Annual Convention

Cultivating community for more than 100 years.

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.

Join us for the 109th Annual Convention in Whitefish, Montana!

 

Montana Farmers Union board members from District 3, District 3&4 at-large, District 1, and Vice President are up for election/re-election. 

Vote on and discuss our grassroots policy priorities for the upcoming year, including the 2025 legislative session.

Pre-convention tour on Thursday, Oct. 17. 

Convention in-person check-in opens at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18 with Keynote Zach Ducheneaux and evening entertainment by Rob Quist

 Convention closing after dinner on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Come learn about a wide variety of hot topics in family farm agriculture, including soil health and regenerative ag, panel discussion with the Montana Farmer Veteran Coalition, learn how to get involved with your MFU Ambassador, and more! Plus, network and meet new and old friends and members from around the state! 

2024 Keynote Speaker
Zach Ducheneaux

Zach Ducheneaux was appointed Administrator for USDA’s Farm Service Agency on February 22, 2021. In this role Ducheneaux provides leadership and direction on agricultural policy, administering loan programs, and managing conservation, commodity, disaster, and farm marketing programs through a national network of offices.

Ducheneaux previously served as the Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council and had been with the IAC since the 1990s. He has also previously served as tribal council representative for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He has spent his career educating people about the critical role of improved food systems, value-added agriculture, and foreign exports to respond to the enduring economic and social challenges facing Native Americans and reservations.

Ducheneaux serves on the board of directors for Project H3LP!, a nonprofit founded by his family to benefit their local community by providing life lessons through horsemanship. His family still operates the 4th generation ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.

Cost of Member Registration: $75
(does not include hotel room – member must make their own hotel room reservation – Lodging information below)
 
Non-member Registration: $125
(does not include hotel room – must make their own hotel room reservation– Lodging information below)
 
Pre-convention tour add-on: $20
(includes dinner and transportation for the tour). 
Space is limited to 50 seats!
 
College/Community/Trade School students: Please fill out the following application if you are interested in being considered for a scholarship to attend the MFU Annual Convention with expenses covered.

Road Map to Convention

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 Grouse Mountain Lodge.

Please contact the hotel directly to make reservations. For Reservations – Please have them call our call center and quote the name of the group. Credit Card will be on file & 1st night stay will be charged at time of booking.

Extended stay group rate is honored, please advise at time of booking if they would like to extend their stay. Rate is valid 3 days pre/post event based on availability at time of booking.

We recommend guests wishing to extended stays be booked early.
FCA Airport shuttles are available and can be added to reservations when calling in to book rooms- please include flight info (airline-flight #, arrival/departure dates/times)
Local: 406.892.2525 / Toll Free: 844-868-7474
Reservations can be made Monday-Friday 8 AM-5PM MST.

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

Please contact mrains@montanafarmersunion.com

2024 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.

Find your district on the map below:

2024 Elections: Join MFU leadership!

Election this year: Montana Farmers Union board members from District 3, District 3&4 at-large, District 1, and Vice President are up for election/re-election.

Meet who is running this Year

Learn more about who is on the ballot this year.

Learn more about MFU
current Bylaws & Policy