Montana Farmers Union

Tariffs, market shifts and economic constraints hit Montana farmers hard last year. A recent analysis from agricultural economists counted six Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies in Montana in 2025 – triple the 2024 total. Farmers say without more support, the trend will continue.

When farmers sell their crops, they usually receive six cents for every dollar you spend on the end product at the grocery store, according to federal data. But a new processing facility is giving farmers a chance to sell a particular crop locally. That could put more money in their pockets.

Montana Farmers Union is working to enhance legislative literacy in rural communities. Events demonstrate how to contact representatives and participate in the legislative session. Ag communities have been impacted by several state and federal policy changes in recent years.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned many of the Trump administration’s tariffs on foreign imports. The ruling is welcome news for Montana agriculture producers, who have been facing rising costs and shrinking markets.

After months of strained economic conditions for farmers, the Trump administration in December announced a $12 billion aid package as a way to help. Details of that aid have begun to roll out.

The federal government says it will give farmers $12 billion in aid payments early next year. State agriculture leaders are torn on the plan.

The agriculture advocacy organization Montana Farmers Union just established its first Indigenous chapter in the state. Chapter President Dan Barcus says he hopes they can organize concerted efforts around local and federal policies that impact their producers.

Canada is Montana’s largest trading partner. But, the ongoing U.S. trade war is putting pressure on that relationship. That's led to higher costs, shrinking markets and uncertainty for Montana farmers as they begin their planting season.

An effort sponsored by the Montana Farmers Union aims to help rural residents to prepare for 911 calls that can have wait times of more than an hour. A shrinking number of rural EMS providers are often run by small staff.

Legislators heard two hours of testimony over a bill to allow Montana producers to fix their own equipment.