest – and saving the seeds for the next article.

Growing plants from seed can be fun, interesting, and challenging. Not all seeds will germinate, and some will fail to thrive. Having complete control over the process means you also have more opportunities to make and learn from mistakes with watering, temperature fluctuations, and pest infestations.

Most Montana gardeners will use a mix of seeds and starts for their gardens. With really short growing seasons, some vegetables like pumpkins, hot peppers, melons, and onions need a lot of time indoors at the beginning of the season, so you may want to buy starts of those plants. Melons always break my heart by sprouting so beautifully on the warm summer compost pile, and then getting frosted before the fruits have a chance to ripen. Onions are a chancy crop in higher altitude gardens because they don’t start well indoors, and the season isn’t really long enough, even when growing from starts instead of seeds.

The time to start seeds indoors varies by species, but in general, aim for April. Likewise, the time between starting the seeds and transplanting outside varies by species, but in general, when veggies are about six inches tall and boxy in shape, and the soil has warmed up, they’re ready to go outside. I like to stagger transplant times, so that if a late frost takes out a batch of transplants, I have backups.

Whether you’re planting starts from the nursery or those you’ve grown yourself, make sure to harden off tender young plants by leaving them outside during the day, and in the garage at night, and then moving the pots outside to a shady spot outside day and night, and finally into the ground. Seedlings that have been well acclimated will have leaf veins that are pinkish instead of just pale green.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun! Be ready for learning experiences, failures, joys, and sweet surprises.

News From the

Magazine Contributors Spring 2025

Jordan Leach is honored to introduce herself as the current Montana FFA State President from Conrad. She grew up on a first-generation sheep and cattle ranch just south of Lake Elwell, where she was a nine-year member of the Tiber 4-H Club and an active FFA member. She also has been a member of Montana Farmers Union for two years. With the support of her family, she started her own small flock of sheep and raised both goats and cattle. She currently attends Montana State University, pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education with a minor in Ag Business. Since the seventh grade, her goal has been to be an Ag Ed teacher and FFA advisor in a rural Montana school. Go cats!

Marsha Goetting, Ph.D., is a Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. During the COVID years 2020 through 2022 her virtual seminars reached more than 13,450 Montanans and another 7,140 during 2023. She received the Iowa State University Alumni Achievement Award in 2020 and the AARP Community Partner Award in 2021. In 2023 she received the Distinguished Service Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, an Extension Honorary. Dr. Goetting is a member of the Montana Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia’s Coalition and has been appointed to the Montana Supreme Court Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

Brooke Kmetz is a Relationship Manager at AgWest Farm Credit in Miles City. Her passion and commitment to agriculture is routed in her upbringing and involvement in her family’s ranch near Locate.

Tracy McIntyre is a Eureka native who understands the importance of economic development in Montana’s communities. She is currently executive director of the Montana Cooperative Development Center.

Jasmine Krotkov is a Master Gardener with decades of experience designing and installing chinook zone gardens. She grows fruits and vegetables at elevation, where the growing season is short and the deer are hungry. She has taken time out from gardening to work as an advocate publicly for peace and a clean and healthful environment.

Heather Link, is the Communications Director at Montana Farmers Union, is also a Co-Editor and responsible for the layout and design of MFU Magazine. She holds a bachelor’s degree and over 15 years of marketing & design experience. Growing up, she visited her family’s farm on the Hi-Line, which is 110 years old and still operates today. She is married with two children and resides in Great Falls.

Jodi Koterba is an Education Associate and an Ambassador for Montana Farmers Union, developing curriculum, workshops, articles, and the Lunch & Learn Podcast to educate the public in and about agriculture. Koterba retired after 29 years of teaching high school agriculture and advising FFA chapters.Two agriculture curriculums written by her are currently sold nationwide.

Alice Miller is a Press Pelations Specialist with Montana Farmers Union. also serves as an MFU Magazine Co-Editor. Originally from the East Coast, she roamed The West as a newspaper reporter before settling down on her husband’s Hi-Line family farm and ranch, where the raise small grains, pulses, oil seeds, and Simmental Cattle.

Courtney Brown Kibblewhite owns and operates Northern Ag Network with her family out of Billings. She is on a mission to eliminate mental health stigma in rural Montana and Wyoming and has helped develop an award-winning multimedia campaign to encourage people to talk about the hard stuff called “Beyond the Weather”. She lives in Huntley, with her husband Jonny from Wales, and their two children.

Rachel Prevost is the Membership Services and Government Affairs Director at Montana Farmers Union. Prevost grew up on her family’s farm and ranch in Northeastern Montana and was a 10-year member of 4-H and 5-year member of Montana FFA. Prevost studied Political Science, Communication Studies, and Public Relations for her undergraduate degrees and cares deeply about the vitality of our rural communities and the sustainability of family farms for generations to come.