MFU AMBASSADOR UPDATES

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!

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!

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!

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-

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

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.

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/.