One of the premier benefits of Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) membership is the direct line it provides to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and key decision-makers in Washington, D.C. During the week of December 15, MFBF President Cyndi Johnson, Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck, and Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Nicole Rolf traveled to the capital to ensure Montana’s farmers and ranchers have a seat at the table.
President Johnson participated in the AFBF Committee of the Whole, where state presidents refined the resolutions that guide the organization’s national advocacy.
“Montana Farm Bureau’s largest win in the policy development committee was successfully convincing my fellow presidents to forward our request to oppose the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger,” said Johnson. “We took this stand due to the detrimental impact such a merger could have on agricultural transportation and competition.”
The week kicked off with a high-level meeting with Karen Budd-Falen, associate deputy secretary at the Department of the Interior, along with many of their western state Farm Bureau colleagues. The group advocated for elimination of Wilderness Study Areas which have remained in “study” status for over 40 years without resolution; promoted the need for Grizzly bear and gray wolf delisting; expressed concerns about a reversal in sage grouse management, discussed Colorado River issues, and showed support for updating the grazing rule.
While meeting with the entire Congressional delegation, which included Senator Steve Daines, Senator Tim Sheehy, Representative Ryan Zinke and Representative Troy Downing, applauded the introduction of the Sportsmen Conservation Act, which will release three Wilderness Study Areas in Montana which have been studied for wilderness designation but have been found unsuitable, thus placing the areas back into traditional multiple use management. The group covered the same issues as they did with the Department of the Interior. In addition, they talked about the Farmer Bridge Assistance program and what is next for the Farm Bill increasing access to foreign markets through trade. They also discussed deregulatory actions that will allow American farmers to be more successful without government assistance such as pushing for agricultural equipment exemptions from burdensome and expensive Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) rules and ensuring Montana’s unique agricultural needs remain a top priority in federal policy discussions.
“It’s always exciting to be in our nation’s capital to represent Montana agriculture at the American Farm Bureau office as well meeting with our federal agencies and our senators and representatives,” said Johnson. “As we’ve said many times, it’s crucial to get your voice heard and build relationships. Being there in December is especially enjoyable with the holiday ambiance.”
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MFBF – 2025
