Aug/Sept 2022 Montana Grassroots Edition

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AUG/SEPT 2022

M O N T A N A

GRASS ROOTS A P U B L I C AT I O N B Y M O N TA N A FA R M E R S U N I O N

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 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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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 leadership-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 through a series of hands-on learning experiences that enhance their knowledge of cooperatives and Farmers Union. Skills developed through the program CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 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 Grassroots 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 submissions are requested by the 15th of every other month.

Copy Editor: Alice Miller, Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Audra Labert

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

TOP ROLES RECENTLY ELECTED IN FLATHEAD COMMUNITY LOCAL 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

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.

MFU Ambassador Updates Page 11

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

Education & Camp Update Page 12

“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.

Cooperatives Updates Page 13 Congressional Update Page 14 MFU Afoot & Afield Page 15

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.”

Thank you Business Boosters: STAY CONNECTED, AND FIND US ON:

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNIONCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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

critical to drive home points that are important to you when talking with other organizational 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.

The first day of the leadership program included a team bonding experience of whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River. Then in the afternoon, the cohort had the chance to tour and meet with Martin Kimm of Kimm Brothers Farming in Toston and Manhattan, MT. Participants learned about seed potato storage, packing and potato farming in general. “Another takeaway was the importance of being relevant and relatable to our audience through personal stories and experiences.

“The success of family farms is I think being able to share personal stories vital to not only rural from our lives shows the ability to be open and vulnerable,” she added. communities but to all

communities.”

- Whitney Graham, 2022-2023 FUEL Participant

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

The evening was topped off with a dinner that “The areas represented and most of the parincluded locally sourced Kimm Brothers Far- ticipants are part of small, rural communities.

The program is a great way to network with ming potatoes. others invested in serving and ensuring that On the second day of training, participants rural communities thrive,” Graham said. “The honed their legislative advocacy skills with a success of family farms is vital to not only rural workshop put on by one of North Dakota communities but to all communities. The proFarmers Union’s Member Relations Specia- gram has been great in engaging and igniting lists, Mary Mertens. The activity consisted of our commitment to ensuring family farms are participants grabbing a topic on the spot to sustainable for generations to come.” practice being concise and relating personal experience to the issue, as if participants were speaking with a member of their congressional 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 introduction, which can be applied to many speaking opportunities. From there she discussed the importance of taking your “why” and building it into your speeches, one-on-one opportunities, and more.

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

Then, a story-telling workshop was presented

by Wisconsin Farmers Union’s Communica- Montana Farmers Union is now tion Director Danielle Endvick, who discussed accepting applications for the why she tells her story and how others can 2023-2024 FUEL too.

Program.

Often rural voices are missing from the discussion table, Endvick said. She and others Learn more and apply at who shared their stories noted that a story is montanafarmersunion.com/fuel, or scan the code:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2022 9/7/22 - Forsyth Membership Gathering 9/21/22 - Flathead Local Meeting 9/11/22-9/14/22 – NFU Fall Fly-In Washington, D.C.

OCTOBER 2022 10/6/22 - Headwaters Membership Gathering, Helena 10/14-10/15 107th MFU Annual Convention Helena 10/15 - Town Hall, U.S. House Candidates

NOVEMBER 2022 11/6/22-11/8/22 – NFU Women’s Conference Nashville, Tennessee

FEBRUARY 2023

02/10/23- 02/12/23 – MFU - 2023 Women’sConference Fairmont Hot Springs

More information in “Events” at montanafarmersunion.com.

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

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.

suppliers and fewer seed varieties readily available to them.

closure significantly decreases the ability of corporate monopolies to manipulate the markets behind closed doors. We further cite, and Competition in Food Retail and Distri- urge in future rulemaking, the need to address bution Markets and Access for Agricul- market practices that are unfair, discriminatural Producers and Small and Midsized tory, or deceptive to farmers and ranchers.

Food Processors Outside of federal comments, the MFU Annual MFU comments cite our support and efforts convention is right around the corner along to strengthen local and regional processing in- with the development of MFU’s grassroots frastructure as well as our efforts to increase member policy. I encourage all MFU members competition and fairness for family farmers interested in policy development to stay tuned and ranchers. Further, the comments note that and up to date on our weekly e-communica“Greater competition in the retail food and tions as we near convention and the policy distribution markets could increase opportu- committee begins their work on updating the nities for agricultural producers across the MFU policy book. If you are interested in being nation, level the playing field, and help on the policy committee, please contact me. increase food security. Ensuring enforcement of anti-trust measures is a critical part of this I also want to remind folks that our Oct. 15 discussion as well when it comes to increasing Congressional Townhall will take place in competition and fairness.” We also note in our conjunction with MFU’s Annual State Convencomments the need to continue building a tion. Attendees will have the chance to hear skilled workforce of butchers and inspectors from Montana’s congressional candidates from to meet the demand of the increasing local both districts. The Townhall event is free and and regional meat processing capacity. open to the public.

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 potential 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 Transparency in Poultry Grower Con- If you have questions about registering for fertilizer. tracting and Tournaments convention, being a vendor, or just wondering what our convention is all about, please check Competition and the Intellectual Pro- MFU comments cite the need to increase out our convention page at perty System: Seeds and Other Agricul- transparency for poultry growers, so montanafarmersunion.com or reach out to tural Inputs family farmers and ranchers can make any of the staff here at the office. decisions that are best for their operation.

MFU comments cite our support and efforts Further, the comments urge and support the As always, please feel free to reach out to me to ensure that farmers and ranchers can enforcement of anti-trust laws and rules in the at the office with questions at 406-452-6406 repair their own equipment by advocating for Packers and Stockyards Act, with the goal to or rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com. the right to repair. The comments further ultimately increase market competition and acknowledge MFU’s concerns with the fairness for family farmers and ranchers. MFU Have a happy harvest. corporate consolidation in the seed industry notes in the comments our policy and as farmers are forced to deal with fewer seed priorities that greater transparency and disLee & Erin Graham, Lodge Grass Welcome New Members! Todd Leland & Renee Thill, Bozeman

Referred by:

Donald & Maria Boyce, Havre Bruckner Ranch Inc., Malta Paul Benes & Erin Gernaat, Miles City Robert & Rita George, Miles City Cory Wilhelm, Miles City Donald & Randeen Rath, Glasgow Christopher & Mary Heide, Circle Merrill & Allene Dana, Billings

Meagan Kinsella Shane Anderson Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Brady Burgess Kaylen Lehner K J Fauth

Robert & Teresa Miller, Laurel Greg Keller, Hardin Daniel Pitsch, Hardin James & Leslie Mathews, Billings Matthew & Crystal Enneberg, Kevin Clinton & Jodi Burk, Glen Hawkcreek LLC, Kalispell Ciara Rehbein, Butte Diann Ferrat, East Helena Shirley & Darrell Dyer, Winifred

K J Fauth Dean Derby Wes Schwend Melissa Wacker Melissa Wacker Judd Long Eric Hinebauch Stefanie Thompson Charles Monroe James Entzi Samantha Ferrat MFU Office

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNIONCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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.

Membership Ambassadors are making getting Having a community to share ideas within is involved easier than ever. crucial to finding solutions.

Ambassadors across the state help coordinate educational opportunities, are liaisons between members and the state office Members also have the opportunity to reach to share important issues, foster involvement in MFU priorities, and work to support rural lawmakers through the national Fly In and testimony during the state legislative session, communities. with MFU staff advocating for members yearround.

Projects, such as the Montana Premium Processing 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 served 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.

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

“Sharing ideas doesn’t just happen spontaneously. You have to develop a relationship – 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 participate. 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.

Everything MFU does is in response to its members, Schweitzer said, adding that MFU continues to fight against consolidation in the - Gwyneth Givens ag industry, to implement mandatory country of origin labeling, and for farmers to have the It was at a local MFU chapter meeting several right to repair their own equipment because years ago that Ambassador Gwyneth Givens members want those issues resolved. became hooked.

For Schweitzer and many others, membership The spirit of comradery she witnessed as a goes beyond issues to lasting friendship, and it child while farmers waited for their seed at the is not uncommon for generations of the same seed plant her family ran is the same comra- family to have maintained their membership dery she experiences now that she’s farming status. with her husband John Wicks – and it’s the same comradery MFU provides for Regardless of why members come and stay, farmers and ranchers as they work to the sentiment they share is the same: Family strengthen their operations. farms are the backbone of Montana and without them the landscape wouldn’t be the “These are nonpartisan issues,” Givens said. same.

“It’s not about our political leaning – it’s about labeling where our beef is from. It’s about kee- “Montana Farmers Union gives me hope for ping the family farm for generations without the future of Montana,” Schweitzer said.“Hope having to sell off land to make ends meet. It’s for the family farm and for the opportunities about teaching kids to grow their own food.” 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!

Offering onsite farm and ranch insurance consults. Let us manage your risk exposures and find solutions.

Aeric Reilly, Great Falls

406-952-4343

reillyins.com

aeric@reillyins.com

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

MFU FOUNDATION AWARDS $10,000 IN GRANTS Montana Farmers Union Foundation has announced $10,000 in support to projects across the state through the organization’s grant program.

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 advanced projects.

“It’s exciting to see so many people working on so many great things,” said Jan Tusick, a -- $6,500 to North Star Schools for a fourMontana Farmers Union board member who season greenhouse to use for hands-on serves on the board’s Foundation committee. experiences for elementary and high school students and for use in the food service proThe recent awards were the first grants gram. given by the Foundation, the mission of which is to create new opportunities and contribute “Montana Farmers Union’s mission aligns to the growth and enhancement of Montana directly with what we’re trying to do – grow agriculture and rural communities. agriculture and grow it beyond doing it in the field,” said Jessica Myers, North Star’s Family “A lot of it is projects that benefit Montana’s and Consumer Sciences teacher who rural communities, which are mostly our agri- submitted the grant. cultural communities, and the projects that were supported I think definitely reflected Despite the Hi-Line community’s proximity to that,” Tusick said.The grant awards are the first agriculture, disconnect exists between people of two award cycles this year and included: and the food they consume versus grow and then ship elsewhere for additional processing.

-- $1,500 to Choteau Schools to expand their In contrast, students will be able to grow, garden area that contributes to their food harvest and prepare produce from the greenservice program with the purchase of supplies house on campus. and signage. The project aims to educate students about the basics of soil science and a “They will understand that I can make somesimple irrigation system, while using the food thing and I can grow something in my backyard they grow as part of the Farm to School pro- or in a pot – and not just having it, but what to gram that is already in place at the school. do with it when you have it,” Myers said.

Students at both the elementary and high -- $2,000 to Belt School for the purchase of 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 education 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

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 Committee during the upcoming meetings. Please join to listen in to the committee deliberations and make your voice heard.

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

2022 Volume 34

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Join us for the Montana Farmers Union Annual Convention!

• D E LTA H OT E L S CO LO N I A L M A R R I OT T I N H E L E N A •

OCTOBER 14 & 15, 2022 Convention is where we: guide policy and programs • elect our leaders • cultivate our rural and agricultural communities • learn something new • have a great time!

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

• AWARDS LUNCHEON • DAY CAMP* *FRIDAY & SATURDAY FOR SCHOOL-AGE KIDS–NO ADDITIONAL COST

Bring the family! Friday will also include a tour of WestMont Farm.

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

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

Saturday, October 15 at 7pm LIVE as part of Convention & open to the public.

Join us in person, or listen to the broadcast:

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-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 members 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

Register at montanafarmersunion.com.

Complete and return with payment to PO Box 2447, Great Falls, MT 59403. Or, register at www.montanafarmersunion.com at the link provided on reverse.

October 14 & 15 Marriott Helena Colonial in Helena

A block of rooms has been reserved at the event venue. Please call the hotel directly at 406-443-2100 or reservations at 1-866-211-4604 and reference the Montana Farmers Union Convention.

NAME(S) OF ADULT ATTENDEE(S): MAILING ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: E-MAIL: ❑ INDIVIDUAL: $75

❑ FAMILY: $150

# OF ATTENDEES:

PLEASE INDICATE THE NAMES AND AGES OF SCHOOL-AGE (5 AND UP) CHILDREN ATTENDING DAY CAMP (NO EXTRA CHARGE):

TOTAL $ INCLUDED:

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Learn more about member benefits at montanafarmersunion.com:

Your

Membership has Benefits

• • • •

Get special hotel rates Car rental discounts Cabela’s discount & more perks through National Farmers Union!

MFU IN YOUR COMMUNITY... PLUS NEW 4-H AND FFA MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES RACHEL PREVOST MEMBERSHIP/GOVT. AFFAIRS DIRECTOR 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 If you want to share any fun 4-H or FFA fair is just one of the many steps we are taking to photos to be featured in our weekly MFU ensure that happens.

Boot-up emails, be sure to send them my way with your animal’s name and a few details This membership gives 4-H and FFA members access to: about your project!

• Scholarships for high school, college, (rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com). and non-traditional students.

Funding opportunities through grants Our MFU Ambassador team is hard at work • getting out into our rural communities to con- for community, educational, or agricultural nect with members all around the state. We projects. are working hard to have a local presence and • Discounted rates to our MFU summer leadership camps ensure that family farmers’ and ranchers’ Summer employment opportunities voices are heard. I encourage MFU members • to reach out to the ambassador closest to you as camp counselors A voice in ag policy through state and (or myself) to learn more about our efforts • to establish MFU membership gatherings and federal legislative efforts And so much more! the upcoming MFU Annual Convention. Also • be sure to read our Ambassador’s update!

All MFU members receive membership Another exciting update that MFU has been benefits through the state and national orgworking on this summer is the opportunity anizations.

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!

A listing of benefits is at montanafarmersunion.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.

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

MFU AMBASSADOR UPDATES Flathead Local Carissa McNamara

Headwaters Area Samantha Ferrat

Golden Triangle Area Gwyneth Givens

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

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!

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.

“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 Montana (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 grassroots agricultural aspirations can only be described as heart. Meaningful change begins with individuals, and from there entire industries are transformed. That is the value of Montana Farmers Union.

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 fortunate 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 impressive- 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 informal meeting, but it will help determine the direction that local MFU members want to pursue in the future.

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!

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!

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

Montana Grassroots

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

EDUCATION UPDATE VIOLET GREEN EDUCATION COORDINATOR “Dancing under the Stars” MFU 2022 Summer Camp program has been one for the books!

how to work together.We had lessons on sustainability, 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 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 completely different in their own ways but ended with Campers also partook in dance lessons, which friendships that will last a lifetime! are always a favorite. For Padgett, the dance lessons brought her full circle to her initial exElla Padgett is a past camper and second year periences at Arrowpeak. counselor. Her grandmother taught dance lessons at the camp and Padgett began atten- “It made me so happy to teach them the ding camp as soon as she could. dances I grew up learning from my grandma.

Camp has helped me learn leadership skills “It was so much fun. We got to do crafts, we and helped me grow in many ways,” Padgett had lessons, fun games and we learned how to said. dance. My older cousin was even a counselor while I was a camper,” Padgett said. “So, when We would like to extend a hearty thank you I was able to, I become a counselor for camp. to our sponsors: CHS, Mountain View CoI had so much fun as a camper, and I was ex- op, Strand Foundation, and Montana Farmers cited to be able to help the campers have as Union Insurance. Without all your generous much fun as I did.” donations we wouldn’t be able to hold this amazing camp!

This year at staff training, all the counselors got to help plan and come up with lessons and I would also like to thank my advisor James cooperative games that we could do at camp. Van Spyk, all my counselors, nurses, cooks, We came up with some good cooperative caretakers, and the outreach programs that games that we used to help the campers learn 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

Camp Staff highlight: James Van Spyk 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 individual 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

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

COOPERATIVE UPDATE

MATT RAINS MFU CHIEF OF STAFF finished product for member-owners.

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

perspectives with them to the business.

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

MPPC is excited to have brought our new Although initial quantity will be limited, we General Manager Bill Jones on board! expect to rapidly ramp up our weekly and monthly numbers. One reason to join the Bill comes from a GM position at Amster- MPPC is the “first-rights” guarantee to our dam Meats in the Gallatin Valley. He has 12 membership for harvest slots. years of experience in the meat processing industry as a meat cutter, butcher and shop At our Fall 2022 annual membership manager. Bill’s knowledge of facility design meeting, we have three of our rotational and process efficiency has been instrumental Board of Directors slots up for election. in building a seamless layout for the flow of These slots are available to current production. The focus has been on ensuring membership. MPPC is excited to see who we set our bar high and produce the best runs for these positions, bringing fresh

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.

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

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

VALUES

FARMERS UNION INDUSTRIES

INTEGRITY - Open and truthful in all we do.

ACCOUNTABILITY - We take responsibility for our actions.

RELATIONSHIPS - We make it easy to do business with us.

MISSION FUI is the premier provider of specialized products,superior value and services.

VISION To provide specialized products benefitting every household.

QUALITY - We are passionate about our company and products, & strive to exceed expectations.

SAFETY - We create and maintain a safe environment for all. We have zero tolerance for safety violations.

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE - We are dedicated to providing a cleaner planet for future generations.

Montana Grassroots

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

NEWS FROM THE HILL relief and assistance for Montana ag.

Steve Daines, U.S. Senator

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

Jon Tester, U.S. Senator

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

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.

Additionally, producers who earn 75 percent or more of their income from farming but experienced 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 First, folks who were impacted by a weather receive the increased payment limitation as event in 2019 did not receive payments under well. the ERP, so I requested that these eligible losses are properly captured in USDA’s second Lastly, I’m urging the USDA to expedite ERP generation of Phase I ERP application letters. assistance to the folks who purchased supplemental crop insurance because The second issue concerns how certain pro- currently, they must wait to receive ERP assisducers’ adjusted gross income is calculated in tance until the fall, while many producers who order to be eligible for the higher payment li- did not purchase supplemental coverage may have already received their ERP assistance. mitation under the program. Generally, under the law, producers who derive 75 per- The USDA should not distinctive producers’ cent or more of their adjusted gross income decisions to purchase higher levels of from farming are eligible for the higher limi- coverage. tation. Farm equipment sales should be considered a part of farm adjusted gross income As your voice in the U.S. Senate, I will continue in order to meet the 75 percent rule, which pushing for disaster relief for Montana farmers they are not currently without also meeting and ranchers and ensure the implementation a whole other set of requirements. To allow 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.

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

And it’s fully paid for without raising taxes on It invests hundreds of billions of dollars to pay working Montanans – instead, it closes tax down the debt, which will fight inflation, grow loopholes to ensure massive corporations are our economy and provide future economic held accountable. certainty for our kids and grandkids.

Not to mention, it includes significant It will lower health care costs and lead to resources in programs like EQIP and CSP that more affordable drug prices by requiring support farmers looking to invest in Medicare to hold pharmaceutical companies sustainable agriculture practices. accountable for the high cost of prescriptions, and it will cap out-of-pockets expenses for The bottom line is this: it’s good legislation folks on Medicare. that’s fiscally responsible, and it’ll do a whole lot of good for Montana’s working families and It will secure Montana’s energy future by un- small businesses. leashing American energy production, investing in oil and gas, renewable energy, and I’m proud to stand by this law, and I’m looking domestic manufacturing. The Inflation forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to Reduction Act will help businesses create 21st Montana.

Montana Grassroots

2022 Volume 34

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

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

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 housing, climate change, the workforce, and more were covered during the several hours-long meeting.

office@montanafarmersunion.com.

A new portable sound system is making it easier to hear sale information 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.

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

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.

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Montana Grassroots

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-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

OUR AGENTS ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS. fumico.net

Anaconda Stefanie Thompson 563-5991 Belgrade Craig Parker 388-6774 Belt Matt Triplett 952-0451 Billings Steve Plaggemeyer 294-9491 Billings Judd Long 252-9391 Billings KJ Fauth 969-2282 Bozeman Dean Derby 556-0893 Bozeman Trent Leintz 551-2163 Bozeman Art Hoffart 586-6230 Bridger Wesley Schwend 662-3930 Broadus Jesse Fleming 436-2115 Butte Matthew Luedtke 270-5304 Chester Megan Hedges 759-5150 Choteau Scott Allaire 466-5146 Circle Kaylen Lehner 485-3303 Conrad Dirk Elings 271-7047 Cut Bank Ashley Vanek 873-2249 Dillon Judy Siring 683-2365 Dillon Sara Nye 683-1250 Fairfield Matt Luedtke 467-3444 Froid Austin O’ Dea 766-2205 Forsyth Watts Agency 346-1196 Glasgow Brady Burgess 228-8282 Great Falls Eric Hinebauch 437-2053 Great Falls Aeric Reilly 570-5853 Great Falls Jeff Thill 452-7283 Great Falls Kyle Tschetter 836-7261 Hamilton Bryan Jones 363-6583 Hardin Melissa Wacker 665-1867 Havre Meagan Kinsella 265-2693 Havre Alex Thornton 879-2028 Helena Todd Crum 443-4630

Helena- East Eric Hinebauch 437-2053 Hingham Alissa McClendon 397-3146 Hingham Ray Lipp 397-3146 Hobson Shawn“Tater”Erickson 366-1287 Kalispell Randy Bloom 257-1252 Kalispell Flathead Insurance 752-8000 Kalispell Andy Manley 756-7720 Laurel Lorna Olson 628-6649 Lewistown Raleigh Heitzman 538-8736 Lewistown Bruce Marshall 538-2331 Libby Colleen Wood 293-6228 Livingston Daryl Hansen 222-7151 Malta Shane Anderson 654-1589 Miles City Tayler Kennedy 874-2560 Miles City Watts Agency 874-1804 Missoula Ben Barker 721-2540 Missoula Pam Jacobsen 721-0599 Missoula Andre Marcure 543-7184 Missoula Josh Rollins 830-3073 Plains Lisa French 826-4633 Polson Andrew Luedtke 837-1395 Ronan Andrew Luedtke 676-0173 Ryegate Audrey Stoican 568-2336 Scobey Matt Stentoft 487-2629 Shelby KW Insurance 424-8480 Shelby Russ Seubert 434-5211 Sidney Cathy Hintz 488-8326 Sunburst KW Insurance 937-6950 Terry Watts Agency 635-5782 Thompson Falls Lisa French 827-3221 Whitefish Rial Gunlikson 862-4700 Wolf Point Jesse Fleming 653-2200