June 11, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Ag Community Applauds Zinke’s Vote to Repeal Mandatory COOL Regulations

(WASHINGTON) June 11, 2015 – Today Montana agriculture leaders applauded Congressman Ryan Zinke for voting in favor of repealing mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for agriculture products by voting YES on H.R. 2393, the Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015. The measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 300-131. Montana Stockgrowers, Wool Growers and Pork Producers applauded Zinke’s vote.

COOL regulations were implemented on beef, pork and lamb in 2002; however earlier this year the World Trade Organization ruled in favor of a Canadian complaint that the U.S. labeling law was in violation of WTO code.  This prompted the House of Representatives to act in order to prevent retaliatory tariffs against U.S. producers. Under H.R. 2393, producers are still allowed to label their meat as made in the U.S.A., however it is not required.

“I’ve listened to Montana farmers and ranchers, and it’s clear: Maintaining strong trade relationships with our top trade partner Canada, and our other allies, is critical to the success of Montana’s entire agriculture community,” said Rep. Zinke.  “In Montana we export more agriculture goods globally than every other industry combined. Repealing COOL regulations while still allowing beef, pork and lamb producers to maintain ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ labels will return certainty to our agriculture industry and allow Montana farmers, ranchers and related trades to compete globally for years to come.”

“The Montana Stock Growers Association thanks Congressman Zinke for voting to repeal the mandatory labeling regulations,” said Errol Rice, Executive Vice President, Montana Stockgrowers Association Inc.” This is critical in order to bring us up to date with WTO ordinances and prevent billions of dollars in retaliatory action from Canada and Mexico that would harm Montana’s entire agriculture industry. As Congress moves forward with a new plan for beef labeling the MSGA looks forward to working with Congressman Zinke and others to craft an industry-led labeling program that works for Montana’s stock growers and our customers around the globe.”

“Congressman Zinke’s vote in favor of the COOL reform bill is a vote in favor of Montana Wool Growers and the entire agriculture industry,” said Jim Brown, President, Montana Wool Growers Association. “The bill strikes a delicate balance between implementing the WTO’s rules against the U.S. and avoiding retaliatory trade measures by Canada and Mexico, while still allowing livestock producers, such as Montana’s sheep producers, to advertise that our products are grown right here in the U.S.A.  We thank Congressman Zinke for being a steadfast defender of Montana’s agriculture industry and the thousands of jobs it supports in our state.”

“Montana Pork Producers applaud Congressman Zinke for his vote to roll back COOL regulations and put American agriculture more in line with our global competitors,” said John Rauser, President, Montana Pork Producers Council. “Agriculture is Montana’s largest export and repealing the COOL requirement while still giving producers the option of labeling our products as Montana made or made in the U.S.A. helps all of us compete in a global industry.  Montana Pork Producers and all pork producers cannot afford to pay a $3 billion retaliation tariff imposed by Canada and Mexico against U.S. pork and beef.”

“Retaliation from COOL will have a major impact on our economy and our trading relationships,” said Dusty Hahn, Rancher, Townsend, MT. “Trade accounts for over $300 of value for every head sold, and jeopardizing our relationships with two of our largest trading partners will only continue to hurt the bottom line of cattle producers like myself. The economic analysis mandated by Congress reported that COOL has already cost our industry 8.07 billion over 10 years. COOL is simply a failed marketing program and I appreciate Rep. Zinke’s support to repeal COOL before retaliation from two of our largest trading partners takes place.”

Press Release, Congressman Ryan Zinke

March 10, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Young Stockgrowers Host Calling on the Capitol – Legislative Conference

Lacey EhlkeBy Lacey Ehlke, Townsend, Young Stockgrowers Vice Chair

This year’s Calling on the Capitol Legislative Conference, hosted by the Young Stockgrowers, was a very informative and productive two days in Montana’s capitol city. We 20 attendees from all over the state become involved in the key issues affecting Montana ranchers.

The event started with a great overview of the issues focused on in the 2015 Legislative Session, presented by MSGA’s Jay Bodner. We then formed a round table discussion to talk about these issues, the major ones being the Board of Livestock Budget, Sage Grouse population, and the CSKT Water Compact. In that discussion, we were able to talk to all participants and find out how these issues directly affected them, as well as getting some questions answered for those affected. The social hour and dinner later that evening allowed us to get to know the fellow attendees, as well as continue some very meaningful discussion.

Calling on the Capitol 2015 Legislative Conference YSGThe next morning, we were fortunate enough to have breakfast with over 15 of our local legislators from both the Montana House of Representatives and Senate. During this breakfast, it was clear the legislators wanted to hear our input on the issues affecting ranchers in the state, which was both encouraging and rewarding. Following breakfast, we had a presentation from both the DNRC and Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and were able to ask questions of the presenters. Errol Rice then gave us a legislative training to prepare everyone for the visit to the Capitol that afternoon.

To wrap up, we all headed to the Capitol to see the legislature in action. The timing worked out perfectly, as we witnessed a joint session of the House and Senate, who were then addressed by Montana’s Congressman Ryan Zinke.

A comprehensive tour of the Capitol building itself followed and we completed the day by listening in to the Senate Natural Resources Committee meeting that afternoon.

As the newly elected Vice Chair of the Young Stockgrowers, I felt extremely lucky to be able to attend such a wonderful event. I am trying to become more involved in the organization, and this was a perfect way to do so. I recommend it to all Young Stockgrowers, not only for all the useful knowledge you walk away with, but for the lifelong friends you will make over the course of two days. These issues the MSGA staff work so hard on affect each one of us as ranchers, and it is crucial that we keep ourselves informed.