COMMUNITY continued

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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!

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

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

• 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

Conservation Districts