Event Brought Together Producers from Multiple Associations
HELENA, Mont. (August 6, 2024) – Last week, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) cohosted the Cattle Producer’s Forum with the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) in Billings, Montana during the Northern Livestock Video Auction Summertime Classic. The event brought together members from multiple organizations to focus on issues that all producers share and drive progress by finding common ground.
The powerful slate of speakers included agency leads from Washington D.C. down to local producers with hands on experience. Discussion topics ranged from trade and competitive markets to the tax climate, labor challenges, beginning farming and ranching, and the Livestock Risk Protection Program.
“Our organizations having a unified voice on tax policy when we travel to Washington D.C. is one of the first steps to ensure working lands stay in production agriculture,” MSGA President John Grande said. “We look forward to working together to improve the tax climate for American ranchers.”
A quick show of hands during the closing remarks found that attendees were in agreeance that the number one concern for their sustainability and succession today is the current tax climate. On the tax panel, staff from Montana Senators’ Jon Tester and Steve Daines offices were on hand to field comments to share with the Congressmen back in D.C.
“Regardless of our organization affiliation, cattle producers are facing many of the same issues, so when you gather us all in the same room to have these discussions, real progress can be made,” USCA President Justin Tupper said. “Our organization walked away with actionable steps to take to improve the Livestock Risk Protection Program and the current tax climate for family farms and ranches.”
Also sitting on the tax panel was Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) Director of Governance and Industry Relations Kevin Thielen. LMA has championed improving the ranchers tax climate and LMA President Mike VanMaanen of Missouri attended to partake in the conversation as well.
“I was pleased to participate with members of the United States Cattlemen’s Association and Montana Stockgrowers Association on the recent Producer Profitability Panel,” VanMaanen said. “I’m a big believer in our industry working together for common goals and appreciate the opportunity to share ideas with their members and leaders. Our industry needs more of the same.”
Attendees not only gleaned important information and shared their concerns to effect change, but the event offered opportunities to network with like-minded individuals and exchange ideas.
“It was great to get so many groups who represent Montana family ranches and farms in one place to focus on the issues that matter to us all as producers,” Montana Farmers Union Board Member Sarah Degn said. “I was especially honored to be on the panel focused on beginning and first-generation ranchers and farmers who face an extra set of challenges regarding access to land and financing. We all have challenges, and coming together is important to work on the issues we can solve.”
The event was made possible by the presenting sponsor Ag Risk Advisors, along with collaboration amongst Montana Stockgrowers Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Livestock Marketing Association, and Montana Farmers Union.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
CONTACT:
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
406-442-3420
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
