New Montana Farmers Union Member Finds Hope for Agriculture's Future Through Grassroots Advocacy

October  28, 2026

With rising input costs, high interest rates and growing concerns about the financial future of family agriculture, Montana rancher Jitt Schneider of Ekalaka says farmers and ranchers need strong grassroots organizations advocating on their behalf.

Schneider, who operates a cow-calf and yearling operation while also producing dryland hay in southeastern Montana, recently joined Montana Farmers Union and is already taking an active role in the organization.

During the 2026 Montana Farmers Union Annual Convention in Bozeman, Schneider explained what attracted her to the organization and why she believes its mission is more important than ever.

“I have been a member for under a year, and I'm also an associate board member,” Schneider said.

What drew her to Montana Farmers Union was its commitment to preserving the economic future of agriculture.

“Their concept for keeping agriculture, whether it's farming or ranching, alive and viable in the state of Montana,” Schneider explained.

Rising Input Costs Threaten Agricultural Profitability

Like many agricultural producers across Montana, Schneider is concerned about the growing financial pressure on family farms and ranches.

From diesel fuel and fertilizer to seed and other essential supplies, higher operating expenses continue to make profitability increasingly difficult.

Schneider believes organizations like Montana Farmers Union have an important role in advocating for policies that help producers manage those expenses.

“Montana Farmers Union advocates for every farmer and rancher that is in the state of Montana to help all of us out, to get reasonable prices and reasonable costs, from diesel to the seed to whatever,” Schneider said.

For producers already facing unpredictable weather, volatile commodity markets and other challenges, those additional expenses can make an already demanding business even more difficult.

Schneider says the organization offers something especially valuable during uncertain economic times: hope.

“It gives us hope, and it gives us the opportunity to learn from each other and to hopefully expand our knowledge and understanding of what we need to do to keep this viable, whether it's ranching or farming,” Schneider said.

Bringing Experience in Federal Farm Policy to the Table

Although relatively new to Montana Farmers Union, Schneider brings experience working with federal agricultural programs and policy development.

She previously worked for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), including an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to help develop national policy and procedures.

“When I worked for the FSA office, I went back to Washington, D.C., to write policy and procedure for all of the United States,” Schneider explained.

That experience has given her an appreciation for the importance of agricultural policy and the role producers can play in shaping decisions that affect their livelihoods.

Schneider sees her involvement with Montana Farmers Union as an opportunity to put that experience to work for farmers and ranchers.

“I view this as an opportunity to go to San Antonio and do the same thing for the Montana Farmers Union all over the U.S.,” she said, referring to the upcoming National Farmers Union convention.

While she is still learning about the organization's specific policy priorities, Schneider looks forward to participating in discussions and helping advance issues important to Montana agriculture.

Concerns Grow Over Financial Stress and Farm Foreclosures

Beyond increasing production costs, Schneider expressed concern about the financial stability of agricultural operations as producers contend with high interest rates and other economic pressures.

She worries that continued financial challenges could force some farmers and ranchers out of business.

“A lot of the farmers and ranchers, with the interest rates and everything else, there could be some foreclosures coming,” Schneider said.

For families whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, the possibility of losing their operations is a serious concern.

“We all, I'm assuming, pray nightly that that does not happen to us,” she added.

Schneider hopes policymakers and agricultural organizations can work together to create conditions that allow producers to remain profitable and continue operating their farms and ranches.

Finding Strength Through Montana Farmers Union

Despite the challenges, Schneider believes there is reason for optimism.

For her, Montana Farmers Union provides more than an opportunity to discuss agricultural policy. It brings together producers who understand the realities of farming and ranching and are willing to share their experiences.

Through education, grassroots advocacy and cooperation, Schneider believes members can help one another navigate difficult economic conditions while working toward a stronger agricultural future.

Her decision to join the organization reflects a desire to help ensure Montana's farmers and ranchers remain viable for generations to come.

And as she becomes more involved in Montana Farmers Union, Schneider hopes to help turn those shared concerns into meaningful action.

Source: Western Ag Network