Somerfeld Elected Montana Farmers Union VP

Several leadership positions were elected during Montana Farmers Union’s Annual Convention held recently in Whitefish, with Erik Somerfeld elected to serve a two-year term as Vice President.

Somerfeld is a longtime MFU member and board member from Power who had served on and chaired the Resolutions Committee and attended National Farmers Union’s Annual Convention as a delegate several times. He replaces Rollie Schlepp, who ran for re-election.

MFU President Walter Schweitzer said the contested election was welcomed by the grassroots organization.

“I congratulate Erik Somerfeld on winning the race for Vice President,” Schweitzer said. “MFU has great board that works well together to grow MFU and continue to expand on our core principles of education, legislation, and cooperation.”

Schweitzer said he looks forward to working with new board members, including appointed board members Schlepp and Mark Siderius. Schlepp, from Conrad, was appointed by the board to fill Somerfeld’s seat representing District 2. Siderius, who is one of the founding members of the Glacier Processing Cooperative and has served as an MFU associate board member, will serve as director for District 6, replacing Jan Tusick, who resigned. 

Other positions elected were:

• Board District 1, 3-year term: John Ferrat (Toston)
• Board District 3, 3-year term: Sarah Degn (Sidney)
• Board District 3 & 4 At Large, 3-year term: April Martin (Busby)
• Conductor, 1-year term: John Wicks (Ledger)
• Doorkeeper, 1-year term: Carah Ronan (Laurel).