Early Bird Registration for MFU Annual Convention Open
Farmers and ranchers from around the state will gather to hear from industry leaders, debate grassroots policy, elect board members and more during the annual Montana Farmers Union Convention planned for Oct. 27-28 at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls.
“Our State Convention is the place where members and friends come together in community to learn, network, and celebrate and support one another through the joys and hardships that is family farming and ranching,” MFU Member Services Director Rachel Prevost said.
“State Convention is where members come make their voice heard on the organizations grassroots policy and on the board of directors that represent their regions. Come listen to expert speakers in breakouts and workshops, as well as learn how we can be strong advocates for our rural communities,” Prevost added.
Keynote speakers include Sarah Vogel, the first woman elected as the North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture, and the first woman to hold that position nationwide.
Vogel is attorney, advocate, and author of The Farmer’s Lawyer, who has dedicated her life to agricultural justice. She is a third-generation member of the Nonpartisan League, fighting for the little guy, including family farmers, ranchers, Native Americans, women, and small business owners.
Interactive breakout sessions include the topics of regenerative agriculture, the Farm Bill and ag advocacy, and registering your business with Made in Montana. The schedule also allows plenty of time for networking with other members and vendors and music by The Lucky Valentines.
Attendees also will have an opportunity to connect with their regional MFU Membership Ambassador on current and upcoming projects as well as brainstorm what they would like to see in their communities.
The highlight of convention, though, is setting policy. Members debate and set the policy that will direct staff in the coming year as they work on behalf of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities.
The annual convention also is when MFU members vote for board members and other leadership positions within the organization, as well as voting on delegates to attend the National Farmers Union annual convention next spring.
Board positions up for election this year are: President for a two-year term, District 4 for a three-year term, District 5 for a three-year term, and Districts 1 & 2 At Large for a three-year term. Other positions up for election in October are: Conductor for one-year term, and Doorkeeper for one-year term. Nominating petitions for the President, board and other positions must be completed – including five nominating signatures from other MFU members in the candidate’s district – and returned to the state office via mail or email by September 11. Candidates must have been an MFU member for at least three years and be in good standing, as well as live and/or farm in the district in which they are running. More information, including the nominating form, can be found at www.montanafarmersunion.com.
A discounted student rate of $25 is available for college and trade school students. To receive early bird member pricing at $75 and non-member pricing of $85, register by Sept. 1. More information, including how college students can apply for to have the entire cost covered, can be found at https://ow.ly/YRV750PmfUN.
