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“When one rancher brings an idea to a county Farm Bureau meeting, it can end up becoming national policy,” said Montana Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck. “That’s the kind of impact our members can have.”
For generations, the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has been a trusted grassroots voice for agriculture, uniting farmers and ranchers to shape policy, build leaders, and strengthen rural communities. From the smallest county meetings to the halls of Congress, Farm Bureau members are making a difference.
Grassroots Policy That Works
The strength of Farm Bureau starts at the local level. Kulbeck recalled a Cascade County member who last fall proposed adding black bear predation to Montana’s Livestock Loss Board reimbursement program. “That member brought the idea forward at a county meeting, and with Farm Bureau’s help it became law,” he said. “You don’t have to do it alone. The organization stands behind you.”
Similar stories play out across the state. A county-level resolution on cloud seeding once grew into national policy, supported by a team of Farm Bureau lobbyists in Washington, D.C. “That’s how powerful grassroots engagement can be,” Kulbeck added.
Building Leaders for Montana Agriculture
Beyond policy, Farm Bureau invests heavily in cultivating leadership. Programs like ACE (Advocate, Communicate, Educate), collegiate chapters, the Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference, and the Women’s Leadership Committee give members at every stage of life opportunities to grow.
“In some Montana counties, one out of every five adults has to serve in a leadership role just to keep vital organizations running,” Kulbeck said. “Farm Bureau helps people step into those roles with confidence.”
These programs also foster lifelong friendships. “I think that’s our secret sauce,” Kulbeck explained. “We’re one big family. People come for the advocacy, but they stay because of the connections and the shared passion for agriculture.”
Strengthening Communities
Farm Bureau’s impact reaches far beyond policy. From an evening at the Bear Creek pig races to the Fall Fest in Sidney, local Farm Bureaus host events that bring neighbors together, raise scholarship funds, and celebrate agriculture.
“Sometimes you need to commiserate after a tough harvest, and sometimes you need to celebrate,” Kulbeck said. “Farm Bureau creates those spaces where people can do both.”
The organization also supports agricultural education and safety. Local Farm Bureaus host farm fairs and classroom visits, while the Montana Ag Safety Program trains hundreds of farmers and ranchers each year.
Advocacy That Delivers
At the state and national level, Farm Bureau ensures the voice of Montana agriculture is heard. Members frequently travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with congressional offices and federal agencies, sharing firsthand stories about the challenges they face.
“When members tell their own stories, they resonate,” Kulbeck said. “Our lawmakers listen, and that makes all the difference.”
To illustrate the impact of Montana Farm Bureau’s efforts and how they’ve made a difference for agriculture and rural communities, MFBF released its first-ever Impact Report to serve as a resource for members to share the ways Farm Bureau supports agriculture from the tractor cab to Capitol Hill.
Membership with Real Value
For just $85 a year, membership connects farmers and ranchers to this powerful grassroots network. Additional perks like Choice Hotel discounts, Grainger savings, and Ford vehicle rebates often pay for membership many times over.
But for Kulbeck, the true value goes deeper. “The real return is having your voice heard and your future shaped,” he said. “Members consistently tell me they’ve gotten more out of Farm Bureau than they’ve put in. That’s priceless.”
Looking Ahead
As county Farm Bureau meetings are taking place across Montana this fall, Kulbeck says the time is right for members—and prospective members—to get involved.
“There’s never been a better time to join Montana Farm Bureau,” he said. “Together, we’re building a stronger tomorrow for Montana agriculture.”
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