Montanans help bridge rural, D.C. divide

Legislators in D.C. have a clearer understanding of agriculture in Montana, thanks to the Montana farmers and ranchers who spoke with leaders and Congressional members during the National Farmers Union Legislative Fly-In held earlier in September.

During the Fly-In, more than a dozen Montana Farmers Union members had the opportunity to hear from leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, and more about the Farm Bill, what’s being done to curb anti-competitive practices in agriculture, and more. Members also had a chance to talk directly with Congressional members about priorities for the Farm Bill and rural Montana based on their personal experiences and MFU’s grassroots policy.

MFU member Emma Wickens said the Fly-In presented an opportunity to connect with elected officials and their staffers to help bridge the gap between their wanting to help and understanding what will help rural communities and farmers and ranchers. As an example, she was able to share how programs such as conservation programs currently being funded through the Inflation Reduction Act positively impact her ranch.

“Eric (Wickens) and I were very grateful to be a part of the Fly-In and really honored to be asked to join. The experience was eye opening, seeing the offices of Senators and Representatives, and realizing that if we needed to call or reach out to them, it’s truly real hard-working staff on the other end interested in your input. Despite what we see on the news, Washington, D.C., is working hard to figure out solutions. Whether those solutions line up on both aisles is another thing, but nonetheless the staffers of those elected officials are making things happen,” Wickens said. 

 Also during the Fly-In, members witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between National Farmers Union and the U.S. Department of Agriculture addressing staffing levels and improve customer service at USDA Farm Service Agency county-level offices.

While NFU’s Legislative Fly-In occurs once a year, MFU continues legislative work year round, including through policy formation during the grassroots organization’s Annual Convention, planned Oct. 17-19 this year in Whitefish.

“Montana Farmers Union continually advocates for family farmers and ranchers based on policy formed by its members, including advocating for a Farm Bill that benefits family producers and for policies at the state level that impact producers daily,” Schweitzer said, encouraging members new and old to attend Convention to partake in the policy process ahead of the 2025 Montana Legislative Session.

“MFU policy is the collective voice of Montana’s family farmers and ranchers. Make sure your voice is part of making ag in Montana stronger,” Schweitzer said.