KALISPELL, Montana — More than 170 members and guests of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) gathered for the organization’s annual Summer Conference, held June 15–17 in Kalispell. Serving as a critical component of MFBF’s grassroots policy development process, the summer committee meetings provided a vital forum to discuss pressing issues facing agriculture, including the 2026 Farm Bill, trade and labor challenges, and the broader economic outlook.
The event kicked off with the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) tour, which showcased local agricultural diversity with stops at Heritage Custom Farming, Flathead Valley Hops, Chuck’s Cherries, and Spotted Bear Vineyards and Lavender Farm. During the YF&R Committee meeting, Lauren Kett was elected as the new YF&R Chair. Kett is co-owner of the Spur Line, a feed and farm supply store in Livingston.
The YF&R Committee also finalized plans for their “Ask a Farmer. Feed a Family.” event. This community initiative, led jointly by the MFBF YF&R and Promotion & Engagement (P&E) Committee, which also met during this conference, connects consumers directly with local farmers and ranchers while addressing regional food insecurity. Through food donations, educational outreach, and open conversations about modern agriculture, the program encourages community members to learn where their food comes from while supporting local families in need through food bank partnerships.
Monday included an all-day program for the MFBF ACE Leadership seminar which focused on coalition building and rural communities. The group heard from Chris King of Winnett Aces and Tash Williams of USDA Rural Development. In addition, the Women’s Leadership Committee held their meeting where they discussed the application for a Montana Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award as part of the continued celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The winner will be announced at the Montana Farm Bureau Convention in November. The women also discussed plans to continue their support of the two Ronald McDonald Houses in Montana. 
With the agricultural economy top-of-mind for attendees, Dr. John Newton, Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis for the American Farm Bureau Federation, provided a keynote economic outlook. Newton noted that while record-high cattle prices continue to support livestock producers, crop farmers face a deepening downturn. He acknowledged that high input costs remain a significant burden, specifically pointing to spiking fertilizer costs driven by geopolitical tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’re seeing high interest rates, our losses for crops are deepening, and this is making it very hard, especially for beginning farmers,” Newton said. He emphasized that while farmers appreciate government safety nets, sustainable recovery requires expanded trade markets and renewed trade agreements.
“For 55 years we maintained a positive trade balance, but now that has softened and we have imported $44 million more in agricultural products than we exported,” Newton noted. “However, there are predictions that the 2026 trade balance may shift for the better. We need tailwinds behind our ag economy. We also need to see a new farm bill and look forward to seeing that marked up in the Senate Agriculture Committee.”
Throughout the conference, MFBF advisory committees tackled a wide range of critical topics, including the surveillance and eradication of the New World Screwworm, public land grazing updates, conservation strategies to reduce conifer encroachment, equine health, and labor supply. Committees also voiced formal opposition to the proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern railroad merger.
“It was wonderful to have all of these issue experts on hand to answer questions and share their wisdom and experiences,” said MFBF President Cyndi Johnson. “While access to dependable markets and depressed commodity prices are things farmers and ranchers cannot control, being able to discuss potential solutions and work together for meaningful, grassroots policy gives us all a sense of renewed hope for a brighter agricultural future.”
Beyond policy development, attendees participated in highly successful fundraising events for the Montana Farm Bureau Foundation. The Blue Jean Ball on Tuesday evening raised more than $21,000 through a live auction of district baskets and interactive games. Additionally, the Foundation Golf Scramble, held June 17 at Buffalo Hill Golf Club, brought members together on the links and raised additional funds to support agricultural education and youth leadership development.
The conference concluded Wednesday with agricultural tours of the Flathead Valley, featuring Farm to Market Pork, Kalispell Kreamery, and Longview Lavender Farm, giving members a firsthand look at the success and innovation of local farming operations in the region.