EASTERN WOMEN’S CONFERENCE A SUCCESS

More than 35 women enjoyed a weekend of learning and networking during the first ever Eastern Montana Women’s Conference hosted by Montana Farmers Union in Sidney.

“It brought people together in community and celebrating women and agriculture,” said Rachel Prevost, MFU’s member services director.

The inaugural event held in April featured panel discussions on cooperatives, succession planning, and managing stress in agriculture; leadership development; hands-on workshops; and plenty of time to get to know the other attendees.

“People were really excited that there was an event coming to their area,” said Peyton Cole, who planned the conference.

Attendee Darlis Nordhagen attended to reconnect with MFU after watching her mom be involved with Montana Farmers Union and National Farmers Union when Darlis was a girl, as well as network with women in her area.

“Support networks are important for all people, but, in our exceedingly remote area with harsh weather that can be even further isolating, opportunities to network with other rural women are extremely important to wellbeing,” Nordhagen said. During the conference, Nordhagen was struck by how many resources are available.

“It can feel pretty lonely and overwhelming as a woman farmer and rancher in Eastern Montana. The conference was a reminder that there are many women involved in a vast array of agriculture businesses in Eastern Montana, and there are many resources available for help and inspiration,” Nordhagen said.

Since the conference, Nordhagen already has started utilizing some of those resources, including joining MFU and becoming a member of the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative, as well as tapping into MFU resources for a co-op startup project.

Also during the women’s event, Montana Farmers Union launched the statewide Montana Farmers Union Book Club, adding another option for folks to gather, network, and talk about the importance of family farms.

Because the Eastern MT Women’s Conference was so well-received by the attendees, plans are already in the works for another, Cole said.

“We’re excited to do this next year,” she added.

To learn more about other opportunities and upcoming events through Montana Farmers Union, go to www.montanafarmersunion.com.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Preserving the photos isn’t just about MFU history, though, Kaftan said.

“It’s as much about the preservation of our story as it is yours. The memories of the games, the crazy costumes, the nights dancing, the friends made, and the fun had are what makes camp important, and that’s what we are preserving,” he said.

This year marks more changes for the facility with the completion of three new cabins, a mini golf course and a greenhouse.

“It is exciting to have more housing so that we can bring such a great experience to more of Montana’s youth,” MFU’s Education Director Matthew Hauk said.

Each year, campers arrive from around the state to enjoy interactive lessons about cooperatives and get to run a camp co-op store for hands-on learning, in addition to other fun activities, such as learning how to line dance and trivia night.

“It’s not just learning about ag or learning about soil or learning about co-ops, but there are a lot of other fun things,” Hauk said.

Spicher remembers having fun learning how to dance and doing other activities, but camp also taught her how to succeed outside of her comfort zone and how to be a leader. Often, the lessons came from other campers and counselors. “Having good counselors showed me what I needed to do,” said Spicher, who also served as a counselor herself.

Abby Clark also learned life lessons at Arrowpeak, including how to delegate and how to be comfortable networking.

Although she didn’t want to go initially, she immediately changed her mind upon arrival and attended camp for years, also becoming a counselor. She remains actively involved in MFU, in no small part because of the relationships formed over her years at Arrowpeak.

“I’m currently at college with some people who I went to Farmers Union camp with. That’s my first memory of meeting them,” Clark said. She might not be a camper anymore, but Clark still has fond memories and long-lasting relationships from her time at camp.

“(MFU programs) really focus on character, and they really focus on those relationships that you carry throughout your entire life,” Clark said.