The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

National Agriculture Week, March 19-25, signals a time to celebrate agriculture and its ever important role in preserving rural communities and supporting the state’s economy. In 1916. MFU was founded on three principles known as the triangle. They are: education, cooperation and legislation with the common goal to serve the interests of Montana farm and ranch families and rural communities.

Montana Farmers Union is committed to recognizing farmers and ranchers for their contributions not only during National Ag Week, but throughout the year through special events, youth and adult education programs and legislative efforts. In addition, Montana Farmers Union supports ag related events including: the Montana Agricultural and Industrial Exhibit (MAGIE) the Montana Agri-Trade Exposition (MATE Show), the KATQ Farm Expo in Plentywood and the Montana State University Celebrate Agriculture weekend, just to name a few. MFU also provides support to FFA, 4H and many partner organizations.

Montana Farmers Union has several events throughout the year that present educational opportunities for farmers, ranchers and the public and a way to recognize the contributions farmers and ranchers make in our communities. Each year, MFU holds its annual convention in Great Falls with timely workshops on topics and issues that affect producers. The event draws members from all over the state. The organization also does adult education on water issues, alternative energy, farming practices, climate change and more. Most recently, MFU held the annual women’s conference in February at Chico Hot Springs. This conference focused on the role of women in agriculture and the development of leadership and communication skills and how that translates to preserving rural communities. In addition to the women’s conference and the upcoming Producer Conference, which will take place the tail end of National Ag Week in Havre March 24-25, MFU is advancing its youth curriculum with an education program that provides Montana youth with an understanding of the cooperative business structures, how to work cooperatively together, and gives awareness of agricultural issues and issues facing food production, consumption and educating individuals on where their food comes from. This effort makes a huge impact in educating the next generation of students in rural communities, some of whom may eventually take over the family farm or ranch or have the potential to start their own operation someday.

Youth education is a vital part of the organization and the cornerstone of this education is summer camp program at Arrowpeak Lodge in the Highwood Mountains. The camp is for kids 8-19 and combines leadership and cooperative education with good old fashioned fun!

Montana Farmers Union also supported a partnership with the Montana Poultry Growers Co-op that resulted in a co-op run poultry processing facility near Hamilton, MT on Homestead Organics Farm. The facility is the only cooperatively run poultry facility in the nation.

During National Ag Week and throughout the 2017 legislative session, Montana Farmers Union has three lobbyists in Helena representing membership on issues affecting Montana agriculture including: agritourism; funding for Department of Livestock, experiment stations and grain lab; food and agriculture bills, food safety, water rights, Growth through Ag program and support for new producers. In addition, in the fall of each year Montana Farmers Union sends members to Washington D.C. for the National Farmers Union Fly-In to lobby the Montana delegation for policies important to family farms in the state.

Montana Farmers Union is proud to recognize National Ag Week, and is committed to recognizing our hardworking farmers and ranchers for their contributions each and every day!