Montana Farmers Union convention Oct. 20-21

Folkvord of Wheat Montana keynote speaker

Montana Farmers' Union will have its annual convention Oct. 20-21 in Great Falls.

The Federal Farm Bill, agribusiness, healthcare, cattle market fundamentals, and maximizing soil health are among the highlights of the 2017 Montana Farmers Union Annual Meeting and Convention. The event is to be held Oct. 20-21 in Great Falls at the Best Western Heritage Inn.

Attendees will have a variety of workshops and presentations to choose from during the two-day event. Dean Folkvord of Wheat Montana will be Friday’s luncheon keynote. Also on Friday the convention will feature a workshop on maximizing soil health by MaxAg of Montana, an off-site tour of Pasta Montana, policy and bylaws work and a presentation by world renowned National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson.

Saturday the education portion of the convention will begin with a panel on the Farm Bill which will be moderated by Rick Haines, Ag Director for KMON Radio. The panel will feature a representative from the Montana Food Bank Network, Rob Larew with National Farmers Union and Jeff Bangs, a rancher from Inverness. There will also be presentations Saturday morning on climate change, food safety and a presentation by Mary Tuck of Kalispell Kreamery.

At Saturday’s youth luncheon Parker Sebens of North Dakota will present. Parker will share his story a tragic farm accident at the age of three that resulted in the loss of his arms highlighting the importance of farm safety for all ages. Saturday’s luncheon will also recognize MFU youth leaders for their contributions to the organization.

Following the luncheon Saturday the topic of access and affordability of rural healthcare will be front and center in the form of a panel discussion featuring Dick Brown of the Montana Hospital Association, Sarah Nordlund, Director of Nursing for the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan and Beth Ann Carter with the Montana Office of Rural Health. The panel will be moderated by Taylor Chase of ABC FOX Montana. Saturday afternoon attendees have the option to enjoy a tour of the Mehmke Tractor Museum or take in a workshop on generational differences in the workplace hosted by Jaime Edmundson with the FFA Foundation.

Saturday night will conclude with a members’ banquet featuring Ben Thomas with the Department of Agriculture and Rob Larew of National Farmers Union. MFU is pleased to also honor the Shane Farm as this year’s centennial family.

A full conference agenda and online registration can be found on our website. To register visit: https://montanafarmersunion.com/event/montana-farmers-union-2017-annual-convention/.

Convention registration is $100/adult $50/youth under 12 years of age. After October 16 registration cost is $125/adult and $65/youth.

A special thank you to our event sponsors including Farmers Union Industries, Farmers Union Insurance, First Interstate Bank, Stockman Bank, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Mountain View Co-op, Amerprise, Wendt Advertising, ABC FOX Montana, Tintina Resources, Wheat Montana, Kalispell Kreamery, RBC Wealth Management, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, 2J’s Fresh Market, Central Montana Radio Network, Malteurop, Montana Electric Cooperatives and  MaxAg of Montana.

Lyndsay Bruno

Director of Communications / State Convention Chair

Montana Farmers Union

PO Box 2447

Great Falls, MT 59403

406-452-6406; cell: 788-8777