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