News for Feb- Mar 2023

GRASS ROOTS MONTANA

BY MONTANA FARMERS UNION

CONFERENCE CELEBRATES MT WOMEN

Nearly 90 women gathered over their love of Montana’s farming and ranching communities during the Montana Farmers Union 10th Annual Women’s Conference.

Attendees listened to inspiring speakers, participated in hands-on workshops and networked with women from across the state during the conference held at Fairmont Hot Springs Feb. 10-12.

“Women’s Conference celebrates the women who are the backbone of our rural communities, whether it’s directly in production agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, local food development, food system advocacy, looking to grow

in leadership, or finding a network of women who want to learn and lead together, it’s truly endless,” said Rachel Prevost, who serves as MFU’s membership services director.

Topics ranged from developing youth leadership to lentils, to spices, to seeds, to scientific advancements, to conflict resolution, to mental health, to tackling big ideas in small towns.

Though the topics were varied, the importance of storytelling was threaded throughout the conference.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

MFU Foundation Grant Cycle Opens March 1

Montana Farmers Union Foundation is now accepting grant applications for projects that focus on education and align with the Foundation’s goal of contributing to the growth and enhancement of Montana agricultural and rural communities.

The application deadline is May 1.

Anyone can apply, regardless of MFU membership, and submitted projects should have ag education for any age group or range as a key element in the proposal.

“Being able to extend some projects out there that might be meaningful for our rural communities is what we’re trying to do – and just keep ag in the forefront,” MFU board member Tom Clark said.

Last year, the Foundation awarded and leveraged more than $30,000 to community projects.

One of the Foundation’s major focuses is education about agriculture and rural issues for Montanans of all ages. The Foundation also focuses on enhancing rural prosperity through economic and cooperative

development.

Montana Farmers Union is a grassroots organization, and the Foundation’s grant program dovetails well with MFU’s principles of cooperation and education to buoy rural communities.

“When you talk about grassroots, the idea is: Start here locally and then spreading the idea outward,” Clark said.

The grants are a way to help individuals and communities do just that.

“The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is giving access to more local people’s ideas,” Clark said, encouraging people to apply.

“If you have an idea, at least try. If you do put in for a grant that doesn’t get accepted the first time, update the application and apply again,” he said.

The brief application is available at https:// montanafarmersunion.com/mfu-foundation/.

Roughly 90 women gathered for the 10th Annual Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs in February. The women participated in hands-on workshops, as well as hearing from speakers and panels, such as the one shown here focused on facilitating youth leadership.

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

If you ask most direct-to-consumer producers what is the biggest problem they face, most would agree that it is access to markets.

Many retailers do not provide shelf space to local producers, and, if they do, it is cost prohibitive for most local growers. In some cases, the wholesale suppliers will retaliate against the retailer if they provide shelf space to local producers. This is just another example of how the U.S. cheap food policy has given corporations control of our food dollar. When large corporations can threaten retailers to only provide shelf space for their products or large retailers demand $1000s from producers to provide shelf space, this is a broken system.

During the COVID pandemic when retailers were rationing dairy, meat and produce while farmers were dumping milk, euthanizing livestock and plowing in vegetable fields, it demonstrated that we need to fix our system. Farmers Union has been leading the charge to educate consumers and leaders on the problem and how to fix it. Our Fairness for Farmers and Food security for US campaigns have been advocating for a more competitive marketplace and encouraging investment in local processing and providing access to markets. We have been advocating for the USDA to provide more opportunities for local producers to provide their products to our local schools, institutions and food banks.

Along these same lines, MFU is working on legislation to educate consumers and leaders on the issue of shelf space and market access. Sen. Jason Small is carrying a Montana Shelf Space bill that will incentivize retailers to provide shelf space to Montana producers. Her bill will reward retailers with an income tax exemption on Montana food products they sell and inventory and give us the opportunity to educate our leaders on the lack of market access our producers are experiencing.

There is no guarantee that this bill will pass. Nonetheless, during the process MFU can introduce yet another issue in our food supply chain.

Walter Schweitzer

New Classifieds Section Offered to Members

Montana Farmers Union members can now place a free classified advertisement in each Grassroots edition.

The classifieds are an additional way to connect members with each other.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get what they’re looking for and deal directly with a producer,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said.

The ads also are an avenue for producers to sell their wares and an opportunity for

members to network and find ways to work together, he said.

“We are a family farm organization and family comes first,” he added.

In addition to the print Grassroots edition, the ads will run in the newsletter’s digital copy on MFU’s website.

Submissions should be no more than 25 words and are due by April 15. Send classifieds to communications@ montanafarmersunion.com.

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, At-Large Director District 3 & 4, Fairview

Sarah Degn, District 3 Sidney

State Staff:

Walter Schweitzer, President

Matt Rains, Chief of Staff

Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Kari Kester, Administrative Assistant

Rachel Prevost, Government Affairs Director/ Member Svcs.

Matthew Hauk, Education Director

Heather Wendell, Communications Director

Maggie Carr, Event Coordinator

Peyton Cole, Event Coordinator

Jasmine Krotkov, Lobbyist

Alice Miller, Press Relations Specialist

Samatha Ferrat, Membership Ambassador

Eleanor Dutton, Membership Ambassador

Carissa McNamara, Membership Ambassador

Gwyneth Givens, Membership Ambassador

Mary Jenni, Membership Ambassador

Skylar Williams, 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, & Heather Wendell

IN THIS ISSUE:

Women’s Conference

Pages 1, 7

President’s Message

Page 2

New Staff Members

Calendar of Events

Page 4

Eastern MT Women’s Conference

Page 5

Membership Update

Page 6, 7

Legislative Update

Page 8, 9

MFU Ambassador Updates

Page 10, 11

Cooperative Update Welcome New Members Page 12

MFU Afoot & Afield

Page 13

Congressional Update

Page 14

NFU Washington Corner Page 15

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Ever Expanding Community Found in MFU

Driving home from the Women’s Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs, I couldn’t help but think about my time with Montana Farmers Union. Ironically, I am a part of Farmers Union thanks to yoga. I did yoga teacher training with Audra Labert. She was going to miss a weekend training to spend it at a conference she’d help plan, full of women in agriculture at a hot springs. Even though I was at a yoga weekend, I felt a little pang of jealousy. So I made sure to put Montana Farmers Union on my radar.

Because of joining MFU, I’ve been given many opportunities I never would have dreamed I would have access to. But more importantly, I’ve found a community of like-minded women (and men) who I can talk to about life. We live a unique lifestyle, and it’s not always easy to identify with our friends who have weekends off.

Farmers Union and the people I’ve met have given me a support system. When our sugar beet factory closed in early February, some of my first phone calls were from MFU members asking how I was doing and if they could help.

I’m looking forward to the inaugural Eastern Montana Women’s Conference in my hometown of Sidney, March 31-April 1. I’ve made so many connections with inspiring women across the state over the years, and I am looking forward to creating more connections and hearing the stories of women in my own area during this new event. We are a tough and resilient group, channeling the women who settled the Mondak in tar paper shacks.

I’m looking forward to hearing your stories, being inspired by what the future can hold for our community, and being a part of the next chapter – for both Sidney and Montana Farmers Union.

Sarah Degn MFU Board Member

MFU Introduces New Staff Members

have 3 children. Michaela is a freshman at Montana State University while my daughter Mackenzie and son Peyton attend Cascade High School. My family loves to camp, hunt and fish when we have free time. I feel that there is nothing more important than family.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH 2023

3/5 - 3/7

National Farmers Union Annual Convention

San Francisco, CA

Aloha all, my name is Kari Kester or “Kari from Kauai,” as friends in Montana like to call me. My family and I moved to Great Falls about six-anda-half years ago from Kauai, HI.We love this beautiful state and try to be outside as much as possible enjoying outdoor activities. We also love to hit the slopes, and you will find us at Showdown almost every winter weekend.

While on Kauai, I worked for DuPont/Pioneer research station for 13 years, and for Stewart Title Guaranty in Real Estate Information for 11 years in both Colorado and on Kauai.

Growing up in rural Nebraska and coming from a farming family gave me a huge appreciation for agriculture.

Today, I own Montana Fresh, through which I grow and sell microgreen varieties to local restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, a charcuterie business as well as other local businesses and individuals in our community.

I am excited about working as an administrative assistant with MFU because of all they do for the farming community and family farms.

MATTHEW HAUK, EDUCATION DIRECTOR

My name is Matthew Hauk, and I am the new Education Director for Montana Farmers Union. I grew up in Stanford, Montana and graduated high school from Stanford. I went on to Jamestown College in North Dakota to receive my degree in Education and Biology. Later, I completed my Master’s Degree in Education from Montana State University Billings. Educating the students in the State of Montana has been my life mission.

During my career in education, I taught science and coached basketball at Circle High School and Stanford High School and was an administrator at Valier High School. I also worked at Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT. At DCC, I worked for the TRIO Grant which is a government funded grant for low income, first generation, and low income students. I also taught adjunct classes in math and science and was the assistant men’s basketball coach. In Great Falls, Montana I worked for the University of Providence as the Director of Student Support Services and taught adjunct classes.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. My wife Carla and I

With my position at the MFU, there are two main components. The first is youth education and the second is adult education. The youth education component has several areas. The most well known are our summer camps at Arrowpeak Lodge. We have 5 camps this summer along with a one week camp staff training. Cooperation, Agriculture, and Leadership are the 3 main goals of camp. Educating youth also includes presenting agriculture topics at County Agriculture Days. Another component of youth education is going into schools around the state and presenting topics to students that will increase their knowledge about agriculture with the goal of leading them to occupations in farming and ranching.

The next step, is to provide education for our adult Montana Farmers Union members. Topics include things like livestock nutrition, grazing rotations, soil health and many more. We have opportunities such as the Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership (Fuel) program that provides annual education cohorts around the Nation to learn concepts ranging from emotional intelligence and conflict resolution to public speaking. Adult education can often be overlooked but is just as important as youth education.

3/15

Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs election deadline

3/25

Chickpeas, Lentils & Green/Yellow

Peas early plant date

3/31-4/1

Eastern Montana Women’s Conference

Sidney, MT

4/6

Spring Wheat, Durum & Barley early plant date

4/15

Mustard early plant date

Montana is a special place where my wife and I have spent our entire lives. My wife’s family still has a farm by Valier, Montana and my son’s lifelong dream is to run a ranch. This is the reason that I joined the team at Montana Farmers Union. It is so important to help preserve this way of life for future generations. My father has always said that it is tough to be a small Farmer and Rancher in today’s world, and that is why I want to help educate Montanans about agriculture and its importance to Montana’s way of life.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

More information in “Events” at montanafarmersunion.com.

KARI KESTER, ADMINISTATIVE ASSISTANT

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Inaugural Eastern MT Women’s Conference Planned

The popular Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference is expanding this spring to include a second event in Eastern Montana.

Registration is now open for the inaugural MFU Eastern Montana Women’s Conference to be held March 31-April 1 in Sidney.

“The Women’s Conference is a low-cost event, and you will make new friends and learn new things not only about the area and the agriculture in your area but yourself at the same time,” said Sarah Degn, a longtime Women’s Conference attendee and MFU board member who farms near Sidney.

Holding the Women’s Conference in two locations increases the number of women able to participate, said Peyton Cole, who is heading up planning for the event.

“We want to make this event more accessible to everyone,” Cole said.

The agenda includes a panel discussion on cooperatives, a workshop on identifying stress in yourself and loved ones, a keynote presentation from Courtney Brown Kibblewhite, a fun trivia night, and more.

Plenty of space for women to network and advocate for each other is built in to the agenda as well.

“You’re able to be vulnerable and when you’re vulnerable, it can be very inspiring,” Cole said.

Many friendships are forged during the event.

“We identify with the struggles, the good parts, and farm life along with balancing family, friends and regular life. The thing you come out of this with the most is lifelong friendships, in this case with women from our own community,” Degn said.

Other ag-related conferences that focus on the nitty gritty of the industry are worthwhile too, but Women’s Conference is for far more than learning about industry practices, Degn said.

“I get so much more out of it because it’s a mental refresh. It’s just a different feel because we do focus so much more on the whole person – not just that we’re farmers and ranchers but that we’re women who happen to be in farming and ranching,” she said.

To learn more and register go to www.montanafarmersunion.com/mfuevents/.

MFU Scholarship Deadline Extended

The deadline to submit applications for Montana Farmers Union scholarships has been extended to April 17.

The annual scholarships range from $500 to $1,000 and are offered through MFU as part of the organization’s commitment to education and include the Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship, the John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship, and the Cascade County-wide Farmers Union Local, Chouteau County Farmers Union Local and Flathead Countywide Farmers Union Local scholarships.

MFU Book Club Launches in March

A new Montana Farmers Union book club will offer another avenue for producers, as well as people who love Montana’s rural communities, to connect over what makes their lifestyles unique.

The statewide book club will launch during the inaugural Eastern Montana Women’s Conference later this month.

Participants will read “The Farmer’s

Montana Farmers Union members also can apply for the Stanley Moore Scholarship, offered by Farmers Union Industries Foundation, and scholarships through National Farmers Union Foundation. Applications for NFU scholarships are open through April 1 and available at nfu.org/ education/scholarships/.

More information, as well as the applications, can be found at montanafarmersunion.com/education/scholarships-grants/.

Lawyer” by Sarah Vogel, followed by a Zoom meeting to discuss the book with other club members.

The MFU Ambassador Team also will be working with people in their regions to provide opportunities to engage with the book club in person.

MFU’s Member Services Director Rachel Prevost said she’s excited for participants to read the first book

selection and connect with each other.

“Sarah has been a forever advocate for family farmers and ranchers, and we thought what better way to kick off a farm-centric book club,” Prevost said.

Go to www. montanafarmersunion.com/ membership to learn more.

• Special rates on hotels and car rentals through MFU

• Discounts on Farmers Union Insurance

• Discounts with nation-wide brands through National Farmers Union: AVIS

La Quinta Wyndham Hotel group & more!

MFU IN YOUR COMMUNITY... Membership updates & new benefits

RACHEL PREVOST MEMBERSHIP/GOVT. AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Montana Farmers Union had a busy fall and winter and has a busy spring ahead with our MFU member team active in your communities through: planning and hosting membership gathering opportunities, agriculture and community tradeshows, offering 4-H grants, working with schools on agriculture education opportunities, scholarships, State FFA Convention, and more.

Highlights from the last couple of months include:

- The first MFU Legislative Drivein was a huge success! We had many members in attendance and a great Montana foods lunch for legislators to enjoy. We heard from agency leaders at the Department of Livestock and the Department of Agriculture, as well as provided an advocacy training. The attendees had the chance to attend the first House Agriculture and Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and

Irrigation Committee meetings of the 68th Legislative session. MFU had the opportunity to introduce our legislative priorities, and members had the chance to meet legislators and let them know what issues are important to them.

- In early February, many MFU members and other Montana organizations testified in support of HB 350, the Montana Country of Origin Placarding Act. While the bill was killed in the committee, I want to say thank you to all who sent a message to the committee and urged their support.

- We had a booth at the MAGIE in Great Falls in January. The fourwheeler (ATV) safety simulator was available to kids and adults, providing the opportunity to learn more about safe riding and tipping points of an ATV. We connected with FFA members and advisors who were in town

for livestock judging and other FFA contests. We handed out our $100 Sentence grants to 4-H Members and Leaders and had the chance to chat with event attendees about all the work MFU is doing all around the state.

- The Farmers Union Flathead Local hosted a meeting in the end of January where special guest Chris Roper of the FlowerHill Institute discussed Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance. There were also updates from 4-H members of the Flathead about what their clubs and members are up to.

- MFU members have launched a new local (Hi-Line Local for Liberty and Toole Counties) and hosted a joint meeting in Havre with the Cottonwood Local at the Montana Premium Processing Coop. Before the meeting began, more than 70 folks attended a tour of the MPPC facility. Following the tour, joint local meeting took

place, and members discussed business about the upcoming NFU National Convention, the Montana Legislature, and MFU organizational updates. This event was an awesome opportunity for members to network and discuss the issues most important to them.

- MFU Ambassadors networked and provided a vendor table at the Soil Health Symposium in Billings, where we were able to connect with farmers, ranchers, and members from all over the state.

- The MFU Women’s Conference was a fantastic event with networking and informative and inspiring speakers amongst members and friends. We are looking forward to our first Eastern Montana Women’s Conference in Sidney March 31-April 1.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Learn more about member benefits at montanafarmersunion.com:

Member benefits can help you get there.

Everyone has compelling stories, and those stories are valuable tools for advocating for yourself and conveying key values to others, said Sarah Elkins, owner of Elkins Consulting.

Define what qualities you want others to know about you and your purpose and then follow through with your actions.

“You have to take those actions and you have to do it consistently,” Elkins said.

Then collect and tell stories that convey those characteristics, values and vision.

Stories connect people and unlock memories for others, she said.

“That’s the magic,” she added.

Many times stories can be told through more than words or can inspire change.

“I just think our stories can be so powerful in ways we’re not even expecting,” photographer and writer Becca Skinner said, sharing about how people have witnessed something, like beekeeping, and then been inspired to start themselves.

Sharing personal stories, though, can be intimidating, although it doesn’t have to be.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

“I think it can be as simple as talking to your neighbor and it can go up from there,” Skinner said.

Being intentional about how we tell stories and what we want to convey through them is important, especially when we’re talking with the next generation, said Courtney Brown Kibblewhite, vice president and co-owner of Northern Ag Network.

“A kid’s not going to remember a list, they’re going to remember stories,” Kibblewhite told the women.

Not telling stories often means people’s interpretation of events and key moments can be detrimental to their and others’ mental and emotional health.

For example, not talking intentionally about a divorce might leave a child to blame themselves, Kibblewhite said.

“So we have to talk about the hard stuff,” she added.

Stories we tell ourselves impact our physical and mental health, Kibblewhite said, encouraging attendees to use tools such as employing a growth mindset and practicing gratitude to help strengthen instead of tear themselves down.

COMMUNITY continued

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Currently, the MFU Ambassador team is working to plan more local gatherings for members and friends. We are excited to bring speakers and educational opportunities, enjoy good food and community with one another, and talk about how MFU can be active and engaged in supporting your community.

Be sure to check out the MFU Ambassador team’s updates here on Pages 10 and 11.

“We have to keep our minds strong and keen so that we can pass down to the next generation those things that really make us who we are,” she said.

When thinking about the future and legacy, think not only about what you want it to be, but also what your role is in bringing it to fruition, keynote speaker Rebecca Undem said.

“If you’ve been given an idea, it’s potentially yours to usher forward,” said Undem, who is passionate about Growing Small Towns.

When making a vision into reality, it’s important to surround yourself with five types of people: ones who will champion you, ones who will hold you accountable,

ones who are also striving to meet audacious goals, ones who will mentor you, and ones who will challenge you, Undem said.

“Choose your people wisely more than anything else,” Undem said.

Overall, the weekend was a success in connecting and inspiring women. After the conference, the positive energy generated returns home with attendees.

“This conference is about empowering, rejuvenating, and inspiring each other to be the best we can be for our rural towns, our farms and ranches, our families, and our state,” Prevost said.

“I am so excited to see what all these amazing attendees will do when they get back home.”

As always, please reach out if you have any questions about your membership or how MFU can be engaged and support your rural community! Don’t forget to utilize some of our awesome retail and travel discounts available to you as an MFU member, as well as our new classifieds section in Grassroots.

I wish you happy and healthy calving and lambing seasons, as well as good moisture this spring!

Photo Credit: Amanda Moss Photography - Women’s Conference attendees get to know each other with icebreaker activity.

March 31 - April 1, 2023 Sidney, Montana

New this Year!

The popular Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference is expanding this spring to include a second event in Eastern Montana to give everyone better access and opportunities across the state.This year’s inaugural MFU Eastern Montana Women’s Conference will be held March 31-April 1 in Sidney at the Richland County Extension Office.The agenda includes time for panel discussions, keynote speakers, interactive activities, but also provides space for women to network with and advocate for each other and themselves.

Keynote Speaker: Courtney Kibblewhite

Conference Agenda

Highlights:

“Western Culture and the Stories that Shape Us,” Courtney Kibblewhite

Cooperatives hosted by the Montana Co-op Development Center

“Stress in Ag,” hosted by Roubie Younkin of the Valley County MSU Extension Office

Legislative Update... Bills opposed and supported during Montana’s 68th Legislative

Bills Supported

• HB 2, sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones - General Appropriations Act, supportive of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Livestock budget requests

• HB 5, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hopkins - Long Term Funding for MUS agricultural buildings

• HB 31, sponsored by Rep. Ross Fitzgerald - Generally revise laws related to academic brewers license

• HB 44, sponsored by Rep. Julie Dooling - Revise document requirements for state stock inspectors

• HB 51, sponsored by Rep. Joe Read - Generally Revise Indemnity Provisions

• HB 59, sponsored by Rep. Ross Fitzgerald - Extend sunset date for livestock loss board and predatory control funding

• HB 66, sponsored by Rep. Greg Kmetz - Revise penalties and interest for livestock per capita fee

• HB 93, sponsored by Rep. Paul Green - Eliminate noxious weed seed free forage advisory council

• HB 114, sponsored by Rep. Sue Vinton - Revise timelines for

water right permit and change process

• HB 153, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Ler - Generally revise laws related to livestock markets

• HB 158, sponsored by Rep. Josh Kassmier - Revise custom exempt facilities as required by the Federal Meat Inspection Act

• HB 195, sponsored by Alice Buckley - Generally revise consumer rights laws to repair powered wheelchairs

• HB 276, sponsored by Rep. Marty Malone - Establish a farm to food bank grant program

• HB 312, sponsored by Rep. Jodee Etchart - Provide for rural emergency hospital designation

• HB 350, sponsored by Rep. Frank Smith - Generally revise country of origin labeling (MFU Priority Bill)

• HB 383, sponsored by Rep. Tom France - Establish the Montana hunters and anglers community fund

• HB 418, sponsored by Rep. Ross Fitzgerald - Revise limitations on irrigable acreage

• SB 28, sponsored by Sen. Mike Lang - Provide funding for

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Conservation Districts

Montana Grassroots

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

• SB 71, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Salomon - Generally revise milk control policies

• SB 78, sponsored by Sen. Bruce Gillespie - Revise reimbursement values for registered livestock

• SB 132, sponsored by Sen. Becky Beard - Enhancing Agricultural Education

• SB 196, sponsored by Sen. Walt Sales - Require payment parity in insurance coverage of telehealth services

• SB 203, sponsored by Sen. Ken Bogner - Revise law for transfer of critical infrastructure and agricultural land

• SB 295, sponsored by Sen. Butch Gillespie - Revising laws to accommodate grizzly bear delisting

• SJ 9, sponsored by Sen. Butch Gillespie - Joint resolution establishing soil health week and day

• SR 28, sponsored by Sen. Mike Lang - Confirm governor’s appointee for director of department of agriculture

Bills Opposed

• HB 206, sponsored by Rep. Ron Marshall - Generally revise mill levy election laws

• HB 448, sponsored by Rep. James Bergstrom - Revise laws related to right to work

• HB 216, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer - Generally revise laws related to public employees and labor organizations

• SB 72, sponsored by Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick - Revise judicial administration of water rights

• SB 140, sponsored by Sen. Keith Regier - Revise Union membership laws

• SB 189, sponsored by Sen. Theresa Manzella - Requiring super majority to approve mail balloting

• SB 202, sponsored by Sen. Greg Hertz - Homemade food deregulation, amendments to the Montana Local Food Choice Act

• SB 251, sponsored by Sen. Greg Hertz - Sunset or reapprove existing voter-approved property tax levies

• SB 292, sponsored by Sen. Greg Hertz - Revising the threshold for approval of a mill levy election

Important bills coming up!

• HB 463, sponsored by Rep. Katie Sullivan, Establish reporting requirement for food procurement (MFU will support)

• HB 475, sponsored by Rep. Tom France, Generally revise laws related to agricultural equipment repair (MFU Priority bill)

• SB 347, sponsored by Sen. Willis Curdy, Revise right to repair laws relating to agriculture (MFU Priority bill)

Montana Farmers Union also is closely monitoring other bills (currently about 230) and more to come as we approach the March 3 transmittal deadline for general bills and resolutions.

Thursdays at 8 p.m., MFU hosts a Facebook Live legislative update on Zoom for members to join and ask questions. We also send our Rotunda Roundup weekly by email. Get added to the list by emailing communications@montanafarmersunion.com with your contact information.

If you have any questions about legislation that MFU is working on (Right to Repair, Country of Origin Labeling, Data Harvest, Land/ Water Use, Local Food Systems) reach out to myself (rprevost@ montanafarmersunion.com) or Jasmine Krotkov (jkrotkov@ montanafarmersunion.com). We are more than happy to assist you with how to reach out to your legislator, craft testimony and comments, understand the impact of a bill, or just how the legislative process works.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

MFU AMBASSADOR UPDATES

Central Montana Mary Jenni

In a last-ditch effort to curb over grazing, some ranchers decided to drive their cattle up into the mountains.

Analysts say the steaks have never been higher. The Legislative Session is currently underway and as I write this piece, a hearing for HB350 MT COOL is scheduled for this afternoon. This is a top legislative priority for Montana Farmers Union and one that is important to me too. Whether this bill passes or not, continued support of buying local, supporting COOL and MFU is imperative for change to take place.

I have had some delightful conversations with our members. I worked with several 4H Leaders informing them of the $100 Grant (funding is still available!) and communicated with all the extension agents and insurance agents. MFU is really like a family within itself as when I call people, we end up chatting like old friends, which I love!

Greater Yellowstone Skylar Williams

Happy New Year and we’re already off to a great start! So far, we’ve had our Montana Farmers Union Drive-In Jan. 3-4 in Helena, where we let our legislators know where we stand on Country of Origin Labeling – COOL, Right to Repair, Data Harvest, Food Systems and AG Land Protections.

We’ve made pretty good progress, I’d say due to in part to a lot of membership stepping up to testify at the hearings to inform our leaders why these items are on our agendas and how they can and will help our state.

The Billings Chamber Ag Celebration Dinner here in Billings was fantastic. We had some great speakers and our local county 4-H Extension Agent, Roni Baker, won the Ag Excellence Award!

Golden Triangle Area Gwyneth Givens

The ambassador program is about a year old, and we are always reaching more people.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Montana Premium Processing Co-op tour and MFU meeting in Havre in February. I was blown away by the number of people who came to the gathering and their excitement around the co-op and MFU.

The engagement at our February Women’s Conference was excellent. I met some fantastic women and came home with new friends and amazing conversations to think about. The importance of storytelling has been a theme of my time with MFU, starting with FUEL in 2021. Storytelling is an integral part of how we communicate and get things done, whether in friendship or professional settings. Our stories have power!

Watch for upcoming details for both restarting the Chouteau County Farmers Union and the next meeting for the Liberty/Toole County Local at Dunkirk!

Flathead Local Carissa McNamara

During a tour, I had the opportunity to meet Jan Tusick, the Director of Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center.

Within the first few minutes of our meeting, Jan said, “I am excited and curious to see how you will use your Farmers Union membership.” Her statement has been with me since. I had never considered my membership as something to be “used.” Her statement shapes the way I viewed each day as a Montana Farmers Union member, as well as Montana Farmers Union staff.

Our memberships give us the opportunity to embrace the essentiality of cooperatives, be active in current policy, serve on committees, actively listen to our membership and work at connecting them to beneficial resources, advocate for agriculture and rural communities, and connect agriculture to the next generation.

Using our memberships together, we strengthen the future of agriculture and rural communities.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Headwaters Area

Samantha Ferrat

People ask me: Why do you spend so much time and effort volunteering? My reply is: Investing now and for the future of agriculture is vital for our communities, state and nation. I believe I can make a difference for present and future farmers and ranchers, and my position with MFU as an ambassador (as well as volunteer 4-H leader and alumni and supporter of FFA) mean I can continue my passion for being an advocate for farmers and ranchers.

This year, I’ve attended many 4-H club and council meetings as well as FFA events throughout my region. I continue to be amazed and humbled by all the adults and youth I connect with who are pursuing making the best better for their communities and agriculture. How can MFU and our Ambassadors help your community thrive and create space where people come together with common goals surrounding agriculture? Let’s get together and figure it out.

Call anytime! (406) 949-0869

Reach out to the nearest MFU Ambassador and 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 Dutton, Southeast Montana eferrone@montanafarmersunion.com

Skylar Williams, Greater Yellowstone swilliams@montanafarmersunion.com

Mary Jenni, Central Montana mjenni@montanafarmersunion.com

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

Southeast Montana Eleanor Ferrone Dutton

I attended the Soil Health Symposium in early February, and was blown away. In the dead of winter, in Montana, over a topic that has thousands of rabbit trails that could likely end in negativity, I witnessed hundreds of producers, businesspeople, NRCS representatives, conservation groups, and regular community members gather and discuss the future of soil health with positivity and enthusiasm. There were no overbearing standards that had to be met, no expectations or judgements for the different levels of operations and backgrounds that people were coming from. Some people approached soil health economically- the quality of their product grown on the land depended on the quality of their soil. Others wanted to learn how to become better stewards of their properties, and ensure their operation would outlive them.

The largest takeaway for me was that soil health is not exclusive, or expensive, or judgmental. People in every branch of the Ag Industry depend on healthy soil. And every one of those people have the opportunity to do what they can with what they have.

Camp Positions Open for 2023 Arrowpeak Season

In preparation of the camp season at Arrowpeak Lodge in the Highwood Mountains, MFU is hiring for several positions, including summer camp counselors.

Counselors will serve as the primary point of contact and leaders for campers at Montana Farmers Union Camp. Counselors will be responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

MFU also is hiring a Youth Camp Coordinator, who will be the front-line of camp fun, planning and executing the MFU Youth Summer camp program for campers. This is a seasonal position, but with opportunities for growth.

Two nurses are needed for the 2023 camp season as well. Duties will include but are not limited to: being responsible for health education for campers, administering emergency care and medications to campers, as well as assisting with hiking and physical activities.

Additionally, MFU is looking to hire an onsite Camp Caretaker, who will maintain a clean and safe environment for all users of Arrowpeak Lodge. Associated duties will include accepting supplies, maintaining inventories and required record keeping.

Staff Training will be June 8-13.

To learn more, or apply, go to https://montanafarmersunion.com/employment/.

COOPERATIVE UPDATE

The Montana Premium Processing Cooperative is up and going!

The idea of a Montana meat processing cooperative began back in 2020 when the shelves ran empty of meats of all kinds. At the same time, our ranchers were getting some of the lowest prices for their cattle in decades. The inability to find local USDA certified butchers without a year or two waiting list came to a head and a handful of ranchers began the steering committee for what became the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative. That journey culminated with the first animal harvested on Feb. 7. Actually, it was four cows and two sheep – General Manager Bill Jones is ambitious but still finished the first day ahead of schedule.

Animals are now moving through the facility under a custom exempt certification. The facility has been designed under USDA standards and MPPC is looking forward to receiving USDA certification shortly.

Havre has proven to be a great location for finding quality staff with four employees

already hired to support Jones.

MPPC will continue to grow as efficiently as possible to increase capacity for the membership.

MPPC membership has grown to more than 50 and contracts to join are available. The newest Board member, Casey Buffington, has been a strong addition and brings valuable ranching and marketing perspectives.

Montana Premium Processing Cooperative is a Montana producer-owned cooperative located in Havre. Membership grants a rancher first rights to hook space in order to allow marketing of their USDA processed livestock. Additionally, the board of directors is made up entirely of members, with membership voting annually to fill rotating seats. This design ensures MPPC will always work for the best interest of the producers it supports.

For more information or to join, check out www.mtpremiumprocessing.com or email info@mtpremiumprocessing.com.

Welcome New Members!

Recruited by Little Big Warm Ranch LLC, Malta

Shane Anderson

Hess Ranch Inc, Terry Ron & Blayne Watts

Josh & Kari Harris, Joliet

Vern & Andrea Rice, Broadus

Robert Strackbein, Broadus

Weyland & Billie Schenk, Roundup

Matt & Andrea Miller, Froid

Estate of Bernard Koenig, Conrad

Squaw Butte Ranch Inc, Havre

T & S Borlaug Brothers, Gildford

Hybner Farms Inc, Rudyard

Robert & LuAn Peterson, Livingston

Big Horn Land & Cattle LLC, St Xavier

Dorothy Bilyeu, Pompeys Pillar

Northern 9 Properties LLC, Las Vegas NV

Daniel & Elizabeth Kratofil, Hamilton

Lorna Olson

Jesse Fleming

Jesse Fleming

K J Fauth

Austin O’Dea

Dirk Elings

Alex Thornton

Alissa McClendon

Alissa McClendon

Daryl Hansen

Melissa Wacker

Melissa Wacker

Randy Bloom

Bryan Jones

Kari Kester & Keith Horton, Great Falls MFU Office

Raeanna & Cody Griffis, Manhattan MFU Office

Beth Hannah, Rudyard MFU Office

David & Karen Allen, Cascade

MFU Office

Carah Ronan & Zach Didier, Laurel MFU Office

Judy Hanson, Hanley-Dailey Reunion, Helena MFU Office

Mark & Carole Mackin, Helena

Jenna & Shawn Wheeler, Fairview

Carol Olson & Bryan Erickson

Rene Oscar Mayorga & Lisa Wade, Kila

Emily Getts, Columbia Falls

Marissa Getts, Columbia Falls

Kelsey Miller, Judith Gap

Logan & Kaitlyn Lyders, Chester

Michael & Kay Lynn Waddell, Bigfork

Karsten Hovland, Great Falls

MFU Office

Adria Mikulecky

Mark & Heather

Siderius

Heather Siderius

Andrea Getts

Andrea Getts/

Pam & Mike

Purple Frog Gardens

Davey at MCDC

Rachel Prevost

Gwyneth Givens

Mark & Heather Siderius

Sigurd Hovland

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

MPPC General Manager Bill Jones onsite at the meat processing facility in Havre. The facility is capable of processing beef, pork, lamb and bison and is fully operational.

MPPC is operational and processing beef, pork, lamb and bison at the Havre facility.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

NEWS FROM THE HILL

In Montana, agriculture is more than our number one economic driver, it’s part of our way of life. Montana is home to thousands of family farm and ranch operations and ag businesses.

I’ve heard from many Montana farmers and ranchers who are worried about their livelihoods being threatened by foreign countries buying up American farmland. I share your concerns.

Foreign adversaries, like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea should not be allowed to purchase American farmland or agricultural businesses–it’s a threat to our national security and our Montana way of life.

As a third generation Montana farmer, I know that food security is national security.

If you control food, you control people –and that’s why we need to make sure our adversaries are kept far away from our food supply.

Countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea don’t respect our American way of life. Whether that’s by violating U.S. airspace, or spreading disinformation over social media – they will do everything in their power to weaken the United States.

For too long that’s included attempts to purchase American farmland and agribusinesses – but with bipartisan support from my friend, Republican Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, we’re putting a stop to it.

Congress should be doing everything it can to reduce America’s dependency on countries like China. That’s why I’m cosponsoring two bills to ensure adversarial countries can’t buy up Montana farm and ranchland. I’m supporting the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act and the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act to protect Montana and our growing agriculture economy.

As your voice in the United States Senate, I will always work to protect the interests of hardworking Montana farmers and ranchers and ensure Montana maintains its rich legacy of agriculture for generations to come.

Last month we introduced legislation that will outright ban China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from investing in, purchasing, leasing or otherwise acquiring U.S. farmland. It will also appoint the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), so that we prevent our foreign adversaries from making investments that would threaten our domestic food supply.

Folks in Montana know how dangerous countries like China are, and with my Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act we’re going to cut them out of our food chain.

Montana has some of the best farmland in the world, and together we’ll make sure that it stays in Montanan hands for generations to come.

Steve Daines, U.S. Senator

Jon Tester, U.S. Senator

The 118th Congress was set to be sworn in shortly after noon on January 3.

The Senate started business right on time. However, the House had a lengthy holdup due to a drawn-out debate and election for Speaker, which took several days. After Republicans took control of the House in the 2022 Midterms, the GOP nominated Rep. Kevin McCarthy from Bakersfield, California, to serve as the 55th Speaker of the House. Rep. McCarthy had served as the minority leader of the House Republican Conference since 2019 while Democrats controlled the chamber.

117TH CONGRESS WRAPUP: SOME FARMERS UNION PRIORITIES INCLUDED IN 2022 YEAR-END OMNIBUS

In late December, Congress finished up a busy term with one last piece of legislative business: passing the year-long omnibus spending bill.

H.R.2617 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 is a $1.7 trillion dollar package that funds the federal government through Sept. 30, 2023. The omnibus boosts defense spending by $76 billion to $858 billion, and nondefense spending in the bill totals $773 billion. The Senate passed the Omnibus on a 68-29 vote, while the House margin was 225201.

The Omnibus includes a number of NFU priorities, including:

• $5 million increase for oversight and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

• Full funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) at $10 million.

• Strong funding for the Rural Cooperative Development

-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-

Grants (RCDG) to support cooperative development centers and the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

• $364 million for the ReConnect Program, to fulfill its mission to address broadband and high-speed internet connectivity challenges in rural America.

• Nearly $950 million for conservation programs and conservation technical assistance; $14 million for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI).

• A year-long extension of Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting.

The bill includes a continuation of recent disaster ad hoc disaster assistance, with $3.74 billion in relief for farmers and ranchers who suffered losses of revenue, quality, or production losses for a variety of crops and livestock incurred in the 2022 calendar year. Of that topline figure, up to $500 million is set aside for producers of livestock for losses incurred due to drought or wildlife.

The bill also includes modified versions of legislation aimed at addressing climate change in agriculture: the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA), which NFU endorsed, and the SUSTAINS Act (see Division HH-Agriculture, sections 201 and 202, respectively in the bill text). GCSA, named the “Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and ThirdParty Verifier Program” in the bill, directs USDA to play a role in evaluating private carbon and other environmental credit markets for agriculture, with the goal of facilitating farmer participation in these markets, facilitating technical assistance to farmers for their participation, and ensuring farmers are fairly compensated in these markets. SUSTAINS, named the “Acceptance and

Use of Private Funds for PublicPrivate Partnerships” in the bill, modifies existing CCC authority to accept and use contributions from private entities to fund conservation activities through USDA programs.

Additionally, the bill includes the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act, to update the premerger filing fee structure, which has not been changed since 2001. The bill would increase filing fees for larger mergers and index increases in those fees to inflation.

The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act and the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act were not included in the final omnibus bill. The principles behind these bills could very well be part of the 2023 Farm Bill. Congress also failed to enact meaningful farm labor reform, but NFU will continue to advocate for further efforts in the 118th Congress.

2023 FARM BILL PROCESS RAMPS UP

The abovementioned delays in the House of Representatives due to the election of a speaker had some real-world impacts, as the first Farm Bill Listening Session of the new year was postponed nearly one week. But on January 13, the new incoming chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-PA) convened a listening session at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

About a dozen other members of Congress joined Chairman Thompson in hearing from leaders from a wide variety of stakeholder organizations in the Keystone State. Among those who offered their input was Pennsylvania Farmers Union (PFU) president Michael Kovach, who underscored the importance of building

resiliency and competition into the food system through the farm bill. President Kovach also noted how soil health is key to success for family farmers in his state and should be prioritized. Further listening sessions and hearings are expected to be announced throughout the early parts of 2023, and NFU is working hard to prepare for these opportunities to provide input.

NFU HOSTS 2023 POLICY COMMITTEE

In January, NFU convened a meeting of the Policy Committee, kicking off NFU’s 2023 policy process. This was the first inperson Policy Committee meeting since 2020. Seven members from across the country, nominated by their respective state Farmers Union divisions, came to Washington, DC to begin crafting NFU’s official 2023 policy book.

The 2023 Policy Committee is chaired by Melany Thomas, representing Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU).

The other members of this year’s Policy Committee are:

• Bryn Bird, Ohio Farmers Union

• Charles Hibner, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union

• Paul Neubauer, Montana Farmers Union

• Philip Neubauer, North Dakota Farmers Union

• Jordan Shearer, Oklahoma Farmers Union

• Hank Wonnenberg, South Dakota Farmers Union

The Policy Committee will reconvene in March at NFU’s 121st Anniversary Convention, in San Francisco, CA, and propose their recommendations to the full slate of delegates during the grassroots policy process.

-MONTANA FARMERS UNIONfumico.net