Crow Creek Ranchers Visit Congressional Delegation
Author: Alice Miller Press Relations Specialist, Montana Farmers Union
Alice Miller
Press Relations Specialist, Montana Farmers Union
At a time when farmers are experiencing volatile markets, rising input costs, shrinking federal support and mounting trade tensions, a reauthorized Farm Bill is crucial to their success, Montana Farmers Union members, along with roughly 100 other producers from across the county, told Congressional members this week in Washington, D.C.
The Farmers Union members were in D.C. during National Farmers Union’s Week of Action to emphasize the importance of passing a strong Farm Bill that addresses the challenges agricultural producers face.
“We had good face-to-face meetings with Congressmen Zinke and Downing, as well as with Senators Daines and Sheehy. We shared the resolution passed by the Montana Legislature encouraging Congress to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling. We all shared the importance of keeping our local FSA offices open and fully staffed. We talked about the uncertainty in agriculture and how that is impacting financing and planning for this season,” Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer said.
MFU members spoke with representatives and senators from multiple states, sharing personal stories about how policies impact them day to day, focusing on the need for a five-year, bipartisan bill.
“If Congress doesn’t hear from the producer – the one who has boots on the ground – then they really can never know what’s truly happening in their rural communities,” said
Samantha Ferrat, who ranches in Toston and serves as a membership ambassador for MFU.
Ferrat said, adding that taking time away from her ranch during a busy time is critical to advocate for hers and other farms and ranches.
“It’s worth taking the time to tell our story in our own words before someone else tells it in theirs,” Ferrat said.
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Image 1 Caption: Toston ranchers John and Samantha Ferrat met with the Montana Congressional delegation during National Farmers Union Week in Washington D.C.
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