V O L U M E 3 1
MARCH 2022
M O N T A N A
GRASS ROOTS
F E E D I N G T H E F U T U R E T H R O U G H FA R M E R S U N I O N E D U C AT I O N 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
Spring Events Provide Community & Connection The National Farmers Union held the 120th Annual Convention in late February-early March. Located in Denver, Colorado, it was the first in-person National Convention since 2019. Representatives from Montana included MFU board delegates, youth delegates, members and MFU staff. Members from Montana also presented in break-out sessions: Kate Stephens contributed on the “Next Generation in Ag” panel, and Paul Neubauer spoke to “How Cooperatives Make Farmers Resilient.” Also returning to an in-person event was the Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference held in February at Fairmont Hot Springs. This was the 9th annual convening, and the Women’s Conference shows no sign of losing momentum. The attendees of the 2022 Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference included over 60 women from around Montana.
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID LIVINGSTON, MT PERMIT NO. 93
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Member Kelly Alvstad Stays True to Her Roots
Although she’s new to Montana Farmers Union, agriculture runs in Kelly Alvstad’s blood. The Berks County, PA native grew up on a farm and moved to Montana 13 years ago. A woman of many talents, she owns The Shoppes at Peifer’s General Store with an attached coffee shop and a custom furniture refinishing business, and is a mother and wife – all while instilling a love of agriculture in the next generation as an ag teacher and FFA advisor in Sidney. Q: What does your operation look like? CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
MFU Member Kelly Alvstad in her shop in Sidney, MT.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 2
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
President’s Message Know the consequences before signing the CI 121 ballot initiative. It may sound good to freeze your property taxes but if you investigate it more you will find several adverse consequences. What is CI 121? It is a proposed ballot initiative that would freeze residential property value at the 2019 level and changes the assessed value to the acquisition value when purchased. This a California idea being proposed by a couple of Californians. It would freeze the value at the 2019 level on all residential homes, not just owner-occupied homes. It would freeze the value on 2nd, 3rd or more including homes owned by out of staters as well as vacation rental homes. This will create a tax shift to agriculture property, small businesses, and new homeowners. Freezing it at 2019 levels does not help Montana citizens that have seen the value of their homes appreciate over the last couple of decades especially in the recreational areas of Montana as it only goes back a couple of years. This will discourage grandparents from downsizing because they will pay more in taxes for new a smaller home.
Thank you Business Boosters
Young families will pay more in property taxes to purchase a different home to meet their growing needs. Because there is no freeze on small business or agriculture real property their taxes will go up. Real property taxes fund local services like your schools, courthouse, and local hospitals.
CI 121, if passed, will take away local control of schools and hospitals because they will depend on more state and federal funding to survive. Many of the proponents of CI 121 also want to have a sales tax. By freezing residential property tax, it dries up funding for our schools and communities forcing us to replace this funding by imposing a sales tax. Please know all the consequences before changing our constitution to freeze residential property taxes and tying the hands of your local leaders.
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 Services Violet Green, Education Coordinator Alice Miller, Press Relations Specialist 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 monthly.Article submissions are requested by the 15th of the month. Copy Editor: Alice Miller, Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Audra Labert
Montana Grassroots
2022 Volume 31
PAGE NUMBER 3
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
STANDING UP FOR OUR RIGHT TO REPAIR IN THIS ISSUE MFU Member feature Page 1, 4
Arrowpeak Camp Info Page 5
2022 National Farmers Union Convention Page 6 2022 Women’s Conference Page 7
MT Premium Processing Co-op Update Page 8 Memorials Page 8
Legislative Update Page 9
FUI Agent Builds Support for Ag Page 10 Debates 2022 Page 11
Camp Memorials
B Y WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R GEYSER, MT
Montana Farmers Union continues to fight for your right to repair your equipment. Newer equipment has many of the operations controlled by a computer called an electronic control unit (ECU). This requires software and hardware to diagnose and repair. The equipment manufacturers refuse to allow farmers access to the software to enable repairs of ECU connected parts.
MFU has been challenging the manufacturers to provide access to these tools so we can repair our equipment without being forced to use manufacturer authorized technicians. Because of our efforts through media and lobbying, the equipment manufacturers are now providing access to some diagnostic functions—if you agree to a customer service advisor agreement. The cost to the limited diagnostic service varies from $5,000 to $10,000, with a subscription rate of $2,000-$5,000 per year.
Currently, the customer service advisor only diagnoses some of the issues and does not give you access to the software program that provides the needed repairs. The equipment manufacturers have been promoting this as full access to repairs, but this is disingenuous. In fact, for some of the repairs, the manufacturers won’t even give full access to the dealers and require the dealer tech to access the manufacturer controlled programing on a case by case basis.
This issue is not caused by the dealers, and some have quietly said they support our efforts but fear retribution from the manufacturers if they speak publicly. MFU appreciates Senator Tester’s bill that will require manufacturers to provide full access to diagnostic and repair software at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, it does not have any Republican Congressional support at the moment. Call Senator Daines or Congressman Rosendale and tell them you want the “right to repair”. Some farm organizations, like the Farm Bureau and the Stockgrowers, have been siding with the equipment manufacturers in refusing our right to repair. If you are also a member of these organizations, let them know you want the “right to repair” farm equipment. MFU also has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission on the anticompetitive practice of “tying”. Tying is when a manufacturer forces you to use them for repairs and parts. The sale of their equipment has a lower markup to compete for the sale, but once they have us hostage they have a higher markup on the cost of repairs and parts. MFU is making headway, and we will not stop until we have the right to repair our equipment.
Del & Karla Styren, Brady (In Memory of Art & Diana Adamson) If you would like to honor someone with a timeless stone engraving at Arrowpeak, please contact the MFU Office at 406452-6406.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 4
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
“FFA was a huge part of my life growing up. That’s where I gained a lot of the skills I have now with public speaking.” Right now we own 20 acres. Basically, we have three horses, two dogs, way too many cats. We basically just graze our horses on our pasture land. And then on a typical year, we can usually get a cutting of alfalfa off of it. Q: When you were growing up, did you think you wanted to be working in agriculture?
back to whatever I want to teach, which is a double-edged sword because I know what I would like to teach them about all the time, but I know that may not be what’s going to help them when they graduate. So this year, we’ve added Aquaculture to our Horticulture program to go a little bit deeper.
I like that they’re evolving. In the beginning, I had my mind kind of set on what they were going to look like. Then, as I see who my students are, and their unique abilities, they’re all different levels. I’ve got kids who have been in ag, related somehow, their entire life. And then I’ve got the kids who live in town who had no ag interests at all, but they needed an elective. And those are the kids who I really enjoy, because they’ll come back the next year. And they don’t have an ag background, but they still want to come back. And so that’s something that is pretty important to me.
I actually compost in my greenhouses. The kids go around the school, collect from the teachers, and then help with turning the I just didn’t know which direction. I’ve compost every day. We’ve got it down to a always been interested in horticulture. And science, where we have compost almost in growing things. I always had gardens. On every 60 to 90 days. And then we also make the family farm, we raised corn, soybeans, compost tea off of the compost. And then hay. But when the ag teacher position came we actually sell that back to the staff at the And just seeing new things, like regeneraavailable, I wasn’t really planning on appl- school. tive agriculture. That’s something that is ying for it. They kind of approached me with totally new to me since December. And it’s it. So I’ve got a Class 4C teaching license in FFA was a huge part of my life growing up. something that I learned about and now I’m Montana. That’s where I gained a lot of the skills I passionate about it. I was able to meet up have now with public speaking. And that’s with Becca Skinner from the Women’s ConQ: Tell me about your work teaching and a huge thing that I teach my kids right now: ference. She’s going to help teach some of with FFA. How do you fill out a resume, because half of my classes via zoom, so that my kids can see my kids didn’t know. And then we’ve started in the spring, what her regenerative opeI would say one of the things that I was sur- attending a lot more events this year with ration looks like. They have an acre of land prised by Eastern Montana is how rural it is. empathy. My JV farm business management in permaculture production. Hopefully, her But our kids do not know where our food co- girls just took first place at districts last husband, who’s a chef, will be able to somes from. At different meetings and school Monday. I was pretty proud of that. They’ve mehow incorporate something into Becca’s board events, I would ask the kids questions been working really hard. class. and they couldn’t answer. So I’m trying to be diversified with my teaching. Montana does Q: What are you most excited about in That’s just one of the connections I wouldn’t not have any educational standards for Ag terms of how these programs are going? have without joining Farmers Union. Ed. So we go off the national level. It goes
Thank you to our generous donors for your support of youth camps at Arrowpeak: Andrew Bishop, Brady Dirk Elings FU Insurance, Conrad K J Fauth FU Insurance, Billings Bryan Jones FU Insurance, Hamilton Tom McKenna FU Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe FU Insurance, Kalispell Steve Plaggemeyer FU Insurance, Billings Aeric Reilly FU Insurance, Great Falls Dean and Trudi Peterson, Judith Gap
If you are interested in donating to the Youth Leadership Development Program, please call the MFU Office at 406-452-6406.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 5
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
More camp info and pricing at montanafarmersunion.com
Join Our Camp Team! It’s almost time to register for camp, and that also means summer/seasonal employment opportunities with MFU.
Current Openings
Camp Counselors: Do you enjoy working with kids and cultivating a safe & fun-loving environment? The Camp Counselor is the first point of contact for youth at Montana Farmers Union Camps, overseeing operations, activities; they are the front line of supervision.
Camp Caretaker: We are looking for a jack-of-all-trades!
The Camp Caretaker helps maintain a clean and safe environment for all who enjoy Arrowpeak Camp.
Contact Violet for more info: vgreen@montanafarmersunion.com.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 6
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
Twenty delegates traveled from Montana to the National Convention. Starting from top left: Tom Clark, Erik Somerfeld, Kelly Parks, John Wicks, Kate Stephens, Walter Schweitzer, Chad Doheny, Paul Neubauer, Whitney Graham, Matt Rains. From bottom left: Leif Bergman, Eric Bergman, Phillip Prewett, Cindy Palmer, Sarah Degn, Kelly Alvstad, Joellyn Clark, Gwynn Givens, Rachel Prevost, Audra Labert. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Highlights from the National Farmers Union Convention included honors for Montana delegates, a special appearance by Senator Jon Tester, and the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the event: policy discussion.
and we’re trying to come up with a name for the award we want to give him, but they don’t make plaques big enough to fit the endless description of what Paul does better than most everyone else,” the congratulatory post from the crew continued.
Board member Sarah Rachor finished up her three year term as a member of the National policy committee.
“While it was hard to get some of that preliminary work done over Zoom, everyone got to work and we got through some good upA Montana Farmers Union member and loMFU’s Cascade County chapter’s commit- dates to the policy book” Sarah shares. cal chapter were recognized nationally for their leadership in National Farmers Union ment to NFU’s mission also was recognized at NFU’s convention with a Leadership “It’s great to feel like the changes we’ve been during the organization’s annual convenfighting for are starting to make a difference Award and for growing its members. tion held recently in Denver, Colo. in a national level and really helps motivate “In today’s busy world, it takes even more me and others to continue this important In recognition of his passion for family farming and rural America, Paul Neubauer to keep a sub-division viable and active, but policy work.” received the Bruce Miller Award, NFU’s having a local connection is so important to many Farmers Union members,” the award Farmers Union also welcomed Kate highest honor for members. Stephens of Kate’s Ag- Farm to Fashion (piccriteria reads. tured below) to the Montana delegation. In his role as Vilicus’ farm foreman, Neubauer “is the driving force behind every dai- “It’s an honor in that it’s an acknowledge- Kate is doing important work to educate ly mission,” including mentoring apprenti- ment of the value of local chapters within people about agriculture, and as a former ces, interns and employees, a Facebook post the Farmers Union family,” said Eric Berg- MFU camper, she is also an important voiman, president of the chapter who accepted ce for the next generation in ag. Check out on Vilicus Farms’ page reads: the award. Kate’s Convention highlights video on her YouTube channel to see more! “We all really love Paul here on the farm,
Paul Neubauer of Vilicus Farms accepts the Bruce Miller Award from NFU President Rob Larew.
Left to right: MFU President Walter Schweitzer, Kate Stephens & Sen. Jon Tester.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 7
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
Women’s Conference Supports Women in Ag, Builds Community BY ALICE MILLER
Nearly 70 women connected over topics ranging from mental health to entrepreneurship to fitness to the rural brain gain to social media marketing during the ninth-annual Montana Farmers Union Women’s Conference. The conference, held Feb. 4-6 at Fairmont Hot Springs, provided opportunities for professional development and networking through panels and speakers tackling hot topics in agriculture and rural communities, organizer Rachel Prevost said.
“Women are the strongholds of our rural communities and this conference celebrates that. To hear from women from all across the state on how they are working in wide varieties of rural entrepreneurship to better reach consumers with their products was impactful as we continue to work on increasing local food processing and access across Montana,” Prevost said. “It’s so life-giving to bring you all together,” said Amber Smith, who leads Women in Ranching.
Creativity is key to the future of agriculture, Smith said during her keynote address, adding that traditional values can be continued in non-traditional ways. More seats at the decision-making table, non-traditional stakeholders and new relationships that bring more creativity, experiences, knowledge and talent must be part of the future of agriculture, she said. “You all are already here, but we actually need you at the decision making table,” Smith added.
Women must unapologetically acknowledge skills and talents in themselves and others and mentor each other, Smith said.
“Each of us has one life to live, so why not live it to the very fullest,” she challenged attendees. Throughout the event attendees heard from women doing just that, many who shared
Sarah Harding & Pam Gerwe from Whitefish.
that they have plenty of struggles.
Erica Mannix and keynote speaker Amber Smith.
Entrepreneurship is problem solving in many ways. Start with what you’ve got, look First-generation rancher Caroline Nelson around for ideas and resources, and prepasaid that despite earning her stripes doing re to be amazed by what’s there, she said. what she loves she still deals with imposter syndrome. She fell in love with ranching as “I loved it,” Holly Carpenter said about the a child and found her way west, working as event. a ranch hand. Wearing a cowboy hat really makes her feel like an imposter, she said. Carpenter, whose farm and ranch is in Melrose, came to the conference to network “When do you earn it? How many calves do as both a producer and a commercial lender you have to pull?” she remembered asking at Clearwater Credit Union. herself. To which Smith replied, “Wear the damn hat.” She left full of excitement about possibilities to incorporate special needs workers onto Women want to solve the myriad problems her family’s operation – something she said their communities face, said Candace Wee- has been a longtime dream of hers. da Strobbe, who ranches and runs a wellness company near Cascade. “It just got me real excited about getting stuff done,” she said. “How do we be the backbone of these communities and not drive ourselves crazy?” MFU is looking forward to next year’s conshe asked. ference and to providing another inspirational space for Montana women to gather “I want us to come back to thinking about and discuss all things rural and agriculture. the capital that is so valuable and so hard to Between now and then, Prevost said, attenreplace in these rural places,” she added to dees can connect on the “Women of Montaunderscore her point that women must take na Farmers Union” Facebook page or throucare of themselves as well as others. gh MFU locals. Dr. Zen Parry, who owns Trepademics and has worked with woman entrepreneurs around the globe, concurred that women are problem solvers. “A woman can divide two cookies amongst three kids and not have any fights,” she said during a panel discussion about entrepreneurship.”
Media from the 2022 Women’s Conference is available, incluidng recordings of discussion panels and more. Please contact alabert@montanafarmersunion. com for info.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 8
-MONTANA FARMERS UNIONMontana Premium Processing Co-op Update
and improved by multiple experts in the meat processing industry based on real-world experience. Thanks to strong responses to our state and federal grant funding requests, we are in a great position to purchase quality, commercial-grade processing equipment to handle the daily demands of constant throughput operations. B Y M AT T R A I N S PROJECT MANAGER We also are focused on ensuring we have tracking and labeling systems in place to The Montana Premium Processing Coo- ensure every rancher receives their meat perative continues to improve the Havre product professionally packaged for retail. facility and maintains our projected timeline to be operational and USDA certified MPPC is fortunate to have a strong Board by this June. MPPC has been successful in of Directors elected by the membership, beginning renovations, purchasing a ma- which consists of: jority of processing equipment, ordering remaining necessary items, and procuring Paul Neubauer (Chairman) grant funding. MPPC tentatively plans to Brett DeBruycker (Vice-chair) move initial animals through the facility by Ben Peterson (Treas/Sec) late May and have the system fully opera- Eric Bergman tional by the end of June. Jenny Kahrl Walter Schweitzer and Hiring over April and May will fill neces- Jess Alger. sary positions, with additional hiring over the summer as MPPC grows into our faci- These directors are also MPPC sharelity. holders and will be processing animals from their own operations. Board memWe continue to work closely with the USDA bers were essential in standing up the cooto ensure our facility is designed to meet perative and continue to play a major role all required USDA certification criteria. in getting MPPC operational. Our facility design also has been reviewed
Montana State University-Northern has been approved to create a Meat Science curriculum. MPPC has worked with MSU-N from the beginning regarding this degree program, and the co-op facility will serve as a training ground for students. We are excited to take on the labor shortage challenge head-on with MSU-N by training students to not only cut meat but also to manage a business and personnel.
As MPPC progresses through the next couple of months, we will keep membership abreast of the renovation completions and milestone moments. Our membership has grown to over forty common-stock shareholders, which leaves only a handful of the original 50 Founding Member discounted memberships available. We strongly recommend members invite their friends and ranching colleagues who are considering retailing their own livestock to joining now before the last of the discounted memberships are gone! More information about MPPC and membership can be found at mtpremiumprocessing.com.
Renovations inside the MT Premium Processing facility in Havre, MT.
Recognizing recently passed MFU family:
Art Adamson, Shelby Mrs. Art (Diana) Adamson, Shelby Tom Siderius, Kalispell Mrs. Richard (Helen) Geck, Pompeys Pillar Mel Vegge, Glasgow Mrs. Lyle (Betty) Schwarzrock, Poplar Mrs. Charles (Rosemary) Dailey, Great Falls
In Memoriam
The Montana Farmers Union community has also lost three long-time Board of Directors members. We honor their contribution to Montana Farmers Union and to Montana’s rural communities. Art Adamson of Shelby, who served as director and secretary-treasurer for the years 1987 through 1995; Diana Adamson of Shelby, who served as
director and vice president for the years 1995 through 2008; and
Tom Siderius of Kalispell, who served as director for the years 1992 through 2006.
Montana Grassroots
2022 Volume 31
PAGE NUMBER 9
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
Legislative Update BY RACHEL PREVOST G OV. A F FA I R S D I R E C TO R
A few updates for Montana producers as we roll into the spring!
In early February, Montana Farmers Union (MFU) submitted comments on the “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” (WOTUS). Our comments reiterate that Montana family farmers, ranchers and our rural communities depend on clean and safe water for everyday living and working. Our comments urged that throughout this process, the agencies involved need to work to create a balance to reach the goal of protecting water quality without unduly burdening family farmers and ranchers with overly complex and unclear rules.
Highlighted in MFU’s comments were two policies that were passed by MFU membership at the policy sessions of the 2021 Montana Farmers Union State Convention. The two policies guide how Montana Farmers Union advocates on changes and revisions to WOTUS. The two policies read: “Oppose broadening the definition of what waters are covered under the Clean Water Act that may unduly burden family farmers and ranchers.” MFU also has policy that states our position to “Oppose the broadening of the federal government’s jurisdiction over a group of
waters simply because the bodies of water Montana Infrastructure Coalition, Montana are near each other.” Chamber of Commerce, Montana League of Cities and Towns, Montana Bankers Next, an update on the Cooperative Inters- Association, Montana Contractors Associatate Shipment (CIS) Program for Montana. tion, Montana Rural Education Association, The CIS Program would allow state inspec- and Montana Budget and Policy Center. ted meats to be retailed across state lines. From the Food Safety and Inspection Ser- Furthermore, MFU feels the initiative has vices (FSIS) webpage on the CIS Program, disregarded the will of the 2021 Legislatu“The CIS program is limited to plants located re that was determined in HB 651. HB 651 in the 27 states that have established a Meat changed Montana law regarding ballot iniand Poultry Inspection Program (MPI) and tiatives to have the Attorney General examimaintain ‘at least equal to’ FSIS regulatory ne ballot initiatives for negative impacts on standards.” Montana is currently working Montana businesses and that the Secretary on getting to a final designation to be able of State refer ballot initiatives/issues to a to take advantage of this great program. legislative committee for review before being approved for signature gathering. A final part to this update is on Constitutional Initiative 121 (CI-121). The initiative This had not occurred before the initiatilooks to limit or cap valuations of residen- ve was approved for signature gathering. tial property, which ultimately means Montanans need to know all the risks of shifting tax burden. This initiative proposes this complex and likely disruptive measure to make tax policy changes directly to the before signing any petitions, which is why state constitution. MFU is part of the legal challenge that is examining this very measure. MFU is opposed to this initiative for a wide variety of reasons, and is part of a diverse If you are approached about signing a peticoalition of organizations who have come tion for CI-121, we urge you NOT to sign. together to oppose this initiative. The growing coalition includes: Montana Asso- We look forward to a busy spring! ciation of Realtors, Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Farmers Union, Montana AFL-CIO, Please reach out to me if you have questions Montana Federation of Public Employees, at rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com
Farmers Union Industries
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 10
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
Farmers Union Insurance Agent Builds Support for AG BY ALICE MILLER
Eric Hinebauch wasn’t planning on being an insurance agent after graduating from the University of Great Falls. But when a friend suggested he look into Farmers Union Insurance, the Chinook native found his background in agriculture made him a good fit. A decade later, he’s still an FUI agent, now selling policies through his Hinebauch Agency, which writes all lines of insurance except health insurance.
about insurance? I think making sure people understand how important it is to protect their assets, I am a big believer in making sure customers have adequate liability coverage to protect what they have. Liability coverage isn’t as tangible as your physical coverages, but it is very important. Q: What’s the biggest factor you see impacting insurance in the coming months?
I am a member of our local economic development authority here in Great Falls. Our group is constantly working to build relationships to attract Agri-processing companies to our region. It is imperative that we have this to continue to provide value to our producers in the region. Q: Why do you think it’s important to be involved in an ag-related organization?
There are two ways I look at this question. One we need strong agriculture in this counHe fills his free time with his wife, Jen, and I think we will continue to see higher mini- try to make sure we have food security natheir two dogs in the Montana outdoors hi- mum deductibles across the state for wind tionwide. Second is in our local economy, all king, rafting and golfing. He also is a mem- and hail storms and making sure we educa- our communities in North Central Montana ber of MFU and served as Cascade County te people on those changes is key. benefit tremendously from the strong agrichapter president from 2013-2015. culture economy we have here. It is imporQ. Can you talk about your involvement tant for people to be involved and advocate Hinebauch said the relationships he’s deve- in the community? for our local producers. loped and networking are the best parts of his job and credits strong relationships with I have been involved in my community in sehis success. Newly elected to the Great Falls veral ways. I coached high school and youth City Commission, he said he also believes wrestling for 10 years in Great Falls. I have community involvement is a must. also been involved in several community organizations, most recently I was elected to Q. What is most important to you when the Great Falls City Commission. I believe working with clients? being involved in the community you do business in is important. As business owners, At the end of the day, you must be available we need to be positive voices for our comand provide good customer service. Agents munity in order to find solutions to challenneed to be an advocate for their customer ges our community faces. to make sure they are properly educated on insurance and what it covers. Q: How do you advocate for your rural community? Q: What do you wish more people knew Erine Hinebauch, Great Falls.
Kippley Elected Vice President of National Farmers Union Delegates to the National Farmers Union’s 120th Convention re-elected Rob Larew as President and elected Jeff Kippley as Vice President. Their two-year terms began immediately and will conclude at NFU’s 2024 convention. Kippley, who farms with his wife, Rachel, and dad, John, near Aberdeen, S.D., was motivated to fight for fair market prices. “Policy changes need to take place soon so our children can earn a fair living on the family farm or ranch. This is critical for
America’s farm families and our rural communities,” Kippley said.
Larew, re-elected for a second term, expressed his gratitude to the attendees and pledged to continue fighting for the organization’s key priorities.
“I am honored to continue the fight for fairness on behalf of America’s farm families and their communities. National Farmers Union’s mission and time-tested values will be essential to ensuring a prosperous
future, and it is a privilege to represent our vibrant and growing organization,” Larew said. Larew splits his time between his farm in Greenville, West Virginia, and the national office in Washington, D.C. He previously worked in Congress and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and served as the NFU Vice President of Government Relations and Communications from 2016 to 2020.
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 11
-MONTANA FARMERS UNION-
Follow us on social media and via e-news for updates!
EAST District
Debates 2022 Farmers Union is once again hosting Congressional Representative primary debates to highlight issues that matter most for rural communities.
Miles City - April 21, GOP Primary Debate Havre - April 28, DEM Primary Debate
Welcome New Members! Referred by: Connie & Marjorie Cox Trust, Whitewater Shane Anderson Jonathan & Courtney Fitzgerald, Jordan Tayler Kennedy Tronstad Ranch, Baker Tayler Kennedy Long Pines Ranches Inc, Capitol Tayler Kennedy Don & Judy Hotter, Forsyth Ron & Blayne Watts B Lazy Y Services LLC, Forsyth Lorna Olson Melody Fox, Laurel Lorna Olson Valley Creek Cattle Company, Laurel Lorna Olson Josh & Brooke DeDobbeleer, Glasgow Brady Burgess Novak Farms Inc, Plentywood J R Johnson G & L Ranch Company Inc., Broadus Jesse Fleming Rebecca McEuen, Broadus Jesse Fleming Wade Bowman, Wolf Point Jesse Fleming Dresel Ranch Inc., Circle Jesse Fleming Robert Jackson, Lewistown Tom McKenna Duane & Barbee Hekkel, Froid Austin O’Dea Dustin & Tina Wivholm, Medicine Lake Austin O’Dea Michael & Tracy Barlow, Billings K J Fauth Robert & Susan Roods, Billings K J Fauth Sharon Jung, Molalla, OR Dirk Elings Ralph & Helen Stordahl, Conrad Dirk Elings AJG Farms Inc, Lakeside Alex Thornton McIntosh Rentals LLP, Havre Alex Thornton Painted Robe Ranch 2012, Bozeman Dean Derby Linderman Investments LLC, Belgrade Craig Parker Big Horn Land & Cattle Inc, St Xavier Melissa Wacker Darlene Mehling, Hardin Melissa Wacker Dominic & Theresa Winslow, Bighorn Melissa Wacker GRR Farms LLC, Orrville, OH Aeric Reilly
WEST District
Bozeman - May 6, DEM Primary Debate Whitefish - May 20, GOP Primary Debate
Dale & Lillian LeVeque, Cascade Aeric Reilly Robert McLean, Cut Bank Russ Seubert Alvin & Nancy McKamey, Vaughn Mathew Luedtke Shelli Frazier, Plains Lisa French Terry & Mary Shumaker, Trout Creek Lisa French Jeff & Shoni Wilson, Potomac Lisa French Jon & Sabrina Alexander, Delray Beach, FL Stefanie Thompson Rick G Johnson, Anaconda Stefanie Thompson Two Medicine Ranch Park LLC, Kalispell Charles Monroe Angela Karanas, Whitehall Art Hoffart Patrick & Terry Cable, St Ignatius Andrew Luedtke The Bilile Family Trust, Bozeman Andrew Lueddtke DS Double K LLC, Dillon Sara Nye David & Julie Hill, Sidney Cathy Hintz Russell & Suzanne Hunt, St. Ignatius Andre Marcure Gary & Donna Boyer, Dillon Judy Siring Holly & Travis Carpenter, Butte MFU Office Jamie Stitt, Helmville MFU Office Sara Strissel, Rudyard MFU Office Rachel Rossiter, Rudyard MFU Office Olivia Soller, Corvallis MFU Office Linda Kiltz, Kalispell MFU Office Toby & Nannette Stahl, Roundup MFU Office Diana Whitworth, Ronan MFU Office Mistell Lewis, Ronan MFU Office Carissa McNamara, Plains MFU Office Tommeejoe Fox, Ashland MFU Office Cora Neumann, Bozeman MFU Office Dennis & Mary Hull, Chester MFU Office Carolyn Dewey, Whitefish Pam Gerwe Jeanie Alderson & Terry Punt, Birney MFU Office Anna Parker, Fort Shaw Ethel Parker
2022 Volume 31
Montana Grassroots
PAGE NUMBER 12
-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
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 Charles Monroe 756-7720 Laurel Lorna Olson 628-6649 Lewistown Tom McKenna 538-8736 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 Brad Bowman 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