MFU AMBASSADOR UPDATES

Headwaters Area

Samantha Ferrat

sferrat@montanafarmersunion.com

In recent conversations, fellow ranchers and farmers have asked me why I joined Montana Farmers Union and why they should. I love this question, but it makes me nervous –nervous about saying the right thing, as there is so much to explain about what our organization does and provides. My response goes something like this:

MFU is dedicated to supporting and advocating for family farmers and ranchers through member-created policy used to direct efforts during legislative sessions, as well as providing relevant educational programs for youth and adults locally and statewide. MFU additionally strives to cultivate a strong sense of community and supports local food systems.

Our member benefits are certainly something to talk about too! Benefits include grant funding, scholarships, insurance benefits, Boot Barn, hotel and rental car discounts, leadership and advocacy training and so much more. (Check out complete benefits on our website today!)

What sets MFU apart is the true advocacy for agriculture and passionate support for rural communities and member-driven policy. I have witnessed all of this in action as a member before I became an ambassador. These values and actions inspired me to serve as an MFU ambassador to continue the momentum throughout my membership area.

Now it’s my turn to ask – what are you waiting for? There is no better time than now to be an active member in a true grassroots organization that works for you, its members, and the future of agriculture. Let’s collaborate to improve our livelihoods and agricultural pursuits. My door is always open, or call anytime at (406) 949-0869.

Flathead Local

Carissa McNamara

cmcnamara@montanafarmersunion.com

Why Testify?

I asked myself this question several times this legislative session while we were calling on members for their testimony and while preparing my own. I circled around cliches like, “Because, it’s the right thing to do,” and, “Because, I’ve got a bee in my bonnet,” or, “Because, actions speak louder than words,” and even, “Because it’s worth it in the end.”

But it was after chatting with one of our young members at a chamber meeting, that I remembered the power of testimony. She spoke optimistically, hopefully, and passionately about democracy. She made me remember that it requires unfettered engagement for a healthy, diverse, and full-circle democracy. Voting is action step No. 1. It’s the first pitch; you got the team on the field. What happens next is not a spectator sport.

That Montana Farmers Union made certain we did not stand alone during the testimony process helped me and others to take the next steps and fully engage. We had testimony guidance, support, and education to help us craft why the issues matter to us on our operations and why they should matter to legislators and other Montanans as well.

Why Testify?

Because watching others testify was powerful, educational, and inspiring. Giving my own testimony made me realize how essential we are in educating our leaders about agriculture and what we face in rural communities – and because young optimistic, hopeful members are watching and learning how we engage democracy.

Southeast Montana

Eleanor Ferrone Dutton

eferrone@montanafarmersunion.com

With no snow piles left in sight and budding cottonwoods lining the Yellowstone, I am so thankful that the long months of winter are at a close. Looking forward to this spring and summer, I am energized by the MFU work on my horizon. Specifically, the partnership that I am building with the Miles Community College Ag program. After brainstorming with the MCC Ag Director, ideas for the fall semester are materializing:

• Create a mentorship program between MFU members and MCC Ag students, with the goal of providing students the opportunity to seek advice, information, and hands-on experience;

• Schedule tours of different operations, hosted by MFU members, to provide a learning experience that is outside of the classroom;

• Invite MFU members and other guests to speak during MCC classes about their operations; and

• Host membership gatherings on the MCC campus that are open to students.

The goal of partnering with MCC is to help provide their students with resources, tools, and the confidence to succeed in the Ag industry after graduation. Education, as one of the MFU pillars, is a bridge that helps connect people of all ages and abilities. This growing partnership will give MFU members the opportunity to directly impact Ag students at MCC – both inside and outside of the classroom.

If you are in the Southeast/ East region and are interested in becoming involved in this partnership, please do not hesitate to contact me at edutton@montanafarmersunion. com.

Central Montana Mary Jenni

mjenni@montanafarmersunion.com

In what KEY do cows sing? Beef Flat (ha ha)

I love to plan events and parties. With that said, a month ago I casually mentioned to my significant other that I wanted to hold an event for Montana Farmers Union at his ranch. It would be a small group, 20-30 people. Being his normal, agreeable self, he said, ‘Sure, let’s do it!’ The event was on April 8, and we hosted 120 people from three counties. The event focused on sourcing food locally, the family ranch operation, and Montana Farmers Union. To me, the overwhelming response in attendance is an indicator that consumers want to know more about where their food comes from and about what Montana Farmers Union offers. I am thrilled to share with these guests how sourcing local food is affordable and doable and enthusiastic about sharing Montana Farmers Union opportunities.

My region covers five counties: Fergus, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Phillips, and Wheatland. The distance from the top of Phillips County to the bottom of Wheatland County is around 300 miles so getting everyone at one event is unreasonable. To accommodate the distances, I have a seed swap party scheduled in Malta on May 10. I am working to cultivate strong relationships with our members and agricultural families all over the Central Montana Region.

Through these events, I am most looking forward to meeting existing and potential MFU members and having some great conversations.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Greater Yellowstone Skylar Williams

swilliams@montanafarmersunion.com

Hello, members!

These past few weeks I have been working with local elementary schools to try and set up a school garden so kids can grow their own fruits and vegetables. I attended an in-person Farm to School producer training session in Hardin hosted by the MSU Nutrition Team at the school. The training provided insight into what is required to try and sell local farm and ranch produce. It made me want to see what schools already engage in Farm to School. Hardin has a couple local growers that provide vegetables, and seeing that, I wanted to find growers in Yellowstone County who might be interested in a “Meet your Farmer” day where they could share a little bit about who they are and what they do.

Grant opportunities for the kids is also something I’ve been letting the schools know about with my visits, along with potential sponsorships and working with the Billings Chamber maybe even on a Farm Tour!

We have membership meetings set up for Yellowstone/Bighorn counties, with Yellowstone to be held April 20 and Bighorn County on April 27. I will be in touch soon with other opportunities to connect!