Montana delegates help shape national policy at NFU Convention

Farmers and ranchers from Montana joined roughly 500 of their contemporaries to help shape national policy during National Famers Union’s Annual Convention held earlier this month in New Orleans, Louisiana.  

The Montana Farmers Union delegates, along with delegates from other state Farmers Union organizations, worked together to finalize NFU’s policy that will drive the organization’s work throughout the year, including three special orders of business on timely topics: Family Farmers, the Farm Crisis, and the Future of Food and Farm Policy; Family Farming and the Roots of Our Democracy; and Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform. 

MFU delegates were: Montana Caise, Tammy Copenhaver, Ryan Gunderson, Carissa McNamara, Beau Milton, Heather Siderius, and Grayce Siderius, who were elected during MFU’s Annual State Convention held last fall. MFU President Walter Schweitzer, Vice President Erik Somerfeld, and board member April Martin also served as voting delegates.  

One of the top issues of concern was data centers and their impact on resources and communities, with Somerfeld saying policy adopted on the issue was one of the more impactful parts of the convention. 

“For Montana members, the most impactful part was probably the language around data centers and the effects that they can have on electricity costs and water usage. The special order on Democracy also shows how we can as members stand up and preserve it,” he said.  

First-time delegate Ryan Gunderson said the most impactful part for him was witnessing the grassroots focus of the organization at work nationally.  

“Learning the nuance around the careful thought and deliberation that goes into shaping national policy—which directly influences legislation—gave me confidence that we are being represented correctly and adequately,” Gunderson said. “Meeting and connecting with other delegates, board members, and state staff gave me a real sense of pride in being a member. I’m grateful for the opportunity and hope to see membership growth, which will ultimately amplify our impact on policy and legislation going forward.”

The next generation also was represented during the Convention, with youth delegates. 

“The most impactful part of this year’s National Convention for me was seeing the amount of next generation producers involved, especially those representing their states as delegates this year,” MFU Youth Delegate Grayce Siderius said. “It is important that the next generation is able to have a seat at the table when discussing the present and future of agriculture.” 

NFU’s convention is a valuable time to not only shape policy, but to also make connections, Somerfeld said. 

“The biggest value of National Convention is meeting with like-minded people from around the country who are facing the same things you are and believe in similar solutions. Living here in Montana, sometimes it feels like you are fighting alone to make changes,” Somerfeld said. “So going to local meetings, state convention, or national convention helps you find those who want to make changes like you do.” 

Learn more about NFU and MFU’s work to amplify grassroots producer voices at local, state, and federal levels at www.montanafarmersunion.com.