MFU members shape national policy during NFU convention

Montana Farmers Union members helped shape the policy that guides National Farmers Union’s work on behalf of family farmers and ranchers during the organization’s 123rd Annual Convention held this March in Oklahoma City.

The 14 delegates from MFU worked with more than 450 other farmers, ranchers, and supporters to forge NFU’s 2025 policy priorities, including three special orders: Fairness for Farmers, Family Farming and the Farm Bill, and Family Farming and Our Federal Government.

Delegates were: John Wicks, Ledger; Doug Crabtree, Havre; Rollie Schlepp, Conrad; Grayce Siderius, Kalispell; John Ferrat, Toston; Samantha Ferrat, Toston; Tammy Copenhaver, Rudyard; Jeri Copenhaver, Havre; Carissa McNamara, Plains; Erik Somerfeld, Power; Mark Siderius, Kalispell; Walter Schweitzer, Geyser; Sarah Degn, Sidney; and Carah Ronan, Laurel.

The policy work provides focus and solidarity in uncertain times, MFU President Walter Schweitzer said.

“The best part of the NFU Convention is visiting with old friends from around the country – sharing the trials and tribulations of weather, markets, and politics,” he added.

“This is a challenging moment for family farmers. Rising costs, corporate consolidation and uncertainty around federal programs – including the lack of a renewed farm bill – are creating real hardships,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Yet through it all, the state of Farmers Union remains strong, resilient, and prepared to turn the policies set at this convention into action for a stronger future in agriculture.”

NFU also announced during Convention the launch of the Farmers Capital Fund, a $25 million investment initiative dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage companies that accelerate agricultural productivity while advancing the economic success of family farmers and ranchers. 

Schweitzer said the work doesn’t stop after Convention, and the policy forged at Convention serves to guide NFU’s efforts throughout the year. Like NFU, MFU works day by day to strengthen family farms and ranches, with the organization offering educational programming for youths and adults, legislative work at the state and national level, and support for cooperatives.

Learn more about Montana Farmers Union here.