It is important that people in the agriculture industry tell their stories. Our nation’s ability to produce its own food supply efficiently, safely, and profitably depends on the preservation of the American Farm Family and the Rural way of life. Let’s take  a closer look at why we need to tell the story, how to tell the story, and here some examples from some of the MFU Ambassadors. Step 1- Who are you What is your name, What do your do, What is your farm name,what do you grow? Be prepared with the basics. Step 2--Finding Your Why Developing and finding your WHY. Depending on the role you are developing this for, your WHY can look different for different roles. You might use the answer the following questions to establish your why ·      What moves you (emotionally, into action, etc.)? ·      What stories move you? ·      What gets you moving and in action ·      What makes you jump out of bed every morning ·      What has moved you and when, to act on this WHY before?​ Step 3 finding the US to establish your audience Step 4 What is your call to Action ·      What do you want to do about your WHY? ·      What are you asking others (US) to do? From these examples, you can see we all have a story. How we use that story can help build forward momentum and paint a real picture of Agriculture. Whether you are like Skylar and know that if you eat, agriculture concerns you, or maybe you can relate to one of our multi-generational farm families like Rachel, Carissa, Mary, or Samantha, you have a story to tell. There are many Montanans, especially women, who fell in love with the Montana lifestyle and married into agriculture like Alice or you fell in love with the Montana Communities like Eleanor and have very different but equally as impactful story to tell. Formulate your Elevator Pitch, develop the key points to your story, and use your voice to advocate for agriculture. It truly is all about being in that Brave Space! There will be an opportunity at the Montana Farmers Unions Convention October 17-19 in Whitefish to tell our Montana Farmers Union Family Story. This story is a tapestry of stories over multiple generations, families, and lifestyles. I have added a story writing worksheet to the show notes that you can use to help write your story and bring it to convention.

Let's Talk Annual Convention to be held in Whitefish, Montana October 17th through the 19th. We will meet some of the Montana Farmers Union Board members and hear why they are involved with Farmers Union. We will also visit with the ambassadors to see why they believe you should attend convention, and we will review the highlights of the schedule.

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by a diverse group of guests who will share their insights on organic agriculture. We have Bob Quinn from the New Quinn Institute dedicated to advancing organic farming techniques, three experienced organic farmers who are member of the Montana Organic Association, that will share their on-the-ground experiences who will discuss the broader impact of organic farming in our region. Whether you’re a farmer curious about transitioning to organic practices, a consumer interested in where your food comes from, or someone passionate about sustainable agriculture, this episode is for you. So, let’s dive in and explore the benefits, challenges, and future of organic farming! Meet 4 Montana Organic Association Members and farmers Bob Quinn of the New Quinn Institute, Nate Powel-Palm, John Wicks, and Daryl Lassila and hear their experiences and advice on organic agriculture.

Montana Farmers Union Day Camps. *What is a Day Camp? *Why would you want a Day Camp in your community? *The Steps to Hosting a Day Camp.

Farmers Markets and CSAs. We will visit with Tammy Howard of the Montana Farmers Market Network, Holly Stoltz of Sego Lily Skincare, and Lisa Schmit from Land of G Tammy Howard- www.farmersmarketmt.com www.NCAT.org www.ATTRA.ncat.org https://farmersmarketmt.com/vendor-resources www.abundantmontana.com/search Holly Stoltz- Segolilyskincare.com Lisa Schmidt- www.A-Land-of-Grass-Ranch.com If you are a Montana Agricultural Producer, I challenge you to look at the Montana Farmers Market Network Getting Started at Farmers Markets Vendor Toolkit (https://farmersmarketmt.com/vendor-resources). Do you have a product that you could sell at a farmers market, direct to your consumers? Maybe you are better suited to a subscription service and a Consumer Supported Agriculture venture is more your style. If you live, work, or shop in Montana, check out a local Farmers Market. You can find one near you by visiting the Find Food and Farms Map at Abundantmontana.com! You never know what great flowers, produce, meat, beauty products, household goods, and crafts are waiting for you.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Montana Farmers Union Lunch & Learn Podcast. Today we hope to be your go-to podcast for all things hay in Montana! We are diving deep into the pivotal role of hay in the Treasure State, featuring a lineup of experts including:Erik Somerfeld- riksomer@3rivers.netRyan DeBruycker- AgEfficiency.comAdam Wernecke- hovenequipment.comHayes Goosey- hgoosey@montana.edu MSU MontGuides on Forage - Montana State University Extension (msuextension.org) MSU Forage resource page Extension Forage Program - MSU Extenison Animal and Range Science | Montana State UniversityJasmine Chaffee-jchaffee@MT.gov Noxious Weed Free Materials (mt.gov)If you are a Montana Agricultural Producer, I challenge you to look at your hay production and see if an MSU MontGuide or implimentation of some new technology could help improve your production.If you live or vacation in Montana, I challenge you to utilize your local extension office to buy local hay and be sure you use the Weed Seed Free Hay on public lands

Today’s topic, Agritourism. We will visit with Dr. Shannon Arnold from Montana State University, Erin Turner of turnerfarms406 in Missoula, and Tamara Roberson of Wandering Acres in Forsythe.” Montana Farmers Union will again celebrate family farmers and ranchers whose land holdings have been in their families and in operation for more than 100 years through its Centennial Farm and Ranch Program during MFU’s Annual Convention this year.   What drives Montana’s economy? One huge industry is Agriculture. 62% of the 58.1 million acres of land in Montana is dedicated to farming and ranching. The majestic landscapes, entrances to two National Parks and many outdoor adventures bring in over 12.5 billion nonresident tourists totaling over $5.15 billion dollars in spending. Today we are going to talk about combining these two industries in a growing trend called agritourism. Montana officially put “Agritourism” on its books with the 2017 legislative session. Agritourism was added to the Montana Recreational Activities in which participants assume the liability for inherent risks with the passing of House Bill 342 into law on March 2017. The official definition is a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production or processing with tourism to attract visitors to a farm, ranch or ag business for purposes of entertaining or educating the visitor. How is agritourism beneficial to producers? It can provide cash flow during the off season, sell products grown on your operation, and share your passion of agriculture with others. How is agritourism beneficial to consumers? The public can learn where their food is grown, the truth about farming methods, provide local/fresh produce, and engage youth in learning opportunities. Agritourism Resources The Montana’s Agritourism Manual- aeromt.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Agritourism-Manual.pdf agritourism in Montana website MontanaAgritourism.com. Local food guide, a printable farmers market guide, and a searchable food and farms map- abundantmontana.com Guests Erin Turner- Turner Farms 406 Tamara Robertson- Wandering Dr. Shannon Arnold-Professor in Agricultural Education at Montana State University.  I have learned so many avenues of exploring Montana Agriculture as a consumer and have initiated ideas for expanding revenue streams for farmers and ranchers with Agritourism. Our guests were so full of knowledge, passion, and energy.  If you are a Montana Agricultural Producer, I challenge you to look at the Montana Agritourism Manual at EROMT.org, the MontanaAgritourism.com website, and the materials at AbundantMontana.com. Do an inventory on your business and see what opportunities you already have available, could offer, or would like to develop. Reach out to these amazing resources for help.  If you live or vacation in Montana, I challenge you to visit the Interactive Food and Farm Map at abundantMontana.com and find a farmers market or farm stand to visit. Accept the challenge to try something new and take an adventure with an agricultural tour, event, or festival!  The Trivia Question for Lunch & Learn Episode 2 on 6-14 According to a local food economics study about Agritourists in the West conducted in 2016, what percentage of travelers spending was at the agritourism site? “Montana Farmers Union Lunch & Learn Podcast is a resource for agricultural producers, support industry, and consumers. Join MFU today and make your voice heard advocating for family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Visit Montanafarmersunion.com, mfumt on Instagram, or MFUfarmers of Facebook to see events and opportunities.”

I thought a good place to start is talking about, What is Montana Farmers Union. Review of alendar events Montana Farmers Union | Calendar Montana Farmers Union has worked more than 100 years for family farms, ranches, and rural communities. MFU supports its members through: Strong education programs for both youth and adults, by advocating member-driven policies and legislation at the state and federal level, and cooperation through producer-owned co-ops.  Montana Farmers Union is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the agricultural way of life. As agricultural producers you benefit from the belief that no farmer or rancher should stand alone, and together, we are fighting for the issues that will preserve agriculture and rural communities for the next generation. As the agricultural support industry, you benefit from a membership is made up of folks who support rural communities and family farms and ranches, and businesses. As consumers we benefit from one of the world’s safest and most reliable food supply. With the influence of Montana Farmers Union we have access to local foods and fiber. Interviews with: Mr. Walter Schweitzer, the elected President of Montana Farmers Union now serving his third term. Ms. Rachel Prevost, the membership director for Montana Farmers Union. Find your MFU representatives and contacts at Montana Farmers Union | Board & Staff If you are not currently a member of Montana Farmers Union visit montanafarmersunion.com/join-mfu and join today. Montana Farmers Union | Join MFU If you are a current MFU member, check out the publications and calendars and find an event to get involved with. Montana Farmers Union | Calendar