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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 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
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE PAYS OFF FOR ONE FARMERS UNION MEMBER B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
Tiber Ridge Farm, settled in the Golden Triangle near Chester, is owned and operated by John Wicks and Gwyenth Givens. John moved back to the farm at the age of 21 in 2005 after his dad passed away. Tiber Ridge, once a conventional farm, is now certified organic. Conventional farming utilizes chemical fertilizers to stimulate crop growth. Organic farmers rely on biodiversity and composting to capture carbon and improve soil health. Wicks has found success raising beluga lentils, a high-dollar crop, which helps improve soil health.
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MEMBER profile
TIBER RIDGE FARM HEDGES MEGAN
favoring corporate farms and large-scale operations. We decided to transition the whole farm to organic. It is a lot easier to turn a profit, even though it was a little more work and a lot more management. We are having a lot of fun farming again. We continue to learn and grow with an open mind."
The Transition to Organic Wicks and Givens use farming techniques that trace back a millennia ago to fight weeds and pests by crop rotation and cover crop mixes to improve soil health. The transition from conventional to organic can be overwhelming for some, He also grows einkorn wheat, an and the farming practices are somewhat ancient grain, the oldest domesticated different.Wicks said the key to success wheat globally that is very drought with organic farming is patience and tolerant. "We were trying to keep ahead perseverance. C O N T I N U E D PA G E 4 of a system that was seeming to be
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID LIVINGSTON, MT PERMIT NO. 93
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MONTANA PREMIUM PROCESSING COOPERATIVE ON PACE TO BE OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF 2021 B Y M AT T R A I N S S P E C I A L P RO J E C T S M A N AG E R
John Wicks at Tiber Ridge Farm north of Great Falls. Photo courtesy of Jason Thompson Photography.
to the cooperative, finalize the processing facility located at Havre, and begin construction projects. MPPC is still on track to start harvesting and processing livestock by the end of the year.
MPPC will begin processing beef with the capacility The Montana Premium Processing Cooperative to expand to hogs, sheep, and bison. MPPC will allow (MPPC) has been one of Montana Farmer's Union early booking rights to members for slots throughout leading projects for 2021. July and August were huge the year. The ultimate goal of MPPC is to help ranches months that resulted in the completion of the Bylaws, develop profitable hoof-to-table retail businesses. Articles of Incorporation, registration of the official Primary constraints for Montana ranchers are a lack name, implementing the initial Board of Directors, and of capacity, reliability, and in-state USDA / statebeing filed and approved by both the Montana Secretary inspected facilities. Cooperative members can develop of State and Montana Commissioner of Securities and their livestock finishing plans to ensure the year-round Insurance. Simply put, we are ready to accept members C O N T I N U D O N PA G E 6
PAGE 2 Calumet Refinery Commits to a Renewable Future
PAGE 5 Grasshopper Outbreak Devastates Montana Crops
PAGE 11 4-H Livestock Sales See Huge Increase
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
B Y WA LT E R S C H W E I T Z E R PRESIDENT
about 1 million acres of oilseeds to produce the feedstock needed by this conversion. Montana grew about 300,000 acres of oilseeds in 2020. Calumet’s transition to renewable feedstock will create an opportunity to expand our oilseed acres and have it processed right here in Montana.
crushed plants and animal tallow from rendering plants in the Midwest because there is nowhere in Montana to source industrial biofuel oil.
W h e n I l e f t C a l u m e t ’s announcement, my mind was whirling with the possibilities this transition could provide Montana farmers and the Great Falls community. Oilseed crops have proven to be an excellent rotation crop for farmers, but demand for Montana oilseed crops has been Fifty-plus people witnessed the sporadic. Hopefully, Calumet is event. Elected leaders from creating demand that farmers around the state were in the can plan for into the future. crowd. Calumet management Montana has limited capacity to shared that demand for renewable crush oilseeds, and this will need fuel by Canada and California to be expanded rapidly to take and the incentives in place by the advantage of the new demand. Federal government make this a real opportunity. It was clear I did some online research I was invited to the announcement that Calumet has been doing a and found out that renewable of the plans by Calumet refinery lot of work already to make this transition and expansion at US in Great Falls to convert half of transition happen by the spring refineries are expected to increase their crude run with renewable of 2022. To begin with, Calumet fivefold by 2024, with most feedstock. This could require plans to use soybean oil from projections showing demand
Fall Traveling Workshop Series: Montana Farmers Union is traveling to the Western and Southwestern part of the state with the workshop series Rebuilding Food Resiliency. This event is free, open to the public, with a meal provided at each location. Please RSVP at montanafarmersunion.com. Program Agenda: • Overview of the President’s Promoting Competition in the American Economy Executive Order including specifics on directives including Right to Repair, Packers and Stockyards Act, defining “Product of the USA” labels, healthcare, technology, and more. Presented by Walter Schweitzer, President of Montana Farmers Union • Building Resiliency through on Farm Food Safety Planning and Practices; presented by Jan Tusick, Center Director for Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center • Overview of the Growth Through Agriculture Program; Presented by the Montana Department of Agriculture • Funding for small producers through the American Rescue Plan; Presented by USDA Rural Development • Presentation on the Montana Premium Processing Co-op, and how to get involved; Presented by Matt Rains, Montana Farmers Union
DATE TIME 9/21 9/21 9/22 9/22 10/5 10/5 10/6 10/6
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11:30 am-1:30 6-8 pm 11:30-1:30 6-8 pm 11:30-1:30 6-8 pm 11:30- 1:30 6-8 pm
CITY
Corvallis Missoula Ronan Whitefish Livingston Bozeman Townsend Butte
outpacing supplies.There are refineries in California that are producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). They are supplying jet fuel for LA and Bay area airports. I stumbled across transcripts of a Calumet investor call discussing the transition to biofuel feedstock. A couple of things jumped out in this call. First, there was a lot of discussion about Montana and Alberta having millions of untapped acres in their backyard that could be transitioned to oilseeds to meet their demands. Secondly, Montana farm fields are some of the closest fields to the new demand for renewable fuel in Canada and California. I am intrigued by this new opportunity for farmers and will keep you updated as I find out more.
VENUE
Corvallis Research Station Double Tree Ronan Community Center Rocky Mountain Lodge Best Western Pioneer Lodge Comfort Inn The Mint Bar & Cafe Copper King Hotel
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! IN THIS ISSUE Cordell Holman, Malta Quint & Wendy Olson, Malta Henry Smith Family Farm, Malta Matt Harding, Miles City Dennis Foy, Terry Harvey Whipps, Miles City Boyd Hance, Circle Logan & Jennifer Bird, Volborg Shane Laplant, Broadus Mark & Kristen Roubidoux, Wolf Point Michael & Kandace Kochivar, Stanford Joseph Hackmann, Billings Lori Kraft, Billings Rustad Ranch Corporation, Roundup Ty & Jody Thompson Family, Billings Patrick & Judy Waters, Froid VR Family Trust, Livingston Cody & Brianna Kountz, Bozeman David & Barbara Wagner,Billings Jason & Tamara Madill, Great Falls Wade & Patricia Robertson, Great Falls Robert & Sheree West, Great Falls Robert & Kathleen Agostino, Stevensville Steve & Christine Blair, Somers Gary & Kristine Reddin, Darby Kristie Kountz, Bozeman Roderick & Shelley Young, Pony Chance Frame, St Ignatius Thomas Kennedy, Dillon Carl & Glenis Fratzke, Hall Sara Nye, Dillon
Shane Anderson Shane Anderson Shane Anderson Tayler Kennedy Ron & Blayne Watts Ron & Blayne Watts Kaylen Lehner Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Jesse Fleming Tom McKenna K J Fauth Bradley & K J Fauth K J Fauth K J Fauth Austin O’Dea Daryl Hansen Craig Parker Judd Long Eric Hinebauch Eric Hinebauch Eric Hinebauch Pam Jacobsen Charles Monroe Bryan Jones Art Hoffart Art Hoffart Andrew Luedtke Sara Nye Andre Marcure MFU Office
Member Profile: Tiber Ridge Farm cont. Page 4
Grasshoppers Driven by Drought Reek Havok on Montana Crops Page 5
Montana Premium Processing Co-op Cont. Page 6
Details on the 2021 MFU State Convention Page 7-9 Scholarship Winners Announced Page 10
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Recap of Arrowpeak Summer Camp Season Page 12-13
MFU Sponsors Cattlemen U Event in Bozeman Page 14 Columns by the Montana Delegation Page 15
A big thank you to Farmers Union Insurance agent Dirk Elings of Conrad for supporting MFU’s legislative efforts!
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 Eric Bergman, District 1, Fort Shaw 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:
4H Livestock Sales See Increase
LEGISLATIVE FUND
MONTANA FARMERS UNION
Jan Johnson, Office Mgr., Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director/ Editor Justin Loch, Membership Director Rachel Prevost, Camp Advisor/Education Violet Green, Education Coordinator Audra Labert, Digital Marketing Specialist Matt Rains, Special Projects
Copyright © Montana Farmers Union, 2021. 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: Jan Johnson Editor/Designer: Lyndsay Bruno
IN MEMORIAM JOYCE COPENHAVER, CONRAD LLOYD DEBRUYCKER DUTTON 3
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M E M B E R P RO F I L E C O N T I N U E D
"I think everybody's so afraid of those first three years that it takes to transition. I thought we would be just barely holding on for those three years, but the amount of money we saved on inputs made those years profitable even without getting the organic price. Now that we're certified organic on every crop, it's pretty nice to know that you're still making money on a crop like a winter wheat. I think ours went 10 bushels an acre this year. And for the price that I'm getting, I'm still making $14 an acre." Why Organic? A good majority of farmers in the Golden Triangle are conventional. Part of the thinking to switch to organic was to increase profitability, help mitigate climate change and improve soil health.“If we can get away from fertilizers, it reduces input costs, and we can grow a crop that fixes nitrogen, cycles nutrients, and sequesters carbon. Cover crop mixes are fairly expensive, but they are about half of what I spent on fertilizer. I’m not getting quite the nitrogen return as if putting in fertilizer, but it’s a system we believe in. All these big companies are telling you to use chemicals as a quick fix instead of addressing the problem in the field. The other advantage of organic farming is being able to pay down long-term debt that felt insurmountable before.”
pretty conscious about our tillage. Pre-plant tilling is all we do. We’ll run a high-speed disc over it in the spring, followed by a duck foot type field cultivator. It was a challenge at first to get the different pieces of equipment. Seeding is a little later than conventional crops. We try not to seed until June with the cash crops, and then we do all the fallow ground and cover crop mixes. That’s where we get nutrient packages that help with water retention and holding capacities. In a drought, we can tell where we have built-up moisture by raising that organic matter in the soil.” Farmers Union Involvement John and his wife Gwyenth are members of Montana Farmers Union and participants in the Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership program (FUEL), along with member Paul Neubauer of Havre. The FUEL program empowers future Farmers Union leaders in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with a series of hands-on training to enhance their knowledge of cooperatives and the Farmers Union’s role. The first FUEL training was in South Dakota. “It was neat to see different types of agriculture in a given area and how they do things. It was pretty interesting.”
Wicks also served on MFU’s policy committee for the 2020 state convention. He says it’s The difference in Process Between more important more than ever to be involved Conventional and Organic in a farm organization like MFU. “It helps you The seeding for organic crops and harvest stay positive, knowing that all of these peois later than for conventional crops. “We’re ple together have more of a voice. And when
After planting his organic barely John Wicks puts away the fill auger at Tiber Ridge Farm. Credit: Jason Thompson Photography.
you’re just out there farming on your own, like I thought I was too busy to be involved in farm organizations, but when you get to be a part of it, you get to see how hard everybody’s working for it. You feel like you’re not out there just on your own, just hoping for the best. It’s a community of people willing to help you.” Wicks is interested in ways we can adapt our farm practices to help mitigate climate change. He would also like to see more innovation in crop insurance to cover companion crops. He supports the farmers’ right to repair their equipment and measures to fight corporate consolidation to help save the family farm. For every aspect of agriculture, if we hold the big companies accountable, it will give the farmer more bargaining power.”
Einkorn wheat, pictured here at Tiber Ridge Farm, is an ancient grain that is very drough tolerant.
Tiber Ridge Farm is located in the Golden Triangle near Chester, MT. Credit: Jason Thompson Photography 4
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GRASSHOPPERS DRIVEN BY DROUGHT REEK HAVOC ON MONTANA CROPS B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
Each growing season farmers face challenges. This year's drought has caused a severe grasshopper outbreak in 13 states, including Montana. Erik Somerfeld farms near Power and says this is the worst outbreak he has seen since the '80s. His farm near the Gordon exit off I-15 has seen the worst of it. A few weeks ago, he surveyed the damage. His alfalfa field and a barley field show devastation by the grasshoppers. "It's easy to see the stuff with no heads on it but harder to figure out the damage caused by eating leaves and the lack of nutrients and water that would have gone into grain production," said Somerfeld. Grasshoppers thrive in warm, dry weather. The problem dates back to 2020, when grasshopper populations were multiplying. The damage has a ripple effect on agriculture. Grasshoppers are cutting into the livestock food supply by eating vegetation livestock depend on for their diet. Ranchers are selling their livestock early because of it. Somerfeld said an aerial application of dimilin did help, but it's not cheap to do so. "The direct cost to spray runs anywhere from $6.80 to about $12 per acre. The cost depends on the chemical used, the size of the grasshoppers and the type of application. Chemical by itself is $1.50 to $5.5 per acre again depending on size."
Erik somerfeld surveys the damage done by grasshoppers in his barley field in early August.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service(APHIS) does not have the authority to do suppression treatments on private croplands. There is some relief in the form of crop insurance for farmers. But as Somerfeld points out that most farmers insure at a level of 65-75 percent, which means you need to have a 30-35 percent loss before insurance kicks in. Grasshoppers reproduce and lay eggs in the fall. Experts say it may help to spray before seeding to prevent problems later on in the growing season. The USDA Agriculture Research Service has a website dedicated to identifying grasshopper species and grasshopper management information. Visit usda.gov/plains-area/Sidney-mt/northern-plainsagricultural research-laboratory/pest management for more information.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR CONTRIBUTING TO MFU’S YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Grasshoppers thrive in warm, dry weather.The problem dates back to 2020, when grasshopper populations were multiplying.
Tom McKenna FU Insurance, Lewistown Charles Monroe FU Insurance, Kalispell Steve Plaggemeyer, Billings Aeric Reilly FU Insurance, Great Falls
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commercial product will be in the freezer and available for their consumers. The founding Board of Directors was established from the steering committee who took the cooperative from concept to reality with the help of the Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC). Together, they built the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, which will serve as the organization's foundation. The initial Board of Directors is Jess Alger, Eric Bergman, Brett Debruycker, Paul Neubauer, Ben Peterson, and Walter Schweitzer. Director positions will be elected at the first annual meeting by all common stock owners. This annual meeting date will be determined once twenty or more producers have pledged their membership and agreed to purchase a common stock certificate.
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day, the facility is expected to be consistently processing animals. Having gone from concept to cooperative to functioning facility in just over a year is truly remarkable. Once operating full-time, the MPPC will be focused on fixing Montana's food resiliency issue firsthand.
The first 50 founding members get a discounted membership price of $3,000 if paid now, or 5,000 if paid over time. Once the cooperative reaches 50 members, the Common Stock share will be sold at 5,000. Individuals are only allowed one share, but it will provide a voting and owner membership to the cooperative. Member/owners will vote in the Board of Directors. Additionally, once annual harvest scheduling is developed, members will be allowed first rights to the slots available to The facility itself should begin breaking allow them year-round planning and member ground by October, with first-run animals rates for kill fee and cut & wrap. going through the process by the end of the year. Although 2022 most likely will not be MPPC is also offering Preferred Stock shares operating at full capacity of 15-20 head per at $1000 per share. Individuals are allowed to
APPLICATION FOR THE FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE NETWORK MINI-GRANT PROGRAM NOW OPEN The application for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Mini-Grant program is now open! This program was created to address mental health needs in rural communities and the agriculture industry through the use of mental health speakers, workshops and new or expanding trainings that support emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The overarching goal of the Mini Grants Program is to facilitate and support outreach activities by providing a range of services, including speakers, trainings, workshops, and support services that will directly improve agriculture-related stress and agricultural suicide prevention for Montana. I have attached guidelines for the program.
purchase unlimited Preferred Stock. Preferred Stockholders are not considered owners but investors in MPPC. As such, Preferred Stock owners will receive annual dividends based on the facility's success, but they will not have voting rights.For more information on the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative, please check out mtpremiumprocessing.com or contact Matt Rains at the MFU state office at 406-452-6406.
SAVE THE DATE! NFU CONVENTION FEB. 27-MARCH 1, 2022 DENVER, CO NFU Convention will gather family farmers and ranchers from across the country, industry professionals and notable speakers. It provides NFU members and attendees the opportunity to learn, collaborate and grow through thoughtful discussions and breakout sessions. Attendees will have new learning opportunities this year while maintaining a focus on the issues that matter most to our family farmers and ranchers, such as the farm economy and providing meaningful support to the men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe us. Montana Farmers Union will vote on delegates to send to the national convention at the MFU State Conention in October.
You can apply here: https://funding.mt.gov/ This work is supported by the USDA NIFA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture(NIFA).
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SEPTEMBER 2021
ANNUAL CONVENTION IS BACK... ...AND BET TER TH AN EV ER!
MARIAH GLADSTONE INDIGIKITCHEN
MIKE CALLICRATE RANCH FOODS DIRECT
SARAH CALHOUN RED ANTS PANTS
KATE STEPHENS FARM TO FASHION
DUST IT UP WITH MONTANA’S WYLIE AND THE WILD WEST SHOW! PLUS—LEARN ALL ABOUT THE MONTANA PREMIUM PROCESSING CO-OP AND HOW TO JOIN. NEW THIS YEAR: MAIL-IN VOTING FOR OFFICERS. SEE NEXT PAGE FOR DETAILS.
CONVENTION
ANNUAL
O C TO B E R 2 9 – 3 0 , 2 0 2 1
HERITAGE INN • GREAT FALLS
T H E MON TA NA FAR ME R S UN I ON AN N UAL C ON V E N T I O N I S W H E R E P O L I CI E S A RE C RE AT E D AND D E BAT E D, AND I T ’S A L S O W H E R E M E MB ERS G AT H E R TO RE C O NNE C T, L E ARN, AND K I C K U P T H EI R H EEL S! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! PLEASE VISIT MONTANAFARMERSUNION.COM TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE DETAILS.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
CONVENTION CALL
TO: ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL AND COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS OF THE FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA, MONTANA DIVISION (MONTANA FARMERS UNION) You are hereby notified that the 106th Annual State Convention of the Montana Division of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America will be held in Great Falls, Montana at the Heritage Inn, October 29, 2021, for the purpose of hearing reports from the state officers, to elect a president to a two-year term, three district board members-one director from District One to a three-year term; one director from District Three to a three-year term; an At-Large Director for Districts 3 and 4 for a three-year term; conductor and doorkeeper will be elected to one-year terms; further, to transact such business and adopt such resolutions as may be desired by the members of Montana Farmers Union. Nominating petitions of board members and officers shall be submitted by mail or email to the MFU Office by September 14. Mail-in ballots may be requested as soon as 90 days before but no later than 30 days before convention. Requested mail-in ballots will be mailed to eligible voters 30 days prior to convention. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked at least seven (7) days prior to convention or may be personally delivered no later than the time for in-person voting. For in-person voting ballots will be distributed at the time of election, during the morning session of October 30 and all ballots must be in the ballot box no later than noon on October 30.
It will be appreciated if resolutions be sent to state headquarters by October 18.
Walter Schweitzer Jan Tusick President Secretary-Treasurer Montana Farmers Union Montana Farmers Union
FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT BY:WYLIE AND THE WILD WEST SHOW
CONVENTION TRADE SHOW/ SPONSORSHIP Vendor registration is $75 for a table only, or $125 which includes meal tickets for the Friday luncheon and evening reception and the Saturday breakfast and luncheon. The fee includes an 8 x 10 space, electricity (if needed), one covered table and your business promoted on the big screen throughout the convention. Sponsorship opportunities include break sessions, meals and entertainment slots available for sponsorship. Sponsors receive recognition for their support both in the convention program and with signage during the sponsored event. If you are interested in reserving a vendor table or becoming a sponsor visit montanafarmersunion. com or contact the MFU State office at 800-234-4071.
MFU FOUNDATION AUCTION The convention will feature a live/silent auction to benefit the Montana Farmers Union Foundation and educational programming. If you have an item(s) to donate please bring the item to the convention by 10 a.m. on Friday, October 29 along with a description of the item and a value. Please contact Violet Green at vgreen@montanafarmersunion.com with questions.
CENTENNIAL FARM PROGRAM Please help Montana Farmers Union in celebrating our centennial families who have owned and/or operated the same farm or ranch for 100 + years. The centennial celebration will be held at the Saturday evening banquet. To participate, please send a farm biography with pictures to lbruno@montanafarmersunion.com or by mail to P.O. Box 2447, Great Falls, MT 59403. Centennial Families are also honored at the member banquet on Saurday evening of the convention. 8
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REGISTRATION FOR THE 106TH MONTANA FARMERS UNION CONVENTION HERITAGE INN - GREAT FALLS OCTOBER 29-30, 2021 NAME_____________________________________________ SPOUSE___________________________________________
CHECK IF APPLICABLE:
YOUTH (NAMES & AGES):
VISITOR
MEMBER ________ ________
_______________ ______________ ______________ ADDRESS__________________________________________ CITY__________________________STATE______ ZIP_____ REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES ALL MEALS ON PROGRAM, ALL BREAKS,THE MFU INSURANCE RECEPTION AND ENTERTAINMENT. PRE-REGISTRATION BY OCTOBER 19 COST X #REGISTERING = PER ADULT
TOTAL
$75.00 X _____________ _________
PER YOUTH(12 YRS & UNDER) $35.00 X _____________ + _________ TOTAL REGISTRATION _________ REGISTRATION AFTER OCTOBER 19 COST X #REGISTERING =
TOTAL
PER ADULT
__________
$85.00 X ___________
PER YOUTH (12 YRS & UNDER) $45.00 X ___________ + __________ TOTAL REGISTRATION __________ DAILY REGISTRATION WILL BE $20.00. MEAL TICKETS SOLD SEPARATELY. MAIL THIS FORM IN WITH YOUR PAYMENT TO THE MFU OFFICE, PO BOX 2447, GREAT FALLS MT 59403 OR REGISTER ONLINE AT MONTANAFARMERSUNION.COM. GROUP RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HOLIDAY INN GREAT FALLS. CONTACT THE HOTEL TO MAKE A RESERVATION. 9
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MONTANA FARMERS UNION ANNOUNCES 2021 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Montana Farmers Union is proud to announce this year’s scholarship recipients. MFU offered five scholarships totaling $4,500. This year’s winners were selected because of their outstanding contributions to the organization as youth leaders. Here are the 2021 MFU scholarship recipients:
Abby Clark: Fort Benton
Katherine Bold: Big Sandy Cole Arthur: Great Falls Cory Kelly: Chester
• S c h o l a r s h i p R e c e i v e d : $1,000 Montana Farmers Union Scholarship & John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship • C o l l e g e A t t e n d i n g : Montana Tech • Degree Pursuing: Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Scholarship Received: $500 Chouteau County Farmers Union Scholarship • College Attending: Carroll College • D e g r e e P u r s u i n g : Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
James Van Spyk: Great Falls
• S c h o l a r s h i p R e c e i v e d : • S c h o l a r s h i p R e c e i v e d : $1,000 Bud Daniels Memorial $1,000 Montana Farmers Scholarship Union Scholarship & • College Attending: Montana John Korsbeck Memorial State University, Bozeman Scholarship • Degree Pursuing: Major • College Attending: Montana in Mechanical Engineering State University, Bozeman with Minors in Aerospace • D e g r e e P u r s u i n g : Engineering & Physics Continuing degree in Construction Engineering Technology
2020-2021 TORCHBEARERS
• S c h o l a r s h i p R e c e i v e d : $1,000 Cascade County Farmers Union Scholarship • College Attending: Montana State University, Bozeman • Degree Pursuing: Computer Science
Phillip Prewett, Kamree Baumann, Alex Madsen, Cole Arthur, Abby Clark and Tyce Erickson; not pictured: Emilie Crago 10
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4-H LIVESTOCK SALES SEE HUGE INCREASE
their fairs due to the pandemic but still held online livestock auctions. While online sales proved to be successful, nothing BY JUSTIN LOCH could compare to the sales this M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C TO R year. Sales across the state saw Wow, summer sure has flown by, venues packed with buyers willing and we are getting back to school. to support 4-H and FFA youth in As we wind down from summer, a big way. Below you will see sale so comes the end of the fair averages from 2020 and early sale season. 4-H and FFA projects are averages for 2021 showcased during many county and state fairs across the country. 2020 Livestock Sale Averages Most popular amongst fairgoers for FFA/4-H Montana are the livestock projects ranging Swine: $5.25 lb. from poultry, swine, goats, sheep, Lamb: $4.06 lb cattle, and even exotic livestock Steer: $3.39 lb like llamas and alpacas. Fairs are an excellent opportunity 2021 Livestock Sale Averages to connect people who are not for FFA/4-H Montana commonly around farming and Swine: $9.48 ranching with agriculture. It gives Lamb: $8.91 the general public a chance to see Steer: $5.16 livestock close-up and the direct quality care animals receive daily. As you can see, prices have jumped up quite a bit. Livestock Many 4-H and FFA members members saw a massive reward raise a livestock animal to sell at for their efforts this year. Many the fair. This year MFU attended people wonder why livestock several sales across the state and sale prices are much higher than bid on members’ livestock. I am regular market prices that general happy to report many sales saw producers get. 4-H and FFA record prices across the board for members often have considerably swine, lambs, and steers. Last more invested in their livestock year, many counties canceled project than what traditional
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market prices can return. In today’s livestock show world, 4-H and FFA members purchase show quality animals at the start of their project that often cost them well above market price. Feeding the animal quality rations to promote adequate growth and meat quality also comes at a hefty price compared to just feedlot or grazing type feeding. Once at the fair, the livestock member needs show supplies and dress clothes to participate and show the animal to their best ability. These factors add up and contribute to a livestock member having an investment well above market price. On the flip side, a consumer is getting a quality product that has been well cared for and fed quality feed. It’s important for those who support 4-H and FFA livestock projects to remember that you are helping the youth today and their future. Many members put profits made right back into their future projects, buy into and set up their livestock herds, or pay for future college. There is so much more than just a kid raising a market animal and the consumer buying it
Garrett LeFurgey’s animal auctioned at the Chouteu County Fair sold for $10.75 a lb. Picture courtesy of Misty LeFuregy.
at a sale. It’s a full-circle process t h a t t e a c h e s r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, investment, business, success, and, yes, sometimes failure. In the end, a member sees something through from beginning to end along with the growth and learning experiences that go with it, and the consumer gets a chance to get top-quality meat while helping youth achieve success for their future. I want to say congratulations to all of the youth that took a livestock project this year. After an extremely tough year, you all persevered and came back stronger this year! The livestock buyers indeed recognized that and helped contribute to a record sales year at many sales. Keep up the excellent work, and I highly encourage those who have not yet participated in a deal to take a chance at filling your freezer with quality meat and supporting our youth! Montana Farmers Union looks forward to supporting 4-H and FFA each year through several sponsorships, scholarships, and donations.
Bailey LeFuregy’s animal sold for $13.50 a lb at the Chouteu County Fair. Picture courtesy of Misty LeFuregy
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Kawiwo’ole Batungbacal, Brayden Klostermeier,Teagan Reimer,Walter, Schweitzer, Kale Baumann, Lyla Mitchell, Lawrence Hoven J U N I O R A D V I S O RY C O U N C I L :
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TEEN CAMP 2
JUNIOR CAMP 2
TEEN CAMP 1
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MFU SPONSORS CATTLEMEN U EVENT so excited to share Ranching for Profit with everyone who attended and a virtual audience! After months of planning, the Members were able to learn how KRose Company team hosted to increase profit and discuss the first-ever Cattleman U Live how to make the decisions that Event in Bozeman, Montana! will lead them there. Day three This event is designed to bring was full of tours to agribusiness together people from all different in the Bozeman area. We were backgrounds, experiences, and able to see some great businesses places and come together to and highlight what they are doing. learn more about our industry. The last day was live demos with Over July 22nd-25th, we had John Rose and Curt Pate. It was a the chance to learn alongside great way to wrap up a weekend people from five states, hear full of learning! from many speakers, visit leaders in the industry, and watch live Cattleman U Live was full of demonstrations. Everyone left relevant knowledge and the with a new friend and copious foundation of many turning amounts of knowledge to take points in people’s approach back and try for themselves. Our to running their operations. goal is to create a space where Everyone left with something people can ask questions, learn they could do as soon as they got more, and build connections to home and people who supported help them be better than they were them in those new decisions. We yesterday. As cattle producers, we are thankful for cattlemen and need to challenge ourselves to women who want to continue to continue trying new things and learn more, just like us. Cattleman jumping on new opportunities U and Cattleman U Live were when they present themselves. created to foster connections and transfer knowledge from one The first day of the conference cattleman to the next. We are consisted of speakers from a blessed to be a small part of so variety of different areas within many people’s journeys within the industry. Friday, we were this amazing industry. B Y J O R DY N W O O D B U R N C AT T L E M A N U D I R E C T O R
The final day of the event featured live demos by John Rose and Curt Pate.
SAVE THE DATE!
2022 MFU WOMEN’S CONFERENCE FEB 4-5, FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS
MFU Member Tammy Copenhaver of Gildford talks to another attendee at the Cattlemen U event in Bozeman.
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A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER:
TESTER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE LIVESTOCK DISASTER PROGRAMS Amid disastrous drought and a catastrophic wildfire season, U.S.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Specifically it will:
severe drought across the state and experiencing one of its most Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) Make changes to the Livestock harmful wildfire seasons in the and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) this Forage Program: past decade, resulting in decreased month introduced their bipartisan feeding capabilities for Montana's Livestock Disaster Relief Act to • Increasing coverage for livestock producers. ensure that Montana's ranchers monthly feed costs to 80 receive the necessary relief to percent. Including unweaned As the only working farmer in recover from future disasters. cattle in eligible livestock. the United States Senate, Tester • Increasing number of months has been a fierce advocate for "We are experiencing a devastating a producer can receive Montana's farmers and ranchers drought that has touched every payments. and recently secured USDA relief corner of Montana and put a • Improving the formula used to for Montana producers through real hurt on livestock producers calculate monthly feed costs. the authorization of haying and in our state," said Tester. "This grazing on Conservation Reserve bipartisan bill will beef up critical Make changes to the Emergency Program (CRP) acres, LFP livestock disaster programs, Livestock Assistance Program: funding, and ELAP funding. providing additional certainty so Montana ranchers can better • Specifying drought as a weather disasters and emerge covered adverse weather whole on the other side." event. • Removing restrictions on Tester's legislation will types of covered losses and permanently increase assistance disasters. and better align coverage for • Specifying transportation ranchers under the Livestock costs for feed and water as a Forage Program (LFP) and covered loss. Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP). Tester's legislation was introduced as a result of Montana facing
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES across Montana have only gotten worse. That’s why I’m continuing to push for additional emergency relief from the USDA to support Montana farmers and ranchers and am working to secure drought relief for every single one of Montana’s 56 counties.
As the extreme
summer drought
In July, I helped lead over 40 senators and members of Congress in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, inviting him to work with Congress and provide technical assistance and additional relief for Montana farmers and ranchers continues, that would address the excessive conditions heat-related losses. I have also
urged the Department of Interior Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge for emergency livestock grazing and am supportive of a bill that would include more than $7 billion in disaster assistance to help Montana manage losses due to drought and other natural disasters that is currently moving through Congress.
their beef, and Montana families deserve to know the quality of what they are buying at the store and putting on the kitchen table. Current USDA rules allow for foreign beef raised in other countries to receive this label— this is a disadvantage to Montana ranchers and it must stop.
As your voice in the United States Additionally, I am working to Senate, I will continue fighting on ensure only beef that comes behalf of Montana farmers and from cattle born, raised, and ranchers. slaughtered in the United States can use the “Product of USA” label. Montana ranchers produce the best beef in the world and deserve to receive a fair price for
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