HELENA, Mont. (MARCH 21, 2021) – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) applauds the Montana Department of Livestock for their work in recent months to open new consumer markets for Montana ranchers by securing a cooperative interstate shipment (CIS) agreement with USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

“Cattle production in Montana is an annual $2 billion industry and plays an important role in the state’s top economy. This successful effort by the state of Montana to bring greater consumer familiarity and access to Montana beef as well as added value to our members is an effort to be recognized.”

Shared Jim Steinbeisser, MSGA President.

CIS promotes the expansion of business opportunities for state-inspected meat and poultry establishments. Under CIS, state-inspected plants can operate as federally-inspected facilities, under specific conditions, and ship their product either state to state or internationally. Without CIS, a state-inspected plant is limited to sales within its own borders even when an adjoining state is just across the highway or river.

During the 2021 legislative session, MSGA was successful in working with legislators to secure $200,000 in funding for the department to use while moving forward with the application process for the training of state inspectors. 

In addition to Montana, FSIS has signed agreements with Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. For more information about CIS, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/cis.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With a 135 year 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
[email protected]

To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/