3029 Convention Edition

GRASS ROOTS MONTANA

FEEDING THE FUTURE THROUGH FARMERS UNION EDUC ATION A P U B L I C AT I O N B Y M O N TA N A F A R M E R S U N I O N

MEMBERS GATHER FOR THE 104TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION IN GREAT FALLS

The 2019 state convention theme Exploring Ideas, Innovation and Impact brought members together from all over the state. The event was held October 25-26 at the Heritage Inn. The convention featured workshops on precision agriculture, trade, grizzly management, malt barley testing, suicide prevention and more. Keynote speakers included Dr. Sreekala Bajwa, Roger Johnson, Luc Swensson and entertainment by hypnotist Erick Kand and a murder mystery dinner theatre. Members elected state officers including Walter Schweitzer to serve as President. "I am humbled that my neighbors and fellow Montana Farmers Union members have entrusted me with this great opportunity and responsibility.” CONTINUED PAGE 6

PAGE 7 Sneak Peek of the 2017 Producers Conference NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LIVINGSTON, MT PERMIT NO. 93 IN THIS EDITION: • COOL GAINS TRACTION IN CONGRESS • MFU ADOPTS SPECIAL ORDERS ON HEMP, TRADE & CSKT • 2020 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE PREVIEW • BILL WILL BOOST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES We currently have a trade agreement with Canada and Mexico; it is called NAFTA.I support the resolution unanimously approved by the directors of NFU (National Farmers Union) asking Congress to fix USMCA. To gain NFU support for USMCA, Congress must provide needed protections for American family farm-ers and ranchers.The agreement should strengthen labor, environment, and enforcement provisions; rectify language related to prescription drugs; strengthen anti-dumping protections for agricultural goods; and re-establish Countryof-Origin Labeling (COOL) authority. Some AG organizations are promoting ratification of the USMCA. If you get a chance, ask how USMCA benefits the family farm. They don’t have a good answer. Some say it allows wheat growers to export wheat to Canada. While it does create a path to deliver wheat to Canada, the Canadian Wheat Pool will only accept wheat grown from Canadian varieties. Others say it helps the dairy farmers but if you ask the dairy farmers they say it allows the milk processor to pit US dairy farmers against Canadian dairy farmers and favors large multinational dairies. Our efforts should be focused on getting trade agreements with key Asian customers we lost when the US pulled out of the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership). Our competitors have been able to export their products to these Asian markets without the excessive tariffs imposed on US products because we signed out of the TPP. We have only renegotiated one agreement and that is with Japan. This agreement is basically the same as TPP but it doesn’t immediately reduce tariffs for US products. Tariff reductions are phased in allowing our competitors a market advantage for several more years. The trade war with China has cost us markets that we have spent decades developing. China is not only the largest soybean importer but has become the largest beef importer. The USA producers are sitting on the sidelines while our competitors are establishing long term agreements with China. China is building ports and buyFIX USMCA AND FINISH TRANS PACIFIC AGREEMENTS BY WALTER SCHWEITZER

ing farmland in Mexico, South America and Ukraine to wean itself from US farm products. Family farmers and ranchers are sacrificing our markets so that multinational corporations can build their technology in China without sharing their patents. I have a suggestion why don’t these companies build their technology in countries that respect their patents and leave our markets alone. The sooner agreements with China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian Countries can be signed the quicker we can start trying to rebuild these markets. I have always said it is easier to keep a customer than to get one back or find a new one. We have our work cut out for us because we will have to fight to get our markets back and work to find new ones. .

PAGE 8 2017 Arrowpeak Camp theme revealed!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am honored to have been elected Montana Farmers Union President by producer members who drove treacherous wintery roads to attend the convention. I look forward to visiting with you at an event near your community. One of my main goals is to grow our membership and I need your help. Please let our office know about events in your community that would be enhanced with MFU participation by mailing, calling or emailing the details of the event to our office. Plesae call (406)452-6406 or email the information to mfu@montanafarmersunion.com.

I want to thank Alan Merrill for his 14 years of service as MFU president. He and his family have dedicated three generations to Montana Farmers Union and played a role in making MFU what it is today. Thank you to the Merrill family.

As President I started by chairing the MFU board meeting Sunday. The board evaluated the state convention and the board unanimously agreed to commend the staff on their hard work. Jan Tusick was elected Secretary/ Treasurer. Monday morning was an all staff meeting which provided an opportunity to get

to know each other and to make a few plans as a team. Every staffer works hard each day to further the MFU goals and objectives. One of my goals is to organize a few more MFU events near you and I am counting on your help planning and turning out people to these events. Please respond to the survey in this newsletter.

My first week ended in Bozeman where I attended the MSU Agriculture Celebration. Montana Farmers Union is a proud sponsor of MSU's Celebrate Agriculture Scholarship Dinner.

Meanwhile in Washington DC, Senator Jon Tester submitted a resolution asking Congress to reinstate COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) for beef and pork. The consumer has the right to know where their food comes from and the producer has the right to distinguish our products from foreign products. In 2015 Congress repealed COOL for only beef and pork at the urging of multinational meat packers with the backing of NCBA, Stockgrowers and Farm Bureau. NFU and MFU had invested time and money for years promoting COOL for all AG commodities before Con

gress passed COOL into law. Some of the highest prices Montana family farms received for our commodities was while COOL was enforced. Within 6 months of COOL being killed by Congress for beef and pork feeder calf prices had dropped by nearly 50% and yet the price of a steak in the store stayed the same price. Over the next few years all commodities followed the downward trend. Opponents to COOL claim other factors caused the downward trend, I disagree and suggest we try COOL again and see if prices rebound.

I am encouraged by South Dakota Senators Thune and Rounds recognition of the misleading label “Product of USA”. They have introduced a bill that will stop the practice of letting Multinational Meat Packers from importing hamburger from foreign countries and packaging it with a label “Product of USA”. It will require beef or pork to be born, raised and slaughtered to be labeled “Product of USA”. Hopefully they will be willing to work with Senator Tester to reinstate COOL.

Week one went great and I look forward to the next two years.

Walter Schweitzer

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

Luc Swensson, founder of I love This Life Foundation and Great Falls native, gave the keynote address at the youth banquet.

Luc talked about his inspiration behind starting the nonprofit. Luc’s message focused on anti-bullying, prevention and awareness of teen suicide.

Luc has also created an inspiring shoe line called HOLO(Hope & Love). Each shoe is branded with a positive message.

To learn more about Luc’s foundation and his efforts visit ilovethislife. org.

T H A N K YO U TO A L L T H E S I L E N T A U C T I O N D O N O R S A N D S U P P O RT E R S !

T H E S I L E N T & L I V E A U C T I O N B R O U G H T I N F U N D S F O R T H E M F U FOUNDATION TO FUND EDUC A - TION PROGRAMS AND SCHOLAR - SHIPS

M E M B E R J E R I C O P E N H AV E R TESTIFIES DURING POLICY

FARMERS UNION ENTERPRISE COUPLE KODY AND SERENA C ATOR

A L A N M E R R I L L P R E S E N T S L U C S W E N S S O N A C H E C K F O R I L O V E T H I S L I F E F O U N D AT I O N

F R I D AY N I G H T E N T E RTA I N M E N T F E AT U R E D H Y P N OT I S T E R I C K K A N D

A G H O S T I N T H E H E R I TA G E I N N ? WHO DO WE C ALL? GHOSTB U S T E R S ! !

P H I L L I P P R E W E T T F U N D R A I S I N G F O R T H E M F U F O U N D AT I O N

F U E P R E S I D E N T S D U R I N G F R I D AY ’ S ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

AT F R I D AY ’ S L U N C H E O N T H E PA R K E R C O - O P S C H O L A R S H I P CHECK WAS AWARDED

E VA N A N D J U DY V E RV I C K : C E N T E N N I A L FA M I LY H O N O R E D THE WEAVER FAMILY HONORED AS A CENTENNIAL FAMILY

CONVENTION CONTINUED

In addition officers were re-elected to represent the following districts: Jan Tusick, District 6; Ben Peterson, District 5 & 6 At-Large, Erik Somerfeld representing District 2; John Wendland as Door Keeper and Tom Clark as Conductor. The officers were sworn in at the convention’s closing banquet. Also at the convention delegates for the National Farmers Union convention were selected. The 2020 NFU delegates are Jeri Copenhaver, Doug Crabtree, Laura Garber, Lilly Green, Kirby Hancock, Hadley Gideon,Cory Kelly, Maggie Shane and youth delegate Abby Clark. Paul Neubauer and Tyce Erickson are alternates.

One of the main objectives of the annual convention is the adoption of policy by membership. Each year a policy committee is selected and presents resolutions and policy items to members. In addition to policy changes, which will be reflected in the updated policy book and available on the website, the body passed three special orders.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS:

1.)Ratification of the CSKT Water Compact

Montana Farmers Union demands our congressional delegation introduce legislation for the ratification of the CSKT Water Compact that was passed in the 2015 Montana legisla

tive session. Agriculture faces uncertainty in many areas including low commodity prices and weather that threatens adequate water supply. Water is our state’s most valuable resource and the CSKT Water Compact protects this resource in many ways. First and foremost the CSKT Water Compact removes the threat of litigation Montana water users could face. Secondly the CSKT Water Compact will provide certainty for water usage on the Flathead Reservation and statewide. The CSKT Water Compact must be ratified in a timely manner with the looming deadline for expiration or re-negotiation. MFU will actively seek ratification legislation from our congressional delegation.

global market share and the decrease in farm income. The current administration’s efforts to offset the retaliatory tariffs with MFP payments have in no way been sufficient to compensate for market losses that family farms have experienced. MFU urges the restoration of open trade with countries around the world and the elimination of current adverse trade practices that affect Montana ag.

3.) Hemp Production

Montana Farmers Union supports laws to allow production of Hemp, including, but not limited to:

2.) Family Farms and Trade Policy

Access to global markets is critical for family farms in Montana. Montana agricultural exports account for about 75-80% of Montana farm incomes. Montana farmers and ranchers rely heavily on strong export markets and are struggling with the retaliatory tariffs placed on commodities that Montana farmers and ranchers produce. We support efforts to balance the trade deficit and unfair trade practices as well as expand trade with other countries.

We urge that the retaliatory tariffs be resolved to stop the monumental losses to Montana farmers and ranchers including the loss of

• Ensuring the availability of quality seed • Assuring that hemp growers will have unmitigated access to the banking system and FDIC and local banks update their policies to current hemp laws • Allowing producers to sell and ship seed across state lines • Create a crop insurance program that covers producers in a manner similar to other commodities • Encourage MSU and other research institutions to begin field trials of hemp in a variety of climates around the state and region • Lobby for hemp to be regulated as a food produce by the FDA.

2019 STATE CONVENTION RECOGNITIONS

THANK YOU TO OUR CAPITOL CLUB MEMBERS!

Andrew & Jen Bishop, Brady Brett & Donna Dailey, Jordan Peggy Doheny, Dutton Eric & Amanda Doheny, Dutton Keith Good, Floweree Kevin & Robyn Good, Floweree Alan & Lorrie Merrill, Big Sandy Ruth Merrill, Big Sandy Beth Murphy, Great Falls Henry & Vanette Nagamori, Loma Cindy Palmer & Walter Schweitzer, Geyser Dean & Trudi Peterson, Judith Gap Jerry Redlin, Sidney Jon & Karen Redlin, Lambert

Dore & Patti Schwinden, Helena Sigurd & Joyce Rudie, Fairview Kelly & Kristie Rutledge, Big Sandy Rollie & Jennifer Schlepp, Conrad Dore & Pattie Schwinden, Helena Erik Somerfeld, Power Del & Karla Styren, Brady Jan Tusick, Polson John & Claire Wendland, Rudyard

THANK YOU 2019 CONVENTION VENDORS!

Kim Lockman Belt Russell Nemetz Communications Billings Lane Nordlund Communications Bozeman Cargill Great Falls Center for Mental Health Great Falls DNRC Invasive Species Council Helena Farmers Union Insurance Great Falls Max Ag, Fort Benton Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center Ronan Montana Beef Council Billings Montana Farmers Union Great Falls MSU Northern Diesel Mechanics Program Havre Montana State FFA Foundation Bozeman Montana Cooperative Development Center Great Falls National Center for Appropriate Technology Butte Soder’s Fleet Supply Great Falls STARadio/KINX Great Falls Twin Floral Great Falls USDA/NASS/ MT FO

MFU YOUTH RECOGNIZED AT STATE CONVENTION

Four Montana Farmers Union junior youth received the Mildred Stoltz Scholarship Award at the organization’s 104th annual meeting and convention at the Youth Luncheon in Great Falls on Saturday, October 26, 2019.

The 2019 Mildred Stoltz award recipients are: Mason Anderson, Madelyn McElhenney, Bailey LeFurgey and Colt Antonich. The recipients receive a plaque, $50 and a free camp registration for the next camp season.

Mildred Stoltz was MFU’s education director for more than 18 years. In her honor, the Farmers Union Oil Company of Great Falls – now Mountain View Co-op – set up a fund to recognize youth for their leadership skills and cooperative spirit. Each year youth are selected from Arrowpeak Junior Camp, which is located in the Highwood Mountains.

JAMES VAN SPYK 2019 Torchbearer

I'm James Van Spyk and I was born and raised in Great Falls. MT. I'm currently a senior at Great Falls High School. I plan on attending Montana State University with a major in Computer Science in 2020. I was first introduced to Montana Farmers Union 6 years ago when I attended the annual leadership camp for the first time. I instantly fell in love with the camp and looked forward to going back every year since. Two years ago I decided to help staff the camps. There was no particular reason why I joined but I found that I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope to continue cultivating the young leaders of tomorrow and myself.

James Van Spyk Great Falls, MT 2019 MFU TORCHBEARER:

Mildred Stoltz winners with Education Coordinator Violet Green:Colt Antonich, Bailey LeFurgey, Mason Anderson & Madelyn McElhenney

BY PHILLIP PREWETT MFU YOUTH SHARES EXPERIENCE ON STATE CONVENTION

The opportunity to attend the Montana Farmers Union convention was one I couldn’t turn down. Growing up in a family heavily involved in agriculture and Montana Farmers Union. I had the chance to attend The Montana Farmers Union youth camps. As a result of those camps I never really did lose touch with Farmers Union. I have been involved with Montana Farmers Union for eight years and have truly become an active member of the organization in the last two years. This year I ran for the Senior Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) and was fortunate to receive a place on the team. What SYAC does is plans the camps for the summer and helps incorporate the youth with MFU. Some goals I have for the camps is to show the youth more of what the camps roots are

and what Montana Farmers Union is all about. I also want to incorporate more of Montana’s food that is produced by local farmers and ranchers. This year attending the state convention was a big eye-opener. One thing that caught my eye the most was The Precision Ag Concepts workshop. I was amazed at what I had learned. Another workshop that I was very interested in was suicide prevention. It was a huge eye-opener for me to see so many farmers and ranchers that have struggled with thinking or attempting suicide. I also didn’t know what to do if that was present in my community and the workshop provided great education on how to deal with situations along the lines of suicide. MFU has had the biggest impact on my life and I don’t know where I would be without it.

Register today: montanafarmersunion.com

CONFERENCE AGENDA:

Friday, Feb. 21, 2020

4:00-6:00: Check-in 5:00-6:00: Cocktail hour/vendor booths 6:00-7:00: Dinner- MFU Introduction 7:30-8:30: Keynote Speaker; Sarah Calhoun 8:30-9:30: Enjoy Hot Springs!!

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

8:00-8:30: Breakfast; MFU Presentation 8:30-9:30: Panel Discussion: Entrepreneurs in Montana; Led by Sarah Calhoun 9:30-10:00: Break/Vendors 10:00-11:30: Succession Planning; Jen Bishop 11:30-11:45: Break/Vendors 11:45-12:15: Round Table Discussion (Policy); Jan Tusick, Tammy Copenhaver, Jeri Copenhaver 12:15-1:15: Lunch 1:15-2:00: Women Entrepreneurs: Pushing Boundaries & Breaking Rules; Sassy Girl Media- Deanna Fusillo-Hinsz 2:00-3:00: Goat milk; Soap Making Workshop; Alisha Hadfield 3:00-3:15: Break/ Vendors

Join us for the 2020 MFU Women’s Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs February 21- 23, 2020.

This year’s theme is Celebrating Montana Women by exploring and celebrating entrepreneurship in agriculture!

Registration: the cost to register is $95 members & $135 nonmembers. Registration includes lodging and meals. Headliner: Sarah Calhoun with Red Ants Pants

Workshops: • Women Entrepreneurs: Pushing Boundaries & Breaking Rules; Sassy Girl MediaDeanna Fusillo-Hinsz • Suicide Prevention • Succession Planning & more!

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, cont.

3:15-4:15: Suicide Prevention: Missoula County Health Department; Nancy de Pastino

4:15-5:30: Concurrent Workshops: choose one: 1.) Photography course; Alisha Hadfield 2.)Zumba; Abby Majerus??

5:30-6:00: Break/ Vendors & Cocktail Hour

6:00-7:00: Dinner

7:00- ENJOY HOTSPRINGS!!!

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 Pack-up & leave