MFU receives more than $37K from CHS Foundation in support of youth development

Montana Farmers Union is pleased to announce that the grassroots organization has received a $27,500 CHS Foundation Cooperative Education Grant to support MFU’s work to develop young agricultural leaders about the cooperative business model through hands-on, experiential learning grounded in the seven cooperative principles. MFU also received a $10,000 CHS Foundation Cooperative Education Grant in support of the Day of Cooperation. 

“Participants in MFU’s educational summer camp program will not only study cooperative structure, but actively practice democratic decision-making, shared ownership, leadership, and member participation,” MFU’s Education Director Jodi Koterba said, adding MFU is thankful for the generous funding to support its youth development programs.  

Through MFU’s Summer Camp at Arrowpeak program, Senior Youth Advisory Council and Junior Advisory Council, youth will organize and operate six fully functioning “camp cooperatives” that will mirror the governance and accountability structure of agricultural cooperatives.  

Grant funds will be used to collaborate with other organizations, including the Montana Cooperative Development Center, MSU Extension, Cascade Conservation District, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to develop and implement agriculture-focused cooperative curriculum and educational programming focused on food systems and agricultural issues. Youth will also engage directly with working cooperatives, including Montana Premium Processing Cooperative and Glacier Processing Cooperative to learn how cooperatives are formed, governed by boards, and operated for member benefit. 

The Day of Cooperation will take place multiple days throughout the state in conjunction with MFU Day Camps, using interactive games and hands-on learning activities to build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, while enhancing awareness and understanding of community.

The CHS Foundation is funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers, and cooperatives. The CHS Foundation is focused on developing ag leaders for life, achieving our goals through strategic initiatives including advancing understanding of the ag cooperative business model, cultivating student success through university partnerships, and growing high-impact ag leadership programs. For more information, visit chsfoundation.org. 

Learn more about Montana Farmers Union educational programs, including summer camps at Arrowpeak and Day Camps available this summer, at www.montanafarmersunion.com.