Ag producers play a crucial role in our region's economy. Each fall, the Montana Grain Growers Association holds listening sessions, to update members on current Ag issues, while giving producers a chance to voice their own concerns.

Visiting nine locations in all, today's meetings were held in Great Falls and Conrad.

At Frontline Ag Equipment on Main Street in Conrad, there were twice as many people as expected, for this MGGA listening session.

"All board members are from these communities,” said Carl Mattson of MGGA. “Members let us know their concerns and we test the waters. It's important that we meet."

As usual, one of the main topics of discussion was the farm bill.

"The farm bill is a big part of it,” said Great Falls producer Daryl Lassila. “We need to try to work together and I want to hear everyone's views."

"To get information back to the producers like me and see what's going on with the farm bills,” said Choteau producer Danny Weist. “It's good to come to these meetings and see what the concerns of other producers are.”

Topics included FSA, NRCS, and conservation programs, climate change, crop insurance, and any Ag issues that have the potential to impact the bottom line of the producers.

“There are many programs out there,” said Valier producer Ken Wheeler. “It’s important to stay informed. If you don’t, you’ll have a lot of trouble using the programs.”

"I'm proud to be a farmer,” said Weist. “I have a son that wants to take over the operation someday. I want to make sure that it keeps going and is viable for generations to come."

Tomorrow's (Tuesday, 10/27) sessions are in Ronan and Belgrade. Next Monday (11/2) features a 9 am trip to Havre, and a 3 pm stop in Glasgow. Sessions will be held in Plentywood and Baker on Tuesday, November 3rd, followed by a November 4th event in Lewistown.

For more information, including venue locations, contact Lola Raska at MGGA at 761-4596, or lraska@mgga.org.