2025 Meet the Candidates
2025 MFU Board of Directors Candidates: Who they are and why they support Montana Farmers Union
Several Montana Farmers Union Board of Directors positions will be elected during the 110th Annual State Convention to be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Lewistown. Mail ballots must have been requested by Oct. 2. Completed mail ballots must be postmarked by Oct. 25 or delivered in person during Convention before voting begins. In-person voting will take place Nov. 1 during Convention. Visit www.montanafarmersunion.com to learn more.
Board members play an active role in the organization and its programs, including the MFU Foundation. This year’s ballot includes:
John Wicks is on the ballot for the District 2 Director board seat, previously held by Rollie Schlepp. Schlepp, a longtime board member who also served as MFU’s vice president, has announced his retirement from MFU leadership.
Incumbents Walter Schweitzer (president), Mark Siderius (District 6), and Ben Peterson (District 5&6 At Large) are running unopposed to retain their current seats. Also unopposed are Doug Crabtree for the role of Conductor and Heather Siderius for Doorkeeper.
Read more about the candidates and what they view as MFU’s role in supporting family farmers and ranchers below:
Ben Peterson
Benjamin Peterson, a former Torchbearer and generational member, currently serves as MFU’s District 5&6 At Large board member and has been active in the Policy and Bylaws committees and as an advocate. He raises cattle, sheep, small grains, and hay, and operates a small feedlot near Judith Gap.
John wicks
John Russel Wicks runs his family farm of about 5,000 acres in the Chester-Ledger area, which he plants organically with grains, pulses, and cover crops. He currently serves as the Liberty-Toole Local President and is a past Associate Director, in addition to serving on both the MFU and NFU policy committees. He also has testified before the House Ag Finance Subcommittee in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the National Farmers Union.
Walter Schweitzer
Walter Schweitzer, current MFU president, operates a registered Black Angus ranch and hay operation in Geyser.
Mark Siderius
Mark Siderius, current District 6 MFU board member and president of the Flathead Local, is a fourth-generation farmer & rancher in Kalispell growing wheat, barley, pulse crops, and hay in addition to a feedlot for direct market sales of their cow/calf operation. He also owns Mark Siderius Construction and Excavation.
