Montana Stockgrowers Association advocates for ranchers
The Montana Stockgrowers Association recently traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Montana’s Congressional Delegation and Agency officials. President Bryan Mussard of Dillon, Montana, First Vice President Fred Wacker of Miles City, Montana and Jim Steinbeisser of Sidney, Montana also attended the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Legislative Conference.
The MSGA officers met with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, Congressman Greg Gianforte and senior officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Electronic Logging Devices were a top priority of MSGA during the trip. They spoke extensively about the need for a permanent fix for livestock haulers, and the trio presented each member of the delegation with a list of minimums to consider.
MSGA had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Daines the day before he met with President Trump to discuss the tariffs on China. The Association voiced their concerns over the proposed beef tariffs and explained the effect it would have on Montana’s number one industry.
A common theme of the week was reducing burdensome regulations, pointing out that it costs ranchers $12,000 a year to comply with state and federal regulations. From the EPA to Interior, it was evident there was strong support for said action. Pruitt promised to look into streamlining the record keeping system for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations after discussion with the MSGA officers.
In order to best serve the ranchers of Montana, it is a priority of MSGA to work with the congressional delegation and federal agencies to accomplish the goals set forth by the membership. To learn more about what a membership with MSGA can do for you, please visit mtbeef.org.
