October edition of Montana Grassroots

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M O N TA N A

GRASS ROOTS

PAID

GREAT FALLS, MT PERMIT NO. 93

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

F E E D I N G T H E F U T U R E T H R O U G H F A 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 F A R M E R S U N I O N

“HARVEST IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE”

IN THIS ISSUE....

PAGE 2 Convention Preview

PAGE 7 Member Profile

PAGE 9 Members Attend D.C. Fly-In

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Join us for the 2017 Annual Montana Farmers Union Convention! This year’s convention will include releveant and timely workshops for producers on soil health, accessiblity to rural healthcare, the Farm Bill and more!

Adult registration by October 16 is $100. Adult registration after this date is $125. Youth registration (under the age of 15) is $50 by the October deadline. After this date youth registration is $60. Daily registration is available for $20 and meal tickets can also be purchased. MFU does have a special hotel rate for convention attendees at the Best Western Heritage Inn. Please contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Visit montanafarmersunion.com for a complete event agenda and to register!

EVENT SPEAKERS:

Dick Brown Montana Hosptial Association

Rob Larue National Farmers Union

Jeff Bangs Bangs Family Farm

Bring a Friend Convention Mixer: Join us for a mixer at the Do Bar Friday night of the convention. Bring a friend(nonmember) & receive a Yeti Tumblr and $25 Gift Card!

Lorianne Burhop Montana Food Bank Network

For the price of becoming a member($50) your friend becomes a member, receives a complimentary registration and lodging.

Transportation from the Heritage Inn will be provided.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!

Member

Randall & Dawn Stenvik, Whitewater Mary Kay & Gerard Baker, Miles City Floyd & Bonnie Hoover Joshua & Amanda Merkel Cynthia Tusler, Terry Keith Carlstrom, Winifred Leroy & Dorothy Swanson, Lewistown Joseph Hackmann, Billings Dick Hardt, Billings Latimer Watson, Ennis Dennis Ralph Biggs, Belgrade Louis Fox, Bozeman Spencer Foster, Bridger Wade Bjorgen, Westby Robert & Kathleen Lumsden, Absarokee Carl & Nancy White, Roundup Dustin Young, Great Falls John Spaeth, Hall James & Shana Duffalo, Florence Clifford Stephens, Paradise Eugene & Darlene Auge, Libby Dave Peitz, Hall Dave Kuntz & Rebecca Barger, Washington DC David & Alexis Green, Great Falls Dean & Hope Folkvord, Three Forks Bruce Auchly, Great Falls

IN THIS ISSUE Message from the President: Page 4

Recruited by Shane Anderson Ron Watts Ron Watts Ron Watts Ron Watts Tom McKenna Tom McKenna Jim Mathews Jim Mathews Dirk Elings Dean Derby Daryl Hansen Wes Schwend J R Johnson Judd Long Judd Long Jeff Thill StefanieThompson Pam Jacobsen Sally Miller Colleen Wood Andre Marcure MFU Lodge

Convention Agenda Page 5 Membership News Justin Loch Page 6 MFU Announces Next Farmers Union Enterprise Couple/Walter Schweitzer & Cindy Palmer Page 7 - 8 Members Attend NFU Fly-In Page 9 Folf Course at Arrowpeak Camp Up & Running!

Page 10

MFU Lodge MFU Office MFU Office

Messages from Montana Delegation Page 11-12 Convention Registration Page 14

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: Alan Merrill, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Erik Somerfeld, District 2, Power Brett Dailey, District 4, Jordan William Downs, District 5, Molt Ben Peterson, At-Large director, Judith Gap Kelly Rutledge, District 1, Big Sandy Sig Rudie, Fairview, At-Large director Paul Kanning, Distric 5, Flaxville Jan Tusick, District 6, Polson State Office Staff: Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director Chris Christiaens, Legislative & Project Specialist Justin Loch, Membership Director Dave Snuggs, Facility Director Violet Green, Youth Education & Camp Coordinator Maggie Shane, Continuing Education Coordinator Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2016.

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 10 times each calendar year with two combined issues. Article submissions are requested by the 15th of the month. Advertising space is available.

Copy Editor: Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Lyndsay Bruno

Leadership Great Falls Presents My Student in Need with Donation Dave Snuggs Page 15

MFU Arrowpeak Camp A special thank you to Dave

ABOUT THE COVER: KRISTEN OSTBERG OF {TOWN} IS THE SECOND WINNER OF OUR 2017 HARVEST PHOTO CONTEST. KRISTEN WILL RECEIVE A VISA GIFT CARD.

Snuggs & Karen Schaefer of Great Falls for the donation of air conditioner to Girls’ Dorm

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PHOTO!

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

America, especially with the current low commodity prices. A farmer cannot risk the farm because of a catastrophic accident or illness.

But sometimes it is a harsh choice one has to make. Does one pay the premium or pay other farm bills that keep the farm going? At this point in time it is a hard decision to make. The visits we had, also had no answers to the ongoing health problems rural America faces.

Montana Farmers Union Foundation We are pleased to announce that the Montana Farmers Union foundation is up and running.

The board of directors is working on the details on what the purpose of the foundation will be. To the July board meeting I invited Dave Velde along with Mark Watne, President of North Dakota Farmers Union and Darren Von Ruden, President of Wisconsin Farmers Union to explain how their organizations’ foundations operate. We have different options which will be discussed in depth at our October board meeting. The foundation Fly-In will be a great tool to be used in the future for educational purposes. We invite you to atThe 2017 September Fly-In was a success in tend the annual convention, October 20-21 in many ways. The crew that went were engaged Great Falls at the Best Western Heritage Inn. in all visits. As I mentioned in a previous arti- Please as a member, ask questions at our upcle the main points were the Farm Bill debate coming convention about the foundation and for 2018, health insurance for rural America how it can benefit you. and E30 and the RFS program.

We as the MFU participants informed members of congress of the importance of maintaining a strong Farm Bill without any cuts to current titles. Agriculture is the only program that does not add more deficit to the trade debt. Fair trading with other countries was emphasized in all our visits with the members of congress. One congressman mentioned the possibility of extending the current Farm Bill so that we might work out all the problems of the current legislation. One main point is that all farmers and ranchers need to call, write or visit in person their members of congress and express their thoughts on what the new Farm Bill should look like.

Thank you!

One final note, I would like to thank Dave and Karen Snuggs for their generosity in putting central air conditioning in the girl’s dorm at Arrow Peak Camp. This means a lot for the campers when it is extremely hot outside as it often is in July. Thank you both from the Montana Farmers Union family!

Health insurance is a huge topic for rural

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Thank you to the following Business Boosters!

Loucks & Glassley Great Falls Douglas Wilson & Company Great Falls K’s Supermarket Stanford Marra, Evenson & Bell,PC, Great Falls StaRadio Great Falls

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2017 MONTANA FARMERS UNION ANNUAL CONVENTION AGENDA Thursday, October 20, 2017

1:00 – 5:00 PM Registration Opens Friday, October 20, 2017 7:00 am Registration 7:30 – 8:45

FU Industries Breakfast

8:40 – 9:40 General Session: (Voting 8:40 -10:30) Credentials, Resolutions, ByLaws 9:40-10:00

- BREAK -

10:00 – 11:00 What to Expect in the Next Farm Bill: Rob Larue, Lorianne Burhop, Jeff Bangs Moderated by Rick Haines

11:00 – 11:30 Concurrent Workshops:

8:45 am – 9:00 Flag Ceremony - Malmstrom; Welcome -Climate Change 101, Fabian Menallad

MFU Business Meeting Opens

- Catholic Rural Life: The Call

for Agricultural Leadership - Merging Faith 9:00 – 9:30 General Session:

with Agriculture and the Environment,

Welcome – President Alan Merrill

presented by Jim Ennis

Audit Report, Douglas Wilson Concurrent Workshops 9:30 – 10:00 MFU General Session – Resolutions & 11:30 – Noon ByLaws to membership - The Story of Kalispell Kreamery

Mary Turk, Hedstrom Dairy 10:00 BREAK – TRADE SHOW OPENS

- Food Safety Modernization Act Update 10:30 – Noon Montana Farmers Union Insurance

Betsy Miller, Montana Dept. Agriculture Meeting Noon – 1:15 pm Farmers Union Insurance Company Luncheon: Dean Folkvord, CEO of Wheat Montana 1:15 Tour of Pasta Montana 1:30 – 2:00

General Session: Precision Agriculture, Charles Good, MaxAg of Montana

2:00 – 2:15

Jolene Schalper, GFDA - BREAK-

2:15 – 3:00

3:00 - 3:30 Know Your Water Rights Judge Russ McElyea 3:30 – 4:00 Cattle Market Fundamentals Eric belasco, Montana State University 4:00 - 5:00

ByLaws/Policy

6:00 - 7:00 Reception sponsored by Farmers Union Insurance; Mixer/Do Bar 7:30 – 8:30

Jim Richardson

Saturday, October 21, 2017 7:30 – 8:30 am FUE Leadership Breakfast: Scott and Misty LeFurgey

Noon - 1:15

Youth Luncheon: Parker Sebens & Youth Awards Presentation

1:20 - 2:30

Concurrent Workshops:

- The State of Rural Healthcare Dick Brown, Montana Hosptial Assoc.

- Floral Design Workshop Rebecca Knotts{limited to 25} 2:30-4:30 OFF-SITE Tour of Mehmke Tractor

Museum & Black Eagle Brewery

2:30 – 3:30

3:30 - 4:00

Generation Elvis to Bieber: Generational Differences in the Workplace and How to Succeed Among All Age Groups Jamie Edmundson, Montana FFA Foundation -BREAK – Trade Show Closes

4:30 – 5:30

Final Policy Decisions

6:00 – 7:30

Members’ Food Banquet:Ben Thomas Montana Department of Agriculture; Rob Lerue, NFU; Centennial Farm & Ranch Honors and Installation of officers

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CONVENTION MIXER, BRING A FRIEND & JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS small producer, large producer, supporter of agriculture, and anyone else who thinks about agriculture. While each member is extremely valuable to our organization, it’s those that take an active role in utilizing their membership that provide us at MFU with the direction of our organization. We truly are a membership driven organization that is only as strong as the members that participate in our organization. Without member participation it’s hard for MFU staff to direct our work in a way that will make the most impact and benefit our members the most. Our entire event planning from education to convention to camps is generated from member interest and input.

BY JUSTIN LOCH M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R

As most of you probably know I am the Membership Director here at Montana Farmers Union. The main focus of my job is to gather membership and engage members in our organization. This work is done in many different ways from participating in tradeshows, Ag education events, MFU feature events such as Producer Conference, Women’s Conference, Convention and Youth Camps.

Membership is key to the life and strength of Montana Farmers Union. There is a spot in our organization for everyone from consumer,

ship, it would definitely be our annual convention. This year we are encouraging you to bring a friend and attend our mixer for new members on Friday evening. Exclusively for this event you can have your friend sign up for our convention with room and all events included for the price of $50. This not only covers their convention costs, but includes their MFU membership for 1 year. That’s not all; we want to reward you as well for bringing a friend. We are giving all members who have a friend register a $25 gift card and YETI coffee mug. Please visit our website to register or call our office with any questions. We hope this event will be a chance for you to show your friends what MFU is all about. MFU is working hard to get more members involved I challenge all of our members to try and find in all aspects of our organization. We gladly an hour each month to devote to being in- welcome all members and their input. Like I volved in Montana Farmers Union. This can said, MFU is only as strong as the members involve just simply reading our newsletter, who participate. checking our social media pages and commenting on posts, attending MFU events, call- It’s not news that the past year has been a ing into the office with questions or concerns, tough one for agriculture for numerous reaor helping encourage others to join Montana sons. Unsteady markets, wildfires, drought, Farmers Union. With that being said our an- hail, rising production costs and much more. nual convention is coming up October 20-21 MFU wants to have members come together in Great Falls. I would love to see as many and support each other during these times. By of you attend as possible. Convention is tru- being an active member MFU can work harder ly the biggest event of the year for Montana for you, as we will be know the areas that are Farmers Union. At convention we shape our most important and of concern to you, the policy and direction for the upcoming year, member. MFU is a powerful voice at both elect board members and officers, offer work- the state and national level. We care about shops, fundraise, allow members to network all of our members and want to help chamwith one another, and inform our member- pion your success in agriculture. We hope to ship on things we have done this past year. see you at convention or an MFU event in the If there was ever one MFU event that you near future! should be a part of and utilize your member-

MEMBERS SPEND TIME IN THE CAPITOL CITY REPRESENTING MONTANA FARMERS AND RANCHERS AT ANNUAL FLY-IN B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O C O M M U N I C AT I O N S D I R E C T O R

Healthcare, the Farm Bill and disaster relief were front and center at the D.C. Fly-In this September. MFU members and staff joined nearly 350 Farmers Union members for a day on Capitol Hill and briefings from the USDA. The MFU delegation also met with Senator Tester, Senator Daines and Congressman Gianforte. The group encouraged support of improving farm programs, protecting crop in-

surance, increasing access to credit, Medicaid expansion, the current system of tax credits and removing legislative and regulatory barriers to higher blends of ethanol like E30 to allow for a transition to a clean higher-blended ethanol fuel.

down with the group. “The issue of market place needs to be addressed,” said Tusick.

“We all know health care costs have increased dramatically so something needs to be done.”

The use of telemedicine and the challenges rural communities face in regards to access to The issue of access to healthcare was a topic the technology was also talked about as well of great concern by the Montana delegation as protections for pre-existing conditions. that attended the Fly-In. MFU Board Member Jan Tusick addressed her concerns on healthC O N T I N U E D PA G E 9 care with Congressman Gianforte during a sit 6

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MEMBER profile

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MFU WELCOMES NEW FUE COUPLE

Walter Schweitzer and Cindy Palmer of Helena are MFU’s 2017-2018 Farmers Union Enterprise couple; pictured with daugthers Kelsey & Hannah

commodity prices fell we looked for opportunities elsewhere and found jobs in Saudi Arabia. I built Cindy and I come from a long pivot irrigated farms all over the line of agriculture families. Both kingdom and Cindy worked as an raised in the Geyser, Montana English teacher at an Internationarea we were integral to our fam- al school. ily farms and provided lots of unpaid labor. For my family ag- After five years in Saudi Arabia riculture was the primary source we returned to Montana to start of income, but for Cindy’s family a family. Land prices had plumthe farm has been a hobby sup- meted, but Ag credit was in short ported by off-farm jobs for five supply. Our inability to find a generations. We both participat- banker to loan money led us to ed in 4-H and came from families finding three business partners very active in the National Farm- who lived far away and knew ers Organization. nothing about agriculture. We purchased a repossessed 2,800 Friends since junior high we be- acre pivot irrigated farm and over gan dating in college. I received the course of 10 years we turned a degree in agronomy from MSU a failed wheat farm into a successand Cindy an English teaching ful foundation seed potato farm. degree from U of M. In the All it took was endless hours of summer Cindy worked on a farm effort, dedicated employees and I purchased at the age of 18. In the help of our daughters. One the 80’s land prices were high and of the business partners got into interest rates were 20 percent. financial trouble and needed his When drought set in and equity out of the farm and when

B Y WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R HELENA

a price couldn’t be agreed on, the farm. I have always felt that agrifarm was sold and profits distrib- culture production is fun and inuted accordingly. tend to keep having fun for a long time. I like the variety of activiWe then purchased dry-land pas- ties that fill my days, being outture from two neighbors border- doors and the challenge of raising ing the previous farm and began registered Black Angus animals ranching on the third agriculture for breeding stock. My breeding venture. For the next ten years and marketing strategy is to calve we ranched, worked numerous easy and wean big. off-farm jobs, and watched our daughters grow up, graduate and The advice I offer beginning go to college. One daughter grad- farmers is to enjoy what you do. uated in biochemistry and cur- First and for most agriculture has rently works for the forest service to be something you enjoy. Secin the Teton National Park and ondly, be a lifelong student of agthe other graduated in biomath- riculture. This includes reading, ematics and is in the final year of attending affordable continuing her doctorate degree in microbi- education opportunities that are ology. They do not think it is sur- offered by groups like MFU, exprising that children that grow up tension and more, and join trade on farms gravitate to science. associations for the products When an opportunity arose to you raise. Too many agriculture sell our farm at a good profit and producers are locked into doing purchased my family farm locat- things the way great grandpa did ed 110 miles away we did. We are and they forget that often great now in the 10th year of produc- grandpa was the person sitting tion and believe it will be our final C O N T I N U E D N E X T PA G E

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M E M B E R P RO F I L E / F U E C O U P L E CONTINUED

in Ireland one day saying, “Life is not good here; I think I’ll hop on a ship, travel half-way around the world and create a new life for myself.” In other words, be the adventurer your ancestor was and evaluate your life, learn about what is out there, take advantage of opportunities and try new things!

Prior to being given the opportunity to do the FUE leadership program we had been impressed

by MFU’s classes on signing lease agreements with gas and oil companies. We felt MFU was forward thinking and offering something very needed in a timely fashion.

We are now in the process of trying to build a pivot powered by solar energy and enjoyed a meeting MFU co-sponsored on solar power and solar legislation proposals in the state legislature. As frequent beneficiaries of MFU’s educational programs we hope to encourage others to also take

The Schweitzer ranch

advantage of these well done and important events. I am particularly impressed with MFU’s bold and unwavering support of Countryof-Origin Labeling. I feel that the fall in cattle prices can be tracked directly to the date that congress killed COOL.

Having attended one FUE leadership program, we are confident that it will be a very valuable, informative, and fun use of our time. I am especially energized by the networking opportunity provided. Cindy feels there have been times in her life in which she

Cindy and dog Tipper

Hannah vaccinating on the Schweitzer Ranch

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has been a leader, but this is not one of those periods. She hopes the FUE program will inspire her to some form of outreach and involvement that will be helpful to MFU and her community.

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F LY- I N C O N T I N U E D

The group also asked the delegation to consider ways to better manage forests to prevent fires and asked for disaster assistance.

“Participation in the Fly-in is part of our commitment to provide legislative representation and education to our members,” says President Alan Merrill. “We are pleased to have such a dedicated team joining us to champion for the interests of Montana farmers and ranchers.”

In addition to congressional visits, MFU attended a National Farmers Union briefing with the USDA which included a visit from the Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Anne Hazlette, the Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development.

The delegation also presented the Golden Triangle award, NFU’s highest legislative honor, to Senator Jon Tester and Senator Steve Daines.

Montana Coffee: left to right: Senator Jon Tester, Misty LeFurgey, Scott LeFurgey, Alan Merrill, Jan Tusick, Kelly Rutledge, Lance Rutledge, Brett Dailey, Lyndsay Bruno,Tom Clark, Ben Peterson and Congressman Gianforte

“The Farmers Union Fly-In is an important part of NFU’s ongoing grassroots advocacy efforts,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.”

Family farmers and ranchers are the best advocates we have for agriculture, and the NFU Fly-In is often the best opportunity for our members to advocate. This event makes a major statement to members of Congress and the administration that farm country wants to see better support and policies from their representatives in Washington.”

MFU Board Member Jan Tusick at the Fly-In briefing; photo courtesy NFU

MFU members who attended the Fly-In were Tom Clark of Fort Benton; Brett Dailey of Jordan; Ben Peterson of Judith Gap; Scott and Misty LeFurgey of Loma, Jan Tusick of Polson and Kelly Rutledge of Big Sandy.

President Alan Merrill and Director of Communications Lyndsay Bruno accompanied the group.

Scott and Misty LeFurgey; photo courtesy Tom Clark

Montana delegation meets with Senator Steve Daines MFU member Tom Clark at Fly-In briefing; photo courtesy NFU 99

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FOLF COURSE RAISES FUNDS FOR EDUCATION

BY VIOLET GREEN Y O U T H E D U C AT I O N & C A M P C O O R D I N AT O R

During the 2016 camp season our senior youth began to create and design a folf course up at Arrowpeak Lodge. The course consist of 9 baskets and tees throughout the property created by Matt Mendenhall, David Shane, and Cory Kelly. There was also a camp folf disc designed by Tori Girard that is being sold for $10 and all proceeds from that will go back into the folf course. Throughout the rest of 2016 seniors continued to work hard to help fund the project at the state convention. They have also voted that both the 2016 & 2017 coop store funds go to the folf course. During our 2017 staff training we were able to begin the installment process for the folf course in hope to get it done before the upcoming camp season.

The morning of June 9th senior youth and a few volunteers arrived at Arrowpeak to begin the process of installing the course. Throughout the day the youth worked together to auger the holes, pour concrete, and set the poles.

The next day we were able to place the baskets on the set poles and later put the signs on top of the baskets. The finalization of the project took place in August which consisted of us placing the tee signs. Throughout the summer hundreds of people have already had the opportunity to enjoy the course during their stay at Arrowpeak. The senior youth hope to put on a folf tournament in the future for our MFU members and supporters! We would like to give a big shout out to all of our spon-

sors who either sponsored a basket or tee!

We wouldn’t have been able to put this course together without your support. Sponsors include: Youth of Montana Famers Union, CHS, MT View Co-op, Farmers Union Insurance, Cascade Conservation District, River Bottom Restoration Furniture, Ecosanity Janitorial INC., Fab FX, Larsen Family, Kelly Family, Identity, Green Family, Shane Family, North 40 fly-shop, Shoot Straight TV, and Allegra. Once again thank you for your support with our youth program. We would also like to thank Kathryn and Jake Peterson for donating their valuable time to help install the course. We look forward to the future in using the course during camps and other events throughout the summer!

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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES

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and advance to the Senate floor. It’s commonsense and I hope to see this policy signed into law soon.

As Montana has had one of the worst droughts and fire seasons in recent memory, I remain committed to doing all I can to ensure Montana has the support and flexibilities it needs from the federal government. Whether it be working to secure additional funding for drought and wildfire relief or allowing for grazing on the CMR Wildlife Refuge, I will continue to fight to ensure Montana receives the assistance it needs.

I also want to take a moment to thank the Montana Farmers Union for visiting me in Washington, D.C. and presenting me with the Golden Triangle Award. It is an honor to represent Montana farmers and ranchers in the United States Senate and I appreciate the opportunity to meet with folks from the Montana Farmers Union both when I’m home in Montana and in D.C.

Opportunity for Montana’s farmers and ranchers is something I fight for every day as your U.S. Senator. In order for Montana agriculture and businesses to thrive, we need to ensure they have access to the markets, resources and tools they need for success.

Unfortunately, government intervention and regulation often poses a threat to farmers and ranchers as they seek to earn a living.

Recently, I heard from Montana industrial hemp producers about the challenges they face accessing water. The Bureau of Reclamation has a policy banning the use of federally controlled water for growing controlled substances, including industrial hemp. However, the 2014 Farm Bill allowed state departments of agriculture to license farmers to grow this crop. Montana took advantage of this program and has worked to promote industrial hemp, but this difference created uncertainty for farmers in the industrial hemp business and we know that without access to water, farming is impossible. In this particular instance, a farmer near Helena lost her crop this year because she was denied access to Bureau of Reclamation water. That’s why I introduced an amendment to the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations bill to ensure that farmers can use their water rights to grow industrial hemp in states where industrial hemp cultivation is legal. I was pleased to see it adopted

A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER

While we can’t control the weather, we do have a say in one of the largest legislative tools to empower family farmers, to allow business to create better jobs, and to boost rural economies: The Farm Bill.

I want to thank every member of the Montana Farmers Union who has contacted me with your Farm Bill priorities and to those who have attended any of my Farm Bill Forums.

As Congress begins work on next year’s Farm Bill, it is critical that we take steps to protect family farmers’ bottom lines by protecting vital safety nets that kick in when disasters strike.

Congress also needs to address consolidation of large agri-business. Consolidation is bad for any small business, but for Montana family farms, it can be fatal.

That is why I am extremely concerned by the consolidation we are seeing from input suppliers. In fact, in the past few years we have seen three major agriculture business merger proposals—including the $66 billion merger of Bayer and Monsanto.

If all three mergers are approved, three corporations will control up to 60 percent of the world's seeds and pesticides, and when three suppliers control a majority of the market, competition is reduced and rural America takes a step backwards.

The significant pricing power that would result from these mergers will drive up input costs for producers and increase the price families pay at the grocery store.

In the coming months, please make sure that your voice is heard during the Farm Bill debate by emailing me at FarmBillComments@ tester.senate.gov.

A long, dry, and hot summer turned a promising spring into an underwhelming harvest for a lot of Montana farmers, and just like most of you, I have been praying every night for a wet fall to ensure a good planting season.

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A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN GREG GIANFORTE

I am honored to serve as Montana's lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is a responsibility I take very seriously.

I remain committed to returning to Montana when Congress is not in session and to stay closely connected to Montana and our way of life.

Sixty-five days after being sworn in, I had visited each of Montana’s 56 counties. My travels only reinforced the important work our farmers and ranchers do.

During my listening tour of our 56 counties, I discussed agriculture and trade with farmers in Box Elder. I traveled to Circle to meet with CHS Farmers Elevator leadership. In Pondera County, I talked with ag leaders and local farmers. I also met with leader-

crops still in bins and not sold, 2017 crops finally harvested and in the bin, or disaster payments for crops either not planted due to heavy spring moisture in some parts of the State or a disaster due to drought. The plight of agriculture producers continues and is spread across communities, counties and the revenues for the State of Montana as tax revenues are down. Since the first of July the dry lightning storms have ignited fires and decimated over a million acres of grasslands, forests and across the State. Smoke from not only Montana fires but those in Oregon, Idaho and our Canadian neighbors have made hazardous air quality and anyone with COPD, Asthma and other breathing problems are suffering from the affects.

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ship of the Montana-Dakota Beet This was a commonsense solution Growers Association to discuss to help our farmers and ranchers drought conditions and ag issues. impacted by the fires. The fact is we had grass available and hungry Meeting face-to-face with our cows. Allowing them to graze on farmers and ranchers remains one retired grazing allotments within of my top priorities. the refuge just made sense.

This year has been particularly challenging for us. Severe drought conditions and wildfires have devastated our lands. As I write this, over 1 million acres have burned.

When the Lodgepole Complex fires roared, Senator Steve Daines and I reached out to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. We requested emergency relief for farmers and ranchers severely impacted by the fires. He granted our request, and we opened the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge to permit ranchers to move cattle on retired grazing allotments.

I will continue looking for commonsense solutions to problems facing Montana’s farmers and ranchers. I will also continue being a strong leader and voice for you in Washington. Don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff for anything, particularly as the Farm Bill takes form. My door is always open.

While we have rain at the moment, only a good snow will end the season. Why is that you may ask, and the answer is that in the forests the growth is so dry that trees are more dry than lumber you would purchase as the local supply store and it will take a lot of moisture to quench all of the fires. Since many of the fires are on federal lands and BLM properties there will be money from the Federal Government to pay for much of the fire damage.

other vegetation will grow back, rather than allow grazing to soon.

It may be necessary to seed some of those areas with hope that land is not now sterile, due to the heat from the fires.

Those involved with fire losses to farms and ranches struggle to

BY CHRIS CHRISTIAENS find pastures and forage to feed S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S S P E C I A L I S T livestock. The prices of forage continue to escalate and some FIRE SEASON PROVES of the hay brought in for assisCHALLENGING FOR tance is found to have noxious and invasive weeds. The fires in PRODUCERS some areas burned so hot that naTo say that it has been a summer While the state had some 62 mil- tive grasses and forage root systo remember is one that will be lion budgeted and carried over tems may be dead and will not hard to forget. Wherever we look from the previous fire season, the regenerate after winter moisture the view is dire and agriculture costs of fighting fires has been to grow back in the spring. The continues to struggle. This in- costing a million dollars a day BLM has talked about leaving cludes the price of commodities and continues as of this writing some grassland ungrazed for the which continue below parity, 2016 as there are over 18 active fires. next two years to assure grass and 12

All of this difficulty hitting Montana also has brought out the best in residents as we are a independent, hardy bunch who immediately drop our work to help a neighbor, whether it be helping move livestock in the path of a fire, flood or some other disaster by standing side by side to fight fire, write a check to assist a neighbor or come together as a community to help one another.

We all understand that Montana is and has always been next year country. We know that what happens to one of us, affects us all.

May we look forward to a better 2018 and consider the blessings each of us find in family and friends. It has been said for years that Montana is one small community and the pioneer spirit still is alive and well.

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REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 102ND ANNUAL MEETING OF MONTANA FARMERS UNION BEST WESTERN HERITAGE INN, GREAT FALLS NAME________________________________________________________________

CHECK IF APPLICABLE:

SPOUSE_______________________________________________________________ MEMBER _____________

VISITOR ______________ YOUTH ((Names & Ages) : __________________

______________________

_______________________

ADDRESS_________________________________________________

CITY_________________________ STATE ___________

ZIP CODE___________ Registration fee includes all meals on programs,, all breaks, the MFU Insurance Reception, and the Members’ Montana Food Banquet & Friday night entertainment.

Pre-Registration by October 16

Cost

x

# Registering = ____________ (Total)

Per Adult

$100

x

__________

_________

Per Youth (15 yrs & under) $50 x ___________ + __________

Total Registration _____________ Registration After October 16

Per Youth ( 15 yrs & under)

Cost

x

# Registering = ___________ (Total)

Per Adult $60

x

$125

x

__________

___________ + __________ Total Registration_____________

Daily Registration will be $20. Meal Tickets sold separately.

Mail this form with payment to the MFU Office, PO Box 2447, Great Falls, MT 59403 or register online at: montanafarmersunion.com. A special room rate at the Heritage Inn is available for convention attendees. Please contact the hotel to make a reservation.

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MY STUDENT IN NEED BEGINS 5TH YEAR OF SERVICE B Y DAV E S N U G G S MY NEIGHBOR/STUDENT IN NEED

My Student in Need, a division of My Neighbor in Need, began its 5th-year of service, on Wednesday, August 30. “Today is the first day of school and it is no coincidence that today begins our 5th year of service,” said Dave

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Snuggs, Founder of My Neighbor in Need. Once the need request has been received by “Once again, thanks to the community’s kind- the staff at My Student in Need, the request ness, we are ready to answer the call for help.” is posted live on the website where anyone in the world can offer to help fulfill that need.

At the start of the 2017/2018 school year, The donor and the Student in Need – never My Student in Need is now available in 161 meet. schools in 29 cities. “It is hard to imagine that what started out as an idea written on a dinner Montana Farmers Union has been a proud napkin in 2013 is now available to help thou- sponsor of My Student in Need and My sands of students in need throughout Mon- Neighbor in Need from the very beginning tana,” Snuggs said. and their support has allowed the projects to grown throughout Montana.

At the end of the 2015/2016 school year, My Student in Need had completed a total of We also want to thank Leadership Great Falls 2,138 need fulfillments. who raised $10,494 for My Student in Need and a match donation of $10,000 from the The website and system is the creation of Great Falls Community Foundation. These Great Falls resident and Montana Farm- funds will go along way in helping the stuers Union, Facilities Director, Dave Snuggs, dents in our community! and through a partnership with numerous school districts throughout Montana, allows The original My Student in Need and My for selected School Teacher/Administrators Neighbor in Need systems were developed to submit a request for help with a specific by Tom Penwell of Tom’s Web Designs in need, such as school supplies, clothing, lunch 2012. 406 Marketing and Design, designed money, etc. for their Students in Need. Need and manages both www.myneighborineed.org requests are posted live on the website where and www.mystudentinneed.org websites and anyone in the world can review them and of- current systems. www.mystudentinneed.org fer help to fulfill the request in an anonymous is available for free to any school wishing to setting. The only information provided to the help their students. staff at My Student in Need by the School Administrator is the age, gender, grade, school and the details of the need request.

Leadership Great Falls presents Dave Snuggs with my student in need donation at press conference in Great Falls 15

OUR AGENTS LIVE AND WORK NEAR YOU.

Anaconda Stefanie Thompson 563.5991 Belgrade Craig Parker 388.6774 Bigfork Janice Erickson 692-6020 Billings Jim Mathews 656.2323 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 Chester Gary Seubert 759-5150 Choteau Mathew Luedtke 466.5146 Circle Kaylen Lehner 485.3303 Conrad Dirk Elings 271-7047 Dillon Judy Siring 683.2365 Dutton Will Rasmussen 476-3444 Fairfield Matt Luedtke 467.3444 Froid Austin O’ Dea 766-2205 Glasgow Del Hansen 228.2284 Great Falls Eric Hinebauch 453.8413 Great Falls Aeric Reilly 570-5853 Great Falls Scott Walsh 761.2087 Great Falls Jeff Thill 452.7283 Hamilton Bryan Jones 363.6583 Hardin Melissa Wacker 665.1867 Havre Cindy Schubert 265.2693 Helena Todd Crum 443.4630 Kalispell Randy Bloom 257.1252

Kalispell Charles Monroe 756.7720 Laurel Dallas Hagfeldt, Jr. 628.6649 Laurel Jeff Seborg 628.6649 Lewistown Tom McKenna 538.8736 Lewistown Raleigh Heitzman 538.8736 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 Plains Sally Miller 826.4633 Plentywood JR Johnson 765.2051 Ronan Andrew Luedtke 676.0173 Ryegate Audrey Stoican 568.2336 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 Sally Miller 827.3221 Falls Whitefish Rial Gunlikson 862.4700 Wolf Point Jesse Fleming 653.2200