LEWISTOWN – The Montana Farmers Union’s annual convention addressed key issues like tariffs, the agricultural industry’s economic state, and revitalizing rural communities. New leadership was elected, including the reelection of President Walter Schweitzer. Rachel Provest, the newly appointed executive director, shared her priorities amid the industry’s challenges.
Congressional candidate Matt Rains, a former Montana Farmers Union chief of staff, and former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who received an award, spoke at the event. Mental health was a significant focus, highlighted by singer Jason DeShaw’s keynote performance and open discussion about his own mental health struggles. Montana consistently ranks high in suicide rates, particularly in rural areas.
Economic pressures have intensified for farmers, with tariffs and high food prices creating a challenging environment. Approximately 20% of small farms and ranches vanished in the past decade, according to Schweitzer. The Montana Farmers Union advocates for small and mid-sized farming, emphasizing that monopolistic corporations are detrimental to rural communities.
Schweitzer remarked, “We had flour mills in every big town…we had bakeries in every big town, and now we have none of that.” Provest, a Carroll College graduate with roots near Lambert, also addressed consolidation of small businesses, which the Farmers Union aims to tackle.
Provest highlighted the focus on producer-owned co-ops and resilient food systems, stating, “The Farmers Union has taken a really unique approach…a huge focus we have, our focus on producer-owned co-ops.” She also emphasized issues like country-of-origin labeling, succession planning, and data privacy.
Provest, actively involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, holds degrees in public relations, communications, and political science from Carroll College. Her family raised cattle and grew crops, providing her with firsthand experience of agricultural challenges.
The Farmers Union is advocating for a new Farm Bill to promote market fairness and strengthen rural communities. The current government shutdown has adversely affected farmers, with financial aid programs causing issues for those who’ve already repaid loans. Schweitzer noted, “Right now, there’s a whole bunch of checks out there that are nothing but a piece of paper.”
New board members were elected, including John Wicks from Ledger for a three-year term. Incumbents Mark Siderius from Kalispell and Ben Peterson from Judith Gap retained their seats for another term.
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