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MABA Mission

The mission of the Montana Agricultural Business Association is to provide proactive leadership to assure the viability of Montana agribusiness by:

• supporting economically sound and environmentally responsible legislation and regulation;
• providing information and education which meets members needs;
• providing the opportunity for members to network with other members;
• continually assessing the impacts of new technology affecting agribusiness;
• communicating with the university system, state agencies and other groups to advance a positive agriculture and business climate, and
• being responsible to the public and providing the public with accurate information about agribusiness.

MABA Priorities

1. Organizational Competency To develop and maintain an organizational structure which addresses needs of members, is financially healthy and enables the highest volunteer and staff competency.
2. Legistative and Regulatory Relations To monitor and influence state and federal legislation and regulation which affects agribusiness.
3. Professional Development and Ethics To enhance the professional competency and knowledge of members and to foster high standards of ethical conduct.
4. Research and Information To collect and effectively disseminate information on changing technical, governmental and other conditions affecting agribusiness.
5. Networking To encourage interaction and understanding issues affecting members and to provide opportunities for this exchange.
6. Organizational Relationships To maintain cooperation with the university system; state, regional and national agricultural, natural resource and business associations; state and federal agencies, and other groups in pursuit of MABA's mission.
7. Public Information and Awareness To enhance the recognition of agribusiness as a profession and the public's understanding of the positive contribution we make to society.

MABA Member Benefits and Services

1. Executive director in Helena representing the association members interests during the legislative session and interim meetings.
2. Sponsors Convention, Pesticide Workshop and Trade Show each January in Great Falls.
3. Sponsors Sugarbeet Symposium in January of odd-numbered years in Billings.
4. Publishes a newsletter to inform the membership of current topics of interest, changes in regulations, new legislation, and other items of interest to members.
5. Publishes a membership directory.
6. Provides scholarships to students who are children or dependents of MABA members or employees of MABA members.
7. Works in conjunction with The Fertilizer Institute, Crop Life America, Agricultural Retailers Association and the American Seed Trade Association to promote and protect the industry.
8. Works closely with regulatory agencies in Helena on issues affecting members.
9. Acts as a liaison between members and state agencies to get complex questions answered.
10. Supports the Certified Crop Adviser program which is administered by Montana State University College of Agriculture.
11. Conducts Professional Applicator and other training as needed by members.
12. Works with Montana's Congressional delegation and the staff members on federal issues affecting members.
13. Partners with Asmark Institute for a streamlined web-based program for MABA members only. This enables members an avenue to comply with OSHA, DOT and EPA regulations.

Who Joins MABA?

We are individuals and firms who:

• Operate farm supply outlets, elevators and seed plants providing supplies to agricultural producers;
• Are crop consultants, ground and aerial applicators of crop nutrients and crop protection products;
• Are individuals working for basic manufacturers and distributors of farm input products;
• Work for transporters of agricultural products, testing labs and others affiliated with agricultural business;
• Are independent businesses, independent coops and businesses owned by corporations.

Can I Be Involved?

All members are encouraged to serve on committees and are surveyed on their needs. A 12-member board elected by members determines the direction of the association and welcomes suggestions from members any time. All members are eligible to be elected to the board.

How Can I Join?

Submit your application online. The more of us who work together, the more we can do. For federal income taxes, MABA dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution, but 75% (the portion not allocable to lobbying) may be deductible as a business expense.