MFU: Reauthorize Farm Bill in 2024

The overarching conversation during Montana Farmers Union’s 109th Annual State Convention Oct. 17-19 in Whitefish was loud and clear: Reauthorize the Farm Bill in 2024. 

“Clearly Congress has put politics ahead of the Farm Bill,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said. “They once again missed the deadline to pass a Farm Bill and are leaving farmers and families in limbo while they campaign. Hopefully when they get off the campaign trail, they get back to work and pass a Farm Bill that will give farmers and families the support they need to have food security.”

Congress’ failure to reauthorize the Farm Bill before an extension expired in September created unnecessary uncertainty to farmers and ranchers and millions of people who rely on nutrition programs. 

“This is no way to do government,” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew told MFU members attending Convention. 

NFU will continue its efforts to push for a reauthorized Farm Bill during the upcoming Lame Duck Session, Larew said, adding a priority is for the bill to include a strong safety net providing resilience when producers face unexpected events. 

U.S. Senator and third-generation MFU member Jon Tester also stressed the importance of a Farm Bill in 2024 when he addressed members. 

“We absolutely need a Competition Title in the Farm Bill,” Tester said, adding that capitalism only works when there is competition.

Tester urged members to contact members of the Senate and House Ag Committees and their delegation members to convey the importance of making reauthorizing the Farm Bill a priority. 

MFU members agreed about the need for a Competition Title in the Farm Bill. Additionally – during MFU members’ work to finalize policy that will guide the grassroots organization in the coming year – members prioritized a Farm Bill with increased baseline funding and agreed it should include several key components, including: a strong Nutrition Title, a permanent Special Investigator and Chief Competition Officer within USDA, expanded conservation and disaster programs, and a strengthened farm safety net that reflects higher prices and input costs.   

MFU Convention attendees also heard from FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. 

“This administration has really driven home that we’re going to invest in rural America when we can,” Ducheneaux said, highlighting how his office has worked to interpret existing law with as much flexibility as possible to best meet producer needs, as well as reforms to farm loans. 

“We want you to feel trusted when you come in [to your FSA office], and we understand trust must first be extended to be received,” he said. 

In addition to learning from professionals and leaders, members also networked with each other and professionals offering resources.  

Kimberly Robinson, who is participating in NFU’s Beginning Farmer Institute, said participating in policy and learning from other members were the highlights of the event.

“You get to talk to people who actually have been through it, and you get to hear their stories and collaborate,” she said.  

Roundtable discussions with MFU Membership Ambassadors began what will hopefully be long term discussions and collaborations, MFU Board member Jan Tusick said.  

“People are really excited about what could happen in their community,” she added.

MFU provides resources to help members share their stories and amplify their voices, Schweitzer said, encouraging members to engage ahead of the Montana Legislative Session and as the organization continues to push for a Farm Bill.  

“Montana Farmers Union wants to make sure your grassroots voice is heard on issues that make the difference in supporting rural communities,” he said.