20 minute read
Walter Schweitzer, President Rollie Schlepp, Vice President, Conrad Jan Tusick, Secretary/Treasuer, District Ronan
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.
The facility itself should begin breaking ground by October, with first-run animals going through the process by the end of the year. Although 2022 most likely will not be operating at full capacity of 15-20 head per 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.
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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 allow them year-round planning and member rates for kill fee and cut & wrap.
MPPC is also offering Preferred Stock shares at $1000 per share. Individuals are allowed to 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.
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.
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). 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.
SAVE THE DATE! NFU CONVENTION FEB. 27-MARCH 1, 2022 DENVER, CO
ANNUAL CONVENTION IS BACK...
...AND BETTER THAN EVER!
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.
CONVENTIONANNUAL
OCTOBER 29–30, 2021
HERITAGE INN • GREAT FALLS
THE MONTANA FARMERS UNION ANNUAL CONVENTION IS WHERE POLICIES ARE CREATED AND DEBATED, AND IT’S ALSO WHERE MEMBERS GATHER TO RECONNECT, LEARN, AND KICK UP THEIR HEELS!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! PLEASE VISIT MONTANAFARMERSUNION.COM TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE DETAILS.
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
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
FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT BY: WYLIE AND THE WILD WEST SHOW
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.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 106TH MONTANA FARMERS UNION CONVENTION HERITAGE INN - GREAT FALLS OCTOBER 29-30, 2021
NAME_____________________________________________ CHECK IF APPLICABLE: SPOUSE___________________________________________ MEMBER ________
YOUTH (NAMES & AGES): VISITOR ________
REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES ALL MEALS ON PROGRAM, ALL BREAKS, THE MFU INSURANCE RECEPTION AND ENTERTAINMENT. PRE-REGISTRATION BY OCTOBER 19 COST X #REGISTERING= TOTAL
PER ADULT
PER ADULT
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.
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
• Scholarship Received:
$1,000 Montana Farmers
Union Scholarship &
John Korsbeck Memorial
Scholarship
• College Attending:
Montana Tech • Degree Pursuing: Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
James Van Spyk: Great Falls
• Scholarship Received:
$1,000 Cascade County
Farmers Union Scholarship • College Attending: Montana
State University, Bozeman • Degree Pursuing: Computer
Science
Katherine Bold: Big Sandy Cole Arthur: Great Falls
• Scholarship Received: $500
Chouteau County Farmers
Union Scholarship • College Attending: Carroll
College
• Degree Pursuing:
Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology
• Scholarship Received:
$1,000 Bud Daniels Memorial
Scholarship • College Attending: Montana
State University, Bozeman • Degree Pursuing: Major in Mechanical Engineering with Minors in Aerospace
Engineering & Physics
2020-2021 TORCHBEARERS
Cory Kelly: Chester
• Scholarship Received:
$1,000 Montana Farmers
Union Scholarship &
John Korsbeck Memorial
Scholarship • College Attending: Montana
State University, Bozeman • D egree Pursuing:
Continuing degree in
Construction Engineering
Technology
4-H LIVESTOCK SALES SEE HUGE INCREASE
BY JUSTIN LOCH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Wow, summer sure has flown by, and we are getting back to school. As we wind down from summer, so comes the end of the fair season. 4-H and FFA projects are showcased during many county and state fairs across the country. Most popular amongst fairgoers are the livestock projects ranging from poultry, swine, goats, sheep, cattle, and even exotic livestock like llamas and alpacas. Fairs are an excellent opportunity to connect people who are not commonly around farming and ranching with agriculture. It gives the general public a chance to see livestock close-up and the direct quality care animals receive daily.
Many 4-H and FFA members raise a livestock animal to sell at the fair. This year MFU attended several sales across the state and bid on members’ livestock. I am happy to report many sales saw record prices across the board for swine, lambs, and steers. Last year, many counties canceled their fairs due to the pandemic but still held online livestock auctions. While online sales proved to be successful, nothing could compare to the sales this year. Sales across the state saw venues packed with buyers willing to support 4-H and FFA youth in a big way. Below you will see sale averages from 2020 and early sale averages for 2021
2020 Livestock Sale Averages for FFA/4-H Montana
Swine: $5.25 lb. Lamb: $4.06 lb Steer: $3.39 lb
2021 Livestock Sale Averages for FFA/4-H Montana
Swine: $9.48 Lamb: $8.91 Steer: $5.16
As you can see, prices have jumped up quite a bit. Livestock members saw a massive reward for their efforts this year. Many people wonder why livestock sale prices are much higher than regular market prices that general producers get. 4-H and FFA members often have considerably more invested in their livestock project than what traditional 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 at a sale. It’s a full-circle process that teaches responsibility, 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.
Garrett LeFurgey’s animal auctioned at the Chouteu County Fair sold for $10.75 a lb. Picture courtesy of Misty LeFuregy. Bailey LeFuregy’s animal sold for $13.50 a lb at the Chouteu County Fair. Picture courtesy of Misty LeFuregy
JUNIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL: Kawiwo’ole Batungbacal, Brayden Klostermeier, Teagan Reimer, Walter, Schweitzer, Kale Baumann, Lyla Mitchell, Lawrence Hoven
TEEN CAMP 2
JUNIOR CAMP 2
TEEN CAMP 1
MFU SPONSORS CATTLEMEN U EVENT
BY JORDYN WOODBURN CATTLEMAN U DIRECTOR
After months of planning, the KRose Company team hosted the first-ever Cattleman U Live Event in Bozeman, Montana! This event is designed to bring together people from all different backgrounds, experiences, and places and come together to learn more about our industry. Over July 22nd-25th, we had the chance to learn alongside people from five states, hear from many speakers, visit leaders in the industry, and watch live demonstrations. Everyone left with a new friend and copious amounts of knowledge to take back and try for themselves. Our goal is to create a space where people can ask questions, learn more, and build connections to help them be better than they were yesterday. As cattle producers, we need to challenge ourselves to continue trying new things and jumping on new opportunities when they present themselves.
The first day of the conference consisted of speakers from a variety of different areas within the industry. Friday, we were so excited to share Ranching for Profit with everyone who attended and a virtual audience! Members were able to learn how to increase profit and discuss how to make the decisions that will lead them there. Day three was full of tours to agribusiness in the Bozeman area. We were able to see some great businesses and highlight what they are doing. The last day was live demos with John Rose and Curt Pate. It was a great way to wrap up a weekend full of learning!
Cattleman U Live was full of relevant knowledge and the foundation of many turning points in people’s approach to running their operations. Everyone left with something they could do as soon as they got home and people who supported them in those new decisions. We are thankful for cattlemen and women who want to continue to learn more, just like us. Cattleman U and Cattleman U Live were created to foster connections and transfer knowledge from one cattleman to the next. We are blessed to be a small part of so many people’s journeys within this amazing industry.
SAVE THE DATE!
2022 MFU WOMEN’S CONFERENCE FEB 4-5, FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS
The final day of the event featured live demos by John Rose and Curt Pate.
MFU Member Tammy Copenhaver of Gildford talks to another attendee at the Cattlemen U event in Bozeman.
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR JON TESTER:
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR STEVE DAINES
TESTER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE LIVESTOCK DISASTER PROGRAMS
Amid disastrous drought and a catastrophic wildfire season, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) this month introduced their bipartisan Livestock Disaster Relief Act to ensure that Montana's ranchers receive the necessary relief to recover from future disasters.
"We are experiencing a devastating drought that has touched every corner of Montana and put a real hurt on livestock producers in our state," said Tester. "This bipartisan bill will beef up critical livestock disaster programs, providing additional certainty so Montana ranchers can better weather disasters and emerge whole on the other side."
Tester's legislation will permanently increase assistance and better align coverage for ranchers under the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP). Specifically it will:
Make changes to the Livestock Forage Program:
• Increasing coverage for monthly feed costs to 80 percent. Including unweaned cattle in eligible livestock. • Increasing number of months a producer can receive payments. • Improving the formula used to calculate monthly feed costs.
Make changes to the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program:
• Specifying drought as a covered adverse weather event. • Removing restrictions on types of covered losses and disasters. • Specifying transportation costs for feed and water as a covered loss.
Tester's legislation was introduced as a result of Montana facing severe drought across the state and experiencing one of its most harmful wildfire seasons in the past decade, resulting in decreased feeding capabilities for Montana's livestock producers.
As the only working farmer in the United States Senate, Tester has been a fierce advocate for Montana's farmers and ranchers and recently secured USDA relief for Montana producers through the authorization of haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, LFP funding, and ELAP funding.
As the summer continues, extreme drought conditions 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.
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 that would address the excessive 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.
Additionally, I am working to ensure only beef that comes from cattle born, raised, and 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 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 Senate, I will continue fighting on behalf of Montana farmers and ranchers.
Since 1915
