Annual Convention

Each Fall Montana Farmers Union holds its annual convention. Members from throughout the state attend the event to vote on bylaws, policy, enjoy educational workshops, see old friends and meet new ones. The annual convention always features a great lineup of speakers and family friendly entertainment. Bring the whole family and utilize the Youth Day Camp available at no extra cost throughout Convention.

*Registration will close Oct 28th*
If you are still interested in attending
Please call our office at 406-452-6406

Tentative Agenda
Vendor Information

See you soon for Our 110th Annual Convention in Lewistown!

  • Discuss & review the MFU policy book for 2026
  • Education sessions specific to agriculture, coops, food systems, mental health and more
  • Election of board members and leadership positions
  • MFU organizational updates

Enjoy delicious Montana foods!

  • Halloween fun on the 31st
  • Kids Day Camp – FREE- and available with pre-registration
  • Meet with vendors and expand your network

 

Registration

Registration for convention is OPEN

 

Pre-Convention Farm Tour – Thursday, Oct. 30

Explore a permaculture fruit orchard west of Lewistown and tour the new Savory Hub at Wickens Ranch.

Transportation provided | Limited seats available

Farm-to-table dinner at Brooks Market 6:30-8pm

12:45 p.m. loading | Tour from 1–6 p.m.

Dress for the weather! Wear sturdy footwear and pack a jacket, hat & gloves.

 

Convention Official Kick-Off – Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 a.m.

Policy sessions led by producer-members

Workshops on ag, co-ops, food systems, rural mental health & more

Board elections

MSU Sustainable Food Systems Capstone Project poster presentations

Delicious Montana-made meals

Halloween fun for all!

Free Kids Day Camp (Ages 5–12 with pre-registration) 

For kids under 5 needing care, please contact us

 

**NEW this year**  Post Convention Succession Planning Institute – Sunday, Nov. 2 

An in-depth, hands-on workshop designed to help farm and ranch families plan for the future.  

Hear from expert speakers and get the tools to do a deep dive into your farm’s succession plan at this workshop for multi-generational farm and ranch families

A future for your next farm or ranch generation depends on laying a strong foundation now.

What to expect and who should attend:

A mixture of presentations, individual reflection, and private multi-generational family/farm discussions.  For the current and next generation of operators/owners.

                            Topics                                        

  • Estate planning expectations
  • Examining approaches for disagreements
  • What documents and plans do we have and where are they
  • Identification of mutual family level goals for short, intermediate, and long term
  • Preparing to meet your Lawyer/financial advisor
  • Succession planning next steps.

FEATURED SPEAKERS ARE

 

• WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS NO PLAN, MSU PROFESSOR MARSHA GOETTING, PHD, CFP© 

 

• HAVING DIFFICULT DISCUSSIONS, INTERSECTIONS CONSULTING OWNER JOHN BERANEK 

 

• FAMILY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, RANCH LEGACY FOUNDER CAT KELLY 

 

• SUCCESSION PLANNING NEXT STEPS & SWITCHING ROLES, BRENT TURNER, AUTHOR OF PEACE OF LAND: WHAT EVERY FARM AND RANCH FAMILY NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT LEGACY, LAND, AND LETTING GO 

Keynote Speaker: Jason DeShaw

Montana-born country artist & mental health advocate.

His powerful story of resilience is not to be missed.

Beginning Farmers & Ranchers & Student Applications
To be eligible for the full scholarship, you must commit to attending the pre-convention tour & the full convention.

This attendance scholarship is intended for undergraduate/trade school/post-graduate students, and/or beginning farmers & ranchers 

(1st generation or generational).

Add on the Pre Convention Tour and Join us Thursday!

MFU Annual Convention – Kids Day Camp


Calling all young adventurers! The MFU Annual Convention in Lewistown is hosting a special Kids Day Camp for youth ages 5–12, open to all families attending the convention.


Campers will enjoy hands-on sessions exploring the pumpkin life cycle, apple growing, scarecrow making, and pumpkin carving. The fun continues with a costume contest, afternoon movie, and swimming/pool time.


The day runs from 8:00 a.m. (or after breakfast) to noon, then resumes from around 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 


Youth will eat meals with their families and are encouraged to join in the evening convention activities together.

Road Map to Convention 2025

Deadline to make sure your membership is current at least 45 days prior so you can vote on board of directors & policy changes
First policy committee meeting.  Please sign up to join.  Here is where the rubber meets is where the rubber meets the road and remove producer centered policy forward.
Convention registration is still open! Please sign up as soon as possible for both tours, convention, and on site kids camp.  We also offer members free vendor booths, but space is limited.
Mail in ballot applications are due.  Organize your business cards, stickers, farm swag, or anything you want to have presented at our convention networking table.
Mail in ballots need to be postmarked by this time or hand delivered at the time of vacant at convention.  Review our policy book, check out the agenda,& make a game plan for connections.
See you at convention, please join us for the pre-tour.  On arrival find your local ambassador, check out the networking table and enjoy.

Vendors: MFU members receive a free vendor booth. If you are an MFU member, please contact Mary at mjenni@montanafarmersunion.com to receive a discount code.

 

Elections: People have to be current members or join 45 days in advance of convention in order to vote at convention. You must be at least 16 years old and a qualifying producer to vote.

 

Lodging: A special room rate is available for MFU Convention attendees at the Yogo Inn

 

If you would like to sponsor this year’s convention…

Please contact rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com

2025 Voting Information

The voice of the membership is the backbone of Montana Farmers Union. Join us at Convention, or apply for a mail-in ballot or email us with any questions by clicking the button below.

Voting Questions or Information
Find your district on the map below:

Board positions up for election this year are:  


President, 2-year term,  

District 2, 3-year term,  

District 6, 3-year term, and  

District 5 & 6 at large, 3-year term.  

Other positions up for election that also require a nominating petition to be filed by Sept. 17, are:  

Conductor, 1-year term, and  

Doorkeeper, 1-year term.

2025 Elections: Join MFU leadership

Nominations closed

Meet who is running this Year

Learn more about who is on the ballot this year.
2025 Candidates

Learn more about MFU
current Bylaws & Policy

MFU Bylaws
Proposed Bylaw Changes
Policy Book

Photos from 2024 Convention in Whitefish

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