Family Farmers Call on Congress to Act During NFU Legislative Fly-In

Montana producers joined National Farmers Union last week during its annual Legislative Fly-In, which brought more than 250 family farmers and ranchers to Washington to meet with members of Congress and demand quick, decisive action to reverse the crisis in farm country.

“I always enjoy visiting with members from all around the country. The general sentiment was uncertainty. Some farmers have been told before corn and soybean harvest that there is no room. Farmers are being forced to store crops on the farm and are not sure they will be able to market their crop this year. Unfortunately, our visits with Congress just gave us more uncertainty, including whether the Farm Bill will be reauthorized or not,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said.

“Our representatives need to know the realities facing family farms and the tangible ripple effects of active dismantling of key agricultural agencies and programs today,” said Katie Madden, who operates Winter Kissed Farm in Stevensville. “I am hopeful the stories and key data points we brought to the table will lead to favorable voting and new legislation on critical issues before it’s too late, like replacing essential funding programs, addressing staff shortages at USDA offices, reinstating country of origin labeling for beef, and mitigation of tariffs negatively affecting key commodities that underpin the food system.” 

Rachel Prevost (Great Falls), Tammy Copenhaver (Rudyard), Carissa McNamara (Plains), Karen Pond (Ledger), John Wicks (Ledger), Sadie Collins (Wilsall), Katie Madden (Stevensville), Gwen Collins (Wilsall), Reinhard Bold (Big Sandy), Anna Bold (Big Sandy), Carah Ronan (Laurel), Walter Schweitzer (Geyser), Sarah Degn (Sidney), and Bella Folino (Geyser) spoke about the need for support for Montana producers while in D.C.

The group raised concerns about the impact of tariffs, the lack of a full Farm Bill, trade wars and disruptions, as well as advocating for Mandatory Country of Origin labeling for beef and fully staffed and funded FSA and NRCS offices – putting family farm agriculture in the spotlight for Montana’s Congressional Delegation. The Montana group further hit the Hill to talk with Congressional staff from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia, and Delaware, working to ensure that agriculture is top of mind in those districts as well.

The Montana producers also met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Justice, the White House, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Farmers shared firsthand accounts of the economic, trade and market challenges affecting their operations.

At USDA, senior leaders from the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service provided updates on programs and initiatives. Farmers called for increased staffing in local offices and stronger investments in farmer-focused programs.

DOJ’s Antitrust Division hosted members for a listening session with Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater and senior staff. Discussions focused on antitrust enforcement and the need to strengthen competition laws to ensure fairness for farmers and protection from corporate monopolies in the marketplace.

Farmers also met with senior officials from the White House and USTR to emphasize the importance of stable trading relationships. They expressed concern that ongoing tariff uncertainty and market volatility are putting added strain on family farm operations.

“The NFU Fly-In provided an opportunity to deepen my understanding of government processes and a platform to highlight the impact of recent policy changes on Montana agriculture, leaving me better equipped to advocate for our farming communities moving forward,” Madden said.

MFU works throughout the year to amplify family farmers’ and ranchers’ voices at the state and federal levels, using its grassroots policy as a guide for member priorities. Members will set policy for the year ahead during the organization’s Annual State Convention this Oct. 31-Nov.1 in Lewistown.