For Immediate Release:  September 4, 2008

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

scourtnage@montanafarmersunion.com

Montana Farmers & Ranchers Travel to Washington, D.C.

GREAT FALLS, MT (Sept. 4, 2008) – The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) will send 14 members and staff to the National Farmers Union’s (NFU) fall Fly-In September 8-10, in Washington, D.C.

“The issues being discussed during this Fly-In are ones that resonate with all Montana farmers, ranchers and the state as a whole,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “I’m glad that we will have such a large and knowledgeable group attending.”

The ambitious agenda set by NFU includes five priorities:  ensuring the Department of Agriculture implements the 2008 Farm Bill as intended by Congress; the important role American agriculture can play in addressing climate change; increasing the use and production of fuels from the farm; support for future trade agreements that address all trade factors; and access to healthcare for rural Americans.

Joining President Merrill on the Fly-In are:  Brett Dailey, Jordan; Chris Christiaens, Great Falls; Bill Courtnage, Geraldine; Kathy Courtnage, Geraldine; Chad Doheny, Dutton; Travis Huntington, Portland, OR; John Kelly, Chester; Daryl Lassila, Great Falls; Trista Lassila, Great Falls; Les Rutledge, Hamilton; Jim Sargent, Shelby; Leonard Stone, Geraldine; Myrna Stone, Geraldine.

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