Montana Farm Bureau Convention in Helena Focuses on Economic Strain
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation held its annual convention in Helena from Nov. 18 to 21, 2025, bringing farmers and ranchers from across the state together for workshops, policy sessions and a trade show. Attendees concentrated on tightening margins from rising input costs, federal policy uncertainty and state water and permitting issues, matters that directly affect producers and the local economy in Lewis and Clark County.
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation convened its annual meeting in Helena from Nov. 18 to 21, 2025, as producers from across the state gathered to map policy priorities for the coming year. The four day event combined educational workshops, policy sessions and a trade show where equipment suppliers and service providers showcased offerings aimed at helping farmers and ranchers manage immediate economic pressures.
A central concern at the convention was economic strain caused by high input costs and tightening margins. Attendees described a landscape in which rising expenses for seed, fertilizer and fuel, together with market volatility influenced by tariffs, have compressed farm balance sheets. The uncertain federal policy environment amplified those pressures, as producers sought clarity and support while Congress has yet to complete a farm bill renewal. Farm Bureau leaders emphasized the organization s grassroots policymaking process and urged congressional and state action to preserve crop insurance, credit programs and other safety nets that many local producers depend on.
State level water and permitting issues were also a major focus. Delegates raised concerns about unpermitted wells and evolving rules governing groundwater and surface water uses, matters that carry immediate implications for irrigation, livestock watering and long term land management in Lewis and Clark County. Changes to permitting processes or enforcement could affect operating costs and the timing of seasonal work for area producers.
Local reporting from the convention highlighted short term requests for bridge funding and policy certainty, alongside longer term advocacy for stable market supports and regulatory clarity. The trade show and workshops offered practical resources to manage costs and adapt to shifting rules, while policy sessions reflected a consensus that action at both the state and federal levels is needed to sustain Montana agriculture.
For residents of Lewis and Clark County, the convention underscored how national trade policies, federal funding decisions and state water regulations intersect with everyday decisions on farms and ranches, shaping economic resilience and the local agricultural landscape.
