Aug/Sept 2022 Montana Grassroots Edition

GRASS ROOTS MONTANA

A PUBLICATION BY MONTANA FARMERS UNION

A COMMUNITY SUSTAINED BY CONNECTION

Montana Farmers Union is a community within Montana’s close-knit farming communities, working to strengthen family farms and ranches through legislation, education and cooperation.

Grassroots engagement is at MFU’s core, and the organization began as a way for farmers to band together to find solutions to issues in the industry.

“The people who are doing the work on the Montana landscape have the chance to make their voices heard,” MFU Member Services Director Rachel Prevost said.

Various events forge and strengthen the MFU community, with summer youth camp programs, an annual convention, the women’s conference, member picnics, leadership programs, and local

FUEL PARTICIPANTS MEET IN BOZEMAN

The 2022 Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership cohort met in Bozeman June 23-25 for the second of three learning opportunities during the yearlong program.

Cohort participants gathered from Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Montana for leader ship-focused activities that included a farm tour, team building, learning public speaking skills and a presentation about Farmers Union Enterprises and the importance of cooperatives.

The FUEL program is sponsored by Farmers Union Enterprises and is intended to empower future leaders in Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Farmers Unions throu gh a series of hands-on learning experiences that enhance their knowledge of cooperatives and Far mers Union. Skills developed through the program

Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Working on the landscape: New Agrarian Program participants learn hands-on about stockmanship at a recent event. MFU sponsored the event organized by the Quivera Coalition

Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership (FUEL) program participants are selected from five Farmers Union states: Montana, North Dakota, South

-MONTANA

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

FARMERS UNION-

My daughter has been doing research in the Arctic Ocean for the past three years while living in Norway. Because of Covid and my schedule, we just got over to visit her. Our time was spent north of the Arctic Circle which meant our days were 24 hours long. We arrived in Tromso a little after midnight and were greeted by a gorgeous sunset or maybe sunrise … actually neither, as the sun had not set since May 18th.

Norway is spectacular.

Everywhere we went – from Hannah’s back deck, our drives around, over and under the Fjords – was as pretty, if not prettier, than the best part of Glacier Park. The only time there was not a waterfall in our view was when we drove under a Fjord or through a mountain in a tunnel. There are thousands of well-maintained trails, and oftentimes we were the only ones on the trail to a waterfall or glacier. The Norwegians are very friendly and speak better English than the Brits.

When I visit a country, I check out their grocery stores for the price of food and their selection. I also seek out farmers to talk farming. In Norway this was an easy task. Because “Food Security” is Norway’s No. 1 priority, there are lots of farmer-direct stores and cafés. The largest supermarket chain in Norway is a co-op.There is a food store within walking distance in every village. Easy access to food is a priority. The cost of their food was also reasonable, and if you shopped wisely by looking through their bargain bins and sale items, a grocery store outing was about the same price as shopping for groceries in the USA. The difference is you did not have to get in a car and drive an hour to a corporate-owned store.

While driving around Norway, we often ate at farmer-owned cafés and shopped at small farmer-owned stores. This gave me an opportunity to visit with farmers. Yes, even the old farmers spoke English. What I found is most of the farms were small in size and have been in their families for generations. Researching Norway’s agriculture, I found that the average size of a farm is about 50 acres. Three percent of Norway is classified as arable land but about half of that is considered cultivated timber. The average farm is about 1/3 crop, 1/3 pasture and 1/3 timber. I mostly saw dairy cows, sheep and goats. Most of the dairy cows were Simmental, which is a dual-purpose breed for milk and beef. The average size of a dairy is about 25 milking cows. Most of the dairy farms sell direct or to a co-op. TINE is a dairy cooperative owned by 15,000 farmers and is by far the largest dairy distributor in Norway. Dairy cooperatives have a long history in Norway, with the first cooperative formed in 1856. Most farmers belong to cooperatives for equipment sharing, as well as their processing and marketing. They harvested their own timber and sold direct, or they worked with their local cooperative to harvest and market their timber. Most of their cropland was used to produce feed for their livestock. In the Tromso region (north of the Arctic circle) the growing season was about 130 days with most of that being 24 hour daylight.

I struggled trying to figure out the price of farmland. Foreign nationals can buy farmland, but you are required to live on the farm most of the time. Norway’s preference is for the farm to stay within the family. Consequently, their tax structure is very favorable to farms transitioning to their family. The only requirement is the family member must have the farm as their primary residence for the first five years. I searched many online real estate sites and found no farms for sale. When I talked to farmers, they said it is rare for a farm to sell outside of the family and that they were unsure about the current price of the farmland.

We can learn from the Norway example. If food security is our priority, we should have more producer-owned co-ops processing food in our communities, locally owned grocery stores, and easier access to food – instead of a cheap food policy that doesn’t provide cheaper food but rather gives corporations control of our food dollar.

Walter Schweitzer

MONTANA FARMERS UNION

PO BOX 2447

300 RIVER DRIVE NORTH GREAT FALLS MT 59403

PHONE: (406) 452-6406 1-800-234-4071 FAX: (406) 727-8216

mfu@montanafarmersunion.com www.montanafarmersunion.com

Board of Directors:

Walter Schweitzer, President

Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad

Jan Tusick, Secretary/Treasuer, District 6, Ronan

Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power

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

Tom Clark, District 1, Fort Benton

Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan

William Downs, District 5, Molt

Ben Peterson, At-Large Director, Judith Gap

Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director

Sarah Rachor, Sidney, District 3

State Office Staff:

Walter Schweitzer, President

Matt Rains, Chief of Staff

Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Audra Labert, Communications / Marketing Director

Rachel Prevost, Government Affairs Director/ Member Svcs.

Violet Green, Education Coordinator

Leisha Skaggs, Event & Media Coordinator

Alice Miller, Press Relations Specialist

Samatha Ferrat, Membership Ambassador

Eleanor Ferrone, Membership Ambassador

Carissa McNamara, Membership Ambassador

Gwyneth Givens, Membership Ambassador

Dartanion Kaftan, Intern

Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2022 Montana Grass roots is the official publication of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Montana Division. MFU reserves the right to reject any advertisements. Third Class bulk postage paid at Great Falls MT 59401.

Membership: $50.00 per year

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

Copy Editor: Alice Miller, Jan Johnson

Editor/Designer: Audra Labert

IN THIS ISSUE:

MFU Community Pages 1, 6

Leadership Program Pages 1, 4

Calendar of Events Page 4

Legislative Update Welcome New Members Page 5

Foundation grant awards Policy Committee schedule Page 7

2022 Convention Guide Page 8

2022 Convention Guide Page 9 Membership Update Page 10

MFU Ambassador Updates Page 11

Education & Camp Update Page 12

Cooperatives Updates Page 13

Congressional Update Page 14

MFU Afoot & Afield Page 15

TOP ROLES RECENTLY ELECTED IN FLATHEAD COMMUNITY LOCAL

The Flathead area Montana Farmers Union local chapter recently elected officers to lead the group as they work to strengthen family farms and ranches in their area.

Mark Siderius was elected president, and is joined by Chris Fritz as vice president, Heather Siderius, as secretary/treasurer, and Ron deYong as legislative chairperson.

The elections mark the reinvigoration of the Local, which is part of a network of what MFU refers to as Locals and Counties across the state that help inform MFU’s work.

“The meeting had a great turn out – we had first-generation members and fourth-generation members in the same room, which to me really represents the diversity in ag and its producers in a positive and well-rounded way. When we all meet each other where we are, we really account for what Montana Farmers Union stands for: collaboration, cooperation, and education,” MFU Membership Ambassador Carissa McNamara said.

Meeting again in the Flathead excites third-generation MFU member Mark Siderius.

“The high-point of starting up again is having old members showing back up, and the new members, and young members showing up on their own,” Siderius said.

Local and County groups meet to discuss policy and work in alignment with and to inform MFU priorities and work, which takes a three-prong approach focused on education, legislation and cooperation.

Local gatherings provide a space for social and professional community, focusing on agriculture and rural communities. Each region’s local gatherings are different, as communities all across the state are different. Locals can host member meetings, discuss and work on policy resolutions for the State MFU Annual Convention, bring in informational and educational speakers for the community, lobby local officials on MFU priorities, sponsor events, offer higher education scholarships and camperships to MFU’s summer youth camp, and more.

Siderius said the Flathead local’s goal moving forward is to be supportive of producers.

“The focus and our mission is to be a constant support in a producer driven state. We would like to provide opportunities to our members, especially youth, whether its’s women’s conference, fly-in’s, or conventions,” said Siderius, who is a third-generation MFU member.

People involved in agriculture can learn more about how to become involved by contacting any of MFU’s Membership Ambassadors or visiting www.montanafarmersunion.com/membership.

“The best way to get involved is to reach out to us or attend meetings anywhere they are being held. Please come be a part, we will find everybody a niche,” Siderius said. “My dad used to say, ‘All agriculture is good agriculture.’ He always believed we can promote all ag differences without it being negative, so just reach out.”

include community involvement, public speaking, succession planning, marketing, and buil ding relationships.

The first day of the leadership program inclu ded a team bonding experience of whitewa ter rafting on the Gallatin River. Then in the afternoon, the cohort had the chance to tour and meet with Martin Kimm of Kimm Bro thers Farming in Toston and Manhattan, MT. Participants learned about seed potato sto rage, packing and potato farming in general.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

critical to drive home points that are impor tant to you when talking with other organiza tional members, media, locally elected officials, and congressional delegations. Endvick also discussed the power of writing letters to the editor and op-eds by leading an activity with a worksheet on how to build an organized LTE. The training provided a good reminder to be an engaged and active listener, even if the other person’s point of view or opinion is different from your own, FUEL participant Whitney Graham said.

“Another takeaway was the importance of being relevant and relatable to our audience through personal stories and experiences. I think being able to share personal stories from our lives shows the ability to be open and vulnerable,” she added.

- Whitney Graham, 2022-2023 FUEL Participant

The evening was topped off with a dinner that included locally sourced Kimm Brothers Far ming potatoes.

On the second day of training, participants honed their legislative advocacy skills with a workshop put on by one of North Dakota Farmers Union’s Member Relations Specia lists, Mary Mertens. The activity consisted of participants grabbing a topic on the spot to practice being concise and relating personal experience to the issue, as if participants were speaking with a member of their congressio nal delegation.

Another workshop led by Wisconsin Farmers Union’s Kriss Marion focused on “Poised and Powerful Public Speaking.” Marion worked through how to build your boilerplate intro duction, which can be applied to many spea king opportunities. From there she discussed the importance of taking your “why” and buil ding it into your speeches, one-on-one oppor tunities, and more.

Then, a story-telling workshop was presented by Wisconsin Farmers Union’s Communica tion Director Danielle Endvick, who discussed why she tells her story and how others can too.

Often rural voices are missing from the dis cussion table, Endvick said. She and others who shared their stories noted that a story is

Overall, the program is a great way to learn more about agriculture and why protecting food systems is good for everyone, Graham said.

“The areas represented and most of the par ticipants are part of small, rural communities. The program is a great way to network with others invested in serving and ensuring that rural communities thrive,” Graham said. “The success of family farms is vital to not only rural communities but to all communities. The pro gram has been great in engaging and igniting our commitment to ensuring family farms are sustainable for generations to come.”

Montana Farmers Union is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 FUEL Program.

Learn more and apply at montanafarmersunion.com/fuel, or scan the code:

Whitney Graham (left) with Allison Hellenbrand of Wisconsin Farmers Union.

“The success of family farms is vital to not only rural communities but to all communities.”

ADVOCATING FOR FAMILY FARMERS & RANCHERS

RACHEL PREVOST MEMBERSHIP/GOVT. AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

In the midst of this busy summer season, Montana Farmers Union has been tracking different federal issues, many of which are focused on anti-trust enforcement efforts and increasing transparency and competition. MFU has provided comment to represent our members on many of these issues, using policy directly written by and voted on by you all as grassroots members of our organization.

MFU has provided comments to the USDA on the following:

Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns

MFU comments cite our concern of the lack of competition and diversity in the market for fertilizer, as well as the supply chain’s susceptibility to disruptions, affecting availability and access. The comments further note our concern of the skyrocketing costs of fertilizer, in which we point to the poten tial solution of the need to increase domestic production of fertilizer and the need to invest research dollars on developing crop varieties that can produce comparable yields with less fertilizer.

Competition and the Intellectual Pro perty System: Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs

MFU comments cite our support and efforts to ensure that farmers and ranchers can repair their own equipment by advocating for the right to repair. The comments further acknowledge MFU’s concerns with the corporate consolidation in the seed industry as farmers are forced to deal with fewer seed

suppliers and fewer seed varieties readily available to them.

Competition in Food Retail and Distri bution Markets and Access for Agricultural Producers and Small and Midsized Food Processors

MFU comments cite our support and efforts to strengthen local and regional processing in frastructure as well as our efforts to increase competition and fairness for family farmers and ranchers. Further, the comments note that “Greater competition in the retail food and distribution markets could increase opportu nities for agricultural producers across the nation, level the playing field, and help increase food security. Ensuring enforcement of anti-trust measures is a critical part of this discussion as well when it comes to increasing competition and fairness.” We also note in our comments the need to continue building a skilled workforce of butchers and inspectors to meet the demand of the increasing local and regional meat processing capacity.

Transparency in Poultry Grower Con tracting and Tournaments

MFU comments cite the need to increase transparency for poultry growers, so family farmers and ranchers can make decisions that are best for their operation. Further, the comments urge and support the enforcement of anti-trust laws and rules in the Packers and Stockyards Act, with the goal to ultimately increase market competition and fairness for family farmers and ranchers. MFU notes in the comments our policy and priorities that greater transparency and dis

closure significantly decreases the ability of corporate monopolies to manipulate the mar kets behind closed doors. We further cite, and urge in future rulemaking, the need to address market practices that are unfair, discrimina tory, or deceptive to farmers and ranchers.

Outside of federal comments, the MFU Annual convention is right around the corner along with the development of MFU’s grassroots member policy. I encourage all MFU members interested in policy development to stay tuned and up to date on our weekly e-communica tions as we near convention and the policy committee begins their work on updating the MFU policy book. If you are interested in being on the policy committee, please contact me.

I also want to remind folks that our Oct. 15 Congressional Townhall will take place in conjunction with MFU’s Annual State Conven tion. Attendees will have the chance to hear from Montana’s congressional candidates from both districts. The Townhall event is free and open to the public.

If you have questions about registering for convention, being a vendor, or just wondering what our convention is all about, please check out our convention page at montanafarmersunion.com or reach out to any of the staff here at the office.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at the office with questions at 406-452-6406 or rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com.

Have a happy harvest.

Todd Lee & Erin Graham, Lodge Grass K J Fauth

Leland & Renee Thill, Bozeman

Donald & Maria Boyce, Havre

Bruckner Ranch Inc., Malta

Referred by:

Meagan Kinsella

Shane Anderson

Paul Benes & Erin Gernaat, Miles City Tayler Kennedy

Robert & Rita George, Miles City Ron & Blayne Watts

Cory Wilhelm, Miles City Ron & Blayne Watts

Donald & Randeen Rath, Glasgow Brady Burgess

Christopher & Mary Heide, Circle Kaylen Lehner

Merrill & Allene Dana, Billings K J Fauth

Dean Derby

Robert & Teresa Miller, Laurel Wes Schwend

Greg Keller, Hardin

Daniel Pitsch, Hardin

James & Leslie Mathews, Billings

Melissa Wacker

Melissa Wacker

Judd Long

Matthew & Crystal Enneberg, Kevin Eric Hinebauch

Clinton & Jodi Burk, Glen Stefanie Thompson

Hawkcreek LLC, Kalispell

Charles Monroe

Ciara Rehbein, Butte James Entzi

Diann Ferrat, East Helena Samantha Ferrat Shirley & Darrell Dyer, Winifred MFU Office

meetings. Other events, such as primary election debates, educate members about what’s happening in the industry, and scholarship opportunities help members seek additional schooling.

Members also have the opportunity to reach lawmakers through the national Fly In and testimony during the state legislative session, with MFU staff advocating for members yearround.

Projects, such as the Montana Premium Pro cessing Cooperative, put cooperation from theory into operation.

The member-owned, USDA-inspected meat processing facility is scheduled to open this year, and MFU member Aeric Reilly said he plans to use the plant as an avenue to grow Reilly Ranch Beef direct-to-customer sales.

Reilly’s connection to MFU is deep, and he ser ved as MFU’s membership director for several years. He called the MFU community tight knit and said relationships within MFU have been rewarding on a personal and professional level.

“Everyone is pretty down to earth and is very dedicated to the Ag community,” he said.

The organization has many opportunities to volunteer, grow and connect, Reilly said.

“People would be well served to inquire on how to get involved,” he added.

FARMERS UNION-

Membership Ambassadors are making getting involved easier than ever.

Ambassadors across the state help coordinate educational opportunities, are liaisons between members and the state office to share important issues, foster involvement in MFU priorities, and work to support rural communities.

Having a community to share ideas within is crucial to finding solutions.

“Sharing ideas doesn’t just happen spontaneously. You have to develop a rela tionship – trust – to have an open exchange of ideas.You have to have confidence you’re going to be heard, that it’s worth your effort to par ticipate. It’s critically important to see action and response to your input or you’ll burn out and quit trying,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said.

It was at a local MFU chapter meeting several years ago that Ambassador Gwyneth Givens became hooked.

The spirit of comradery she witnessed as a child while farmers waited for their seed at the seed plant her family ran is the same comra dery she experiences now that she’s farming with her husband John Wicks – and it’s the same comradery MFU provides for farmers and ranchers as they work to strengthen their operations.

“These are nonpartisan issues,” Givens said. “It’s not about our political leaning – it’s about labeling where our beef is from. It’s about kee ping the family farm for generations without having to sell off land to make ends meet. It’s about teaching kids to grow their own food.”

Everything MFU does is in response to its members, Schweitzer said, adding that MFU continues to fight against consolidation in the ag industry, to implement mandatory country of origin labeling, and for farmers to have the right to repair their own equipment because members want those issues resolved.

For Schweitzer and many others, membership goes beyond issues to lasting friendship, and it is not uncommon for generations of the same family to have maintained their membership status.

Regardless of why members come and stay, the sentiment they share is the same: Family farms are the backbone of Montana and without them the landscape wouldn’t be the same.

“Montana Farmers Union gives me hope for the future of Montana,” Schweitzer said.“Hope for the family farm and for the opportunities for my children and grandchildren.”

Members from Vilicus Farms were recently featured on Montana Right Now. Scan the code to watch, meet Anna Jones-Crabtree and Doug Crabtree and more of their team, plus find out what practices make their operation unique!

-MONTANA

“It’s not about political leaning... it’s about keeping the family farm for generations...”

- Gwyneth Givens

MFU FOUNDATION AWARDS $10,000 IN GRANTS

Montana Farmers Union Foundation has an nounced $10,000 in support to projects across the state through the organization’s grant program.

“It’s exciting to see so many people working on so many great things,” said Jan Tusick, a Montana Farmers Union board member who serves on the board’s Foundation committee.

The recent awards were the first grants given by the Foundation, the mission of which is to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth and enhancement of Montana agriculture and rural communities.

“A lot of it is projects that benefit Montana’s rural communities, which are mostly our agri cultural communities, and the projects that were supported I think definitely reflected that,” Tusick said.The grant awards are the first of two award cycles this year and included:

-- $1,500 to Choteau Schools to expand their garden area that contributes to their food service program with the purchase of supplies and signage. The project aims to educate stu dents about the basics of soil science and a simple irrigation system, while using the food they grow as part of the Farm to School pro gram that is already in place at the school.

-- $2,000 to Belt School for the purchase of

new shop equipment to provide students with hands-on learning experiences relevant to agriculture. Currently, the state of some shop tools prevents students from doing more ad vanced projects.

-- $6,500 to North Star Schools for a fourseason greenhouse to use for hands-on experiences for elementary and high school students and for use in the food service pro gram.

“Montana Farmers Union’s mission aligns directly with what we’re trying to do – grow agriculture and grow it beyond doing it in the field,” said Jessica Myers, North Star’s Family and Consumer Sciences teacher who submitted the grant.

Despite the Hi-Line community’s proximity to agriculture, disconnect exists between people and the food they consume versus grow and then ship elsewhere for additional processing. In contrast, students will be able to grow, harvest and prepare produce from the green house on campus.

“They will understand that I can make some thing and I can grow something in my backyard or in a pot – and not just having it, but what to do with it when you have it,” Myers said. Students at both the elementary and high school will benefit from the greenhouse, which

will teach hands-on lessons integrated across the curriculum while providing sustainable, quality produce and opportunities to partner with other community organizations.

Myers said she hopes to have the greenhouse operational by the fall of 2023 and is pursuing additional grants and community support to finish raising funds.

Qualifying applications must align with the Foundation’s goal of contributing to the growth and enhancement of Montana agricultural and rural communities. One of the Foundation’s major focuses is further edu cation about agriculture and rural issues for Montanans of all ages. The Foundation also focuses on enhancing rural prosperity through economic and cooperative development.

Learn more about the Foundation and grants at montanafarmersunion.com.

MFU 2022 POLICY COMMITTEE SCHEDULE

- All meetings expected to be 1.5 hours maximum - All meetings virtual, except Oct. 13 pre-convention meeting in Helena

The zoom links for Committee meetings are available to all MFU members in order to foster member participation. Contact us for participation links: rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com.

There will be plenty of opportunity to provide comments and resolutions to the Policy Commi ttee during the upcoming meetings. Please join to listen in to the committee deliberations and make your voice heard.

DATES/TIME

-Wednesday, Aug. 31 – Intro meeting, planning, working -Thursday, Sept. 8 – First full meeting -Thursday, Sept. 22 – Second meeting -Thursday, Sept. 29 – Third meeting -Thursday, Oct. 6 – Fourth meeting -Wednesday, Oct. 12 – Fifth meeting -Thursday, Oct. 13 – pre-convention in-person in Helena, final work meeting for Resolutions committee -Convention starts Oct. 14.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Convention is where we: guide policy and programs • elect our leaders

cultivate our rural and agricultural communities • learn something new • have a great time!

Speakers and workshops offer opportunities to learn about topics from marketing and entrepeneurship to regenerative Ag and climate resilience, and connecting Ag to schools.

Networking opportunities and vendor trade show.

Election of MFU Board Members, policy debate and voting of delegates to the 2023 National Farmers Union Convention.

LIVE MUSIC from The Lucky Valentines, & more!

Friday night happy hour & pint glass giveaway sponsored by

Check the agenda, meet the speakers & register at montanafarmersunion.com

Saturday, October 15 at 7pm LIVE as part of Convention & open to the public. Join us in person, or listen to the broadcast:

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

CONVENTION CALL

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL AND COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS OF THE FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA, MONTANA DIVISION (MONTANA FARMERS UNION)

You are hereby notified that the 107th Annual State Convention of the Montana Division of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America will be held in Helena, Montana at the Marriott Helena Colonial October 14-15, 2022, for the purpose of hearing reports from the state officers, to elect a vice president to a two-year term, three district board members-one director from District Two to a threeyear term; one director from District Six to a three-year term; an At-Large Director for Districts 5 and 6 to a three-year term; conductor and doorkeeper will be elected to one-year terms; further, to transact such business and adopt such resolutions as may be desired by the mem bers of Montana Farmers Union.

Nominating petitions of board members and officers shall be submitted by mail or email to the MFU Office by August 30. Mail-in ballots may be requested as soon as 90 days before but no later than 30 days before convention. Requested mail-in ballots will be mailed to eligible voters 30 days prior to convention. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked at least seven (7) days prior to convention or may be personally delivered no later than the time for in-person voting. For in-person voting ballots will be distributed at the time of election, during the morning session of October 15 and all ballots must be in the ballot box no later than noon on October 15.

It will be appreciated if resolutions be sent to state headquarters by October 7.

Walter Schweitzer Jan Tusick President Secretary-Treasurer Montana Farmers Union Montana Farmers Union

While summer is nearing its end, I hope harvest and fair season is going well. I was able to visit a couple fairs this summer around the state, and it has been great to check out all the awesome 4-H/FFA projects and livestock shows. I would like to issue a huge congrats to all 4-H and FFA members who dedicated their summer to getting their projects and animals ready for fair!

If you want to share any fun 4-H or FFA fair photos to be featured in our weekly MFU Boot-up emails, be sure to send them my way with your animal’s name and a few details about your project!

(rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com).

Our MFU Ambassador team is hard at work getting out into our rural communities to con nect with members all around the state. We are working hard to have a local presence and ensure that family farmers’ and ranchers’ voices are heard. I encourage MFU members to reach out to the ambassador closest to you (or myself) to learn more about our efforts to establish MFU membership gatherings and the upcoming MFU Annual Convention. Also be sure to read our Ambassador’s update!

Another exciting update that MFU has been working on this summer is the opportunity

for 4-H and FFA members to activate their free MFU membership. This opportunity is for any Montana FFA member and/or Senior 4-Her who would like to join MFU. This is a complimentary, one-year membership.To learn more about how to activate this membership, please feel free to reach out to me, and I can send you the codes to get that activated. MFU is dedicated to ensuring the next generation of producers has their voices heard, and this is just one of the many steps we are taking to ensure that happens.

This membership gives 4-H and FFA members access to:

• Scholarships for high school, college, and non-traditional students.

• Funding opportunities through grants for community, educational, or agricultural projects.

• Discounted rates to our MFU summer leadership camps

• Summer employment opportunities as camp counselors

• A voice in ag policy through state and federal legislative efforts

• And so much more!

All MFU members receive membership benefits through the state and national organizations.

A listing of benefits is at montanafarmersu nion.com/member-benefits (QR code above). One recent update for members is with the Comfort Inn & Suites in Bozeman. Our updated discount with the hotel is $65/night plus tax for October through May and $119/night plus tax June through September.

I encourage members to utilize the awesome benefits your membership provides. If you have any questions about how to use the MFU benefits or National Farmers Union benefits, please reach out and I am more than happy to help.

With MFU’s Annual Convention being Oct. 14-15, I hope to see as many members as possible in Helena in just a few short months. We’ve got a packed convention schedule of great work-shops, including topics like direct-to-consumer marketing and regenerative and sustainable agriculture, great musical entertainment, presentations on Women’s Conference and Youth Summer Camp, and more.

Good luck to everyone in the field and to any remaining fair participants. Have a great rest of your summer and a happy harvest.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

MFU AMBASSADOR UPDATES

Flathead Local Carissa McNamara Headwaters

My last 60 days took me through flood, fire, four ranch tours, membership meetings in both Kalispell and Missoula, agricultural research tours, scholarship outreach, conven tion preparations, and more. But one visit stands out and needs to be shared.

“This is my grandparents farm, and I can tell you that no one ever sat down and had a conversation with them, so that means in 120 years this is the first time anyone has ever had boots on the ground and sat in my kitchen and asked me about what we are facing out here. It feels pretty good to be cared about.”

That quote was from a farmer/rancher in Hot Springs, while meeting with a member of the drought research team, who is tasked with gathering information to update the drought management plan for the state of Monta na (which hasn’t been updated in 35 years.) When he said that, my throat locked up, first with tears, but then a renewed sense of the significance of Montana Farmers Union and its ambassadors out in the field. Our passion and commitment to agriculture and rural communities is relentless.

Much of the world runs on intellect, nerves, and ambition, but what sets apart our grass roots agricultural aspirations can only be des cribed as heart. Meaningful change begins with individuals, and from there entire industries are transformed. That is the value of Montana Farmers Union.

Area Samantha Ferrat

It’s Fair season! Which is one of my very favorite times of year! Our Broadwater County fair was a great success. It is so rewarding to be a part of the county fair as a 4-H leader, spectator, and supporter!

MFU has been well represented at various fairs this summer too, as judges and sponsors and volunteer 4-H leaders. I would love to hear about your local fair as well! Or if your fair is coming up, I would love to attend, don’t hesitate to reach out! Did you know that MFU is offering 4-H & FFA members a complimentary 1-year membership?!

We are looking forward to sharing all that MFU has to offer with the youth of Montana through this complimentary membership.

Ask your local membership ambassadors for more information.

Southeast Montana Eleanor Ferrone

Greetings from Forsyth! I was fortuna te enough to set up a MFU table at both the Rosebud/Treasure county and Prairie county fairs. High temperatures in Forsyth and rain in Terry could not keep me from enjoying myself- its just something about fair festivities, I guess! I was able to make some great connections with both MFU members and nonmembers.

The 4-H sales and showings were very im pressive- congratulations to all the people who worked so hard to make that happen!

I have a membership meeting scheduled for September 7th at the Rosebud County Library, at 6:00pm for dinner and a meet n’ greet.

All members in the area are welcome to come, as well as anyone interested in becoming a member. This will be a more in formal meeting, but it will help determine the direction that local MFU members want to pursue in the future.

Golden Triangle Area Gwyneth Givens

The last few months have been a whirlwind, and I don’t think I will ever catch up! I have enjoyed meeting with farmers and ranchers and traveling around north central Montana to the county fairs and other events. Fall brings even more opportunities with the MFU D.C. Fly-In, harvest festivals, and multiple conventions.

I have never been to D.C. and am excited to explore, learn, and advocate for farmers and ranchers at the federal level. I will reach out to members in the Golden Triangle area this fall to share my experience and more information about getting involved. If you want to chat before the fly-in, please give me a call!

I have been busy assisting with harvest festival planning for the first annual Hi-Line Harvest Fest which will be Sept 24 in Chester. It promises to be a fun day with a bounce house for the kids, live music, food trucks, and vendors. MFU will have a booth and some of the staff will be attending so be sure to say hi if you see us!

In conjunction with Montana Agriculture in the Classroom, MFU was out and about in Big Timber, supporting family ranches and youth.

Please reach out to me with any questions! I am really looking forward to it!

Reach out to the nearest MFU Ambassador to find out how to get involved in your community: Carissa McNamara- Flathead Area cmcnamara@montanafarmersunion.com

Samantha Ferrat- Missouri Headwaters Area sferrat@montanafarmersunion.com

Gwyneth Givens, Golden Triangle Area ggivens@montanafarmersunion.com

Eleanor Ferrone- Southeast Montana eferrone@montanafarmersunion.com

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

EDUCATION UPDATE

VIOLET GREEN EDUCATION COORDINATOR

“Dancing under the Stars” MFU 2022 Summer Camp program has been one for the books!

Campers experienced new staff, new co-op lessons, water activities, dancing, hiking, and connecting with lifelong friends! Camp started with our two junior camps in June and ended with our new mini camp for younger campers at the end of July. Each camp was complete ly different in their own ways but ended with friendships that will last a lifetime!

Ella Padgett is a past camper and second year counselor. Her grandmother taught dance lessons at the camp and Padgett began atten ding camp as soon as she could.

“It was so much fun. We got to do crafts, we had lessons, fun games and we learned how to dance. My older cousin was even a counselor while I was a camper,” Padgett said. “So, when I was able to, I become a counselor for camp. I had so much fun as a camper, and I was ex cited to be able to help the campers have as much fun as I did.”

This year at staff training, all the counselors got to help plan and come up with lessons and cooperative games that we could do at camp. We came up with some good cooperative games that we used to help the campers learn

how to work together.We had lessons on sus tainability, the farmers share, and policy. Each lesson also had an activity with it. For example, during the sustainability lesson, campers got to paint tote bags that they can use at the grocery store. After the policy lesson was taught, campers put the lesson to work during a policy debate.

Campers also partook in dance lessons, which are always a favorite. For Padgett, the dance lessons brought her full circle to her initial ex periences at Arrowpeak.

“It made me so happy to teach them the dances I grew up learning from my grandma. Camp has helped me learn leadership skills and helped me grow in many ways,” Padgett said.

We would like to extend a hearty thank you to our sponsors: CHS, Mountain View Coop, Strand Foundation, and Montana Farmers Union Insurance. Without all your generous donations we wouldn’t be able to hold this amazing camp!

I would also like to thank my advisor James Van Spyk, all my counselors, nurses, cooks, caretakers, and the outreach programs that helped with camp this year! Without this crew,

Thank you for a great summer

AT

ARROWPEAK

We can’t thank our camp staff enough for making this summer camp season a safe and enjoyable experience for nearly 200 Montana Farmers Union youth campers!

If you have questions about employment opportunities the summer youth camps in the Highwood Mountains, please contact Violet Green: vgreen@montanafarmersunion.com.

2022 Camp Staff:

Boys Counselors:

James Van Spyk - Advisor

Cole Arthur

Jack Anderson

Xavier Ulano

Dartanion Kaftan

Will Oliver

Caden Grant

Girls Counselors:

Ella Padgett

Shania Van Spyk

Nataisia Van Spyk

Toran Martin

Alex Madsen

Over the years I’ve played larger and larger roles in the development of camps. With every year my experience has been getting closer to the ideal camp as I help contribute to change in camp.

With camp, I’ve been able to explore many facets of agriculture. I’ve come to appreciate the role each and every indivi dual has on the food chain. My favorite part of camp is the lifelong bonds that you form.

My favorite part is watching each of my staff members grow individually. Seeing the improvement in leadership from the first camp to the last camp is one of the most rewarding feelings.

I want to give back to a program that has given me so much in leadership skills, friendship, and teamwork...

Keep reading about James on our website!

Jr. Deans:

Tyson Harper

Logan George

Nolan Letcher-Berger

Grant O’Leary

Lawrence Hoven

Kawiwo’ole (Wiwo) Batungbacal

Brayden Klostermeier

Madi Garten

Lyla Mitchell

Nurses: Briana Ceynar

Courtney George

Cooks: Bob Bergren

Lynn Hester

Camp Staff highlight: James Van Spyk

MATT RAINS

MFU CHIEF OF STAFF

The Montana Premium Processing Cooperative continues renovations and looks forward to its Grand Opening in early Fall.

MPPC is excited to have brought our new General Manager Bill Jones on board!

Bill comes from a GM position at Amster dam Meats in the Gallatin Valley. He has 12 years of experience in the meat processing industry as a meat cutter, butcher and shop manager. Bill’s knowledge of facility design and process efficiency has been instrumental in building a seamless layout for the flow of production. The focus has been on ensuring we set our bar high and produce the best

finished product for member-owners.

As renovations wrap up and we begin our USDA certification process, MPPC will begin opening harvest slots to members.

Although initial quantity will be limited, we expect to rapidly ramp up our weekly and monthly numbers. One reason to join the MPPC is the “first-rights” guarantee to our membership for harvest slots.

At our Fall 2022 annual membership meeting, we have three of our rotational Board of Directors slots up for election. These slots are available to current membership. MPPC is excited to see who runs for these positions, bringing fresh

perspectives with them to the business. A grand opening event is being planned for this fall, coinciding with the required annual membership meeting.

The membership has grown to 40+ with a handful of discounted memberships available – at a savings of $2000. If any Montana producers are considering joining the co-op, now is the time to take advantage of Founders Pricing.

For more information, contact info@mtpremiumprocessing.com or (406)899-2644.

NEWS FROM THE HILL

relief and assistance for Montana ag.

U.S. Senator

While I’m pleased to see the USDA’s work in implementing the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), there have been some issues with the implementation that I recently brought to the USDA’s attention by sending a letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack.

First, folks who were impacted by a weather event in 2019 did not receive payments under the ERP, so I requested that these eligible losses are properly captured in USDA’s second generation of Phase I ERP application letters.

this, I’m urging the USDA to update the FSA handbook.

Additionally, producers who earn 75 percent or more of their income from farming but ex perienced an overall adjusted gross income loss are meant to be covered by the 75 percent test using reflective metrics, such as gross receipts, to ensure these producers receive the increased payment limitation as well.

Last year, Montana farmers and ranchers were impacted by several disasters including wildfires and severe drought conditions that continue to threaten their livelihoods. In the United States Senate, I have been leading efforts to push for much-needed drought

The second issue concerns how certain pro ducers’ adjusted gross income is calculated in order to be eligible for the higher payment li mitation under the program. Generally, under the law, producers who derive 75 percent or more of their adjusted gross income from farming are eligible for the higher limi tation. Farm equipment sales should be considered a part of farm adjusted gross income in order to meet the 75 percent rule, which they are not currently without also meeting a whole other set of requirements. To allow

Lastly, I’m urging the USDA to expedite ERP assistance to the folks who purchased supplemental crop insurance because currently, they must wait to receive ERP assis tance until the fall, while many producers who did not purchase supplemental coverage may have already received their ERP assistance. The USDA should not distinctive producers’ decisions to purchase higher levels of coverage.

As your voice in the U.S. Senate, I will continue pushing for disaster relief for Montana farmers and ranchers and ensure the implementation process is carried out properly.

Last month we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which will lower costs for Montana families. I fought hard to make sure this law works for Montana, works for Rural America, and that it’s the largest debt reduction legislation in more than a decade.

It invests hundreds of billions of dollars to pay down the debt, which will fight inflation, grow our economy and provide future economic certainty for our kids and grandkids.

It will lower health care costs and lead to more affordable drug prices by requiring Medicare to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the high cost of prescriptions, and it will cap out-of-pockets expenses for folks on Medicare.

It will secure Montana’s energy future by un leashing American energy production, investing in oil and gas, renewable energy, and domestic manufacturing. The Inflation Reduction Act will help businesses create 21st

century energy jobs right here in the Treasure State, encourage domestic manufacturing across the country, protect our world class environment, and diminish our re liance on adversaries like Russia and China.

And it’s fully paid for without raising taxes on working Montanans – instead, it closes tax loopholes to ensure massive corporations are held accountable.

Not to mention, it includes significant resources in programs like EQIP and CSP that support farmers looking to invest in sustainable agriculture practices.

The bottom line is this: it’s good legislation that’s fiscally responsible, and it’ll do a whole lot of good for Montana’s working families and small businesses.

I’m proud to stand by this law, and I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to Montana.

Steve Daines,

Jon Tester, U.S. Senator

MFU AFOOT & AFIELD

Out and about? Have news? Send us your photos to be featured in this member news section! Submit your photo and caption to office@montanafarmersunion.com.

A new portable sound system is making it ea sier to hear sale infor mation and clinics for Garfield County 4-H Council members and Garfield County Fair goers. Brett Dailey, who serves on the Montana Farmers Union board of directors, made a $500 donation toward the project on behalf of MFU. “It sure makes it nice, especially on sale day, to hear everything nice and clear,” Dailey said.

Congratulations to our coloring contest winner

Carah Ronan! Don’t forget, there will be a “people’s choice” contest winner at the 2022 Annual Convention!

Fall calving is officially underway at the Ferrat Ranch with the arrival of a first calf. There are several benefits to fall calving, including easier weather.

Photo submitted by Samantha Ferrat.

Montana Farmers Union members recently met for a roundtable discussion with members of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and members of the Helena Branch Board of Directors. Inflation and interest rate increases, machinery costs, input costs, affordable hou sing, climate change, the workforce, and more were covered during the several hours-long meeting.

South Side Sparks 4H Club getting sheep ready for Fair. Photo submitted by Carissa McNamara.

Anaconda

Stefanie Thompson

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