The Montana Farm Bureau Federation is taking applications for the MFBF Fly-In to Washington, D.C.  February 5-8, 2020. The Fly-In provides an excellent opportunity for its farmer and rancher members to take their voices to Washington, D.C. It’s also MFBF’s way of rewarding its members for their participation in the policy development process, allowing them to sharpen their skills and take their advocacy to the next level. Attendees will meet with Montana’s Congressional Delegation, agency officials, and participate in other meetings as applicable. 

The Fly-In applicant must be a voting Century Club member and must be able to demonstrate ways they have engaged in the political process over the past year including attending county Farm Bureau meetings, responding to Action Alerts, contacting elected officials on important issues, testifying on a bill during the Montana Legislative Session and much more. In addition, applicants will be asked to write a persuasive statement about a Federal Level Priority Issue. Trip expenses are covered by MFBF.

“Congress and Washington, D.C. can seem far away and even untouchable for some citizens, especially farmers and ranchers who live about two thousand miles away from it all. The MFBF Washington, D.C. Fly-In takes our members out to meet with elected officials and agency staff, face to face. There is no one better suited to convey the agriculture message than farmers and ranchers themselves, and this program connects the governed with the those who govern so they can do just that,” stated Nicole Rolf, MFBF National Affairs Director. “I encourage all of our voting members to apply.”

Northwest Counties Farm Bureau member Susan Lake, who participated in last year’s event, praised the opportunity to apply for the Fly-In.  “The MFBF Fly-In is a great way to get introduced to Washington, D.C.  Nicole makes sure the doors are opened to the people we need to see to share our message.  More importantly, it’s rewarding to learn that our congressmen and government officials care about what we have to say.  The one-on-one interaction is invaluable.”

The deadline for applications is December 2, 2019; those who have been selected will be notified by December 6.

Click here for more information or for an application.