Gianforte Announces Agriculture Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON – To kick off National Agriculture Week, Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte today announced his Agriculture Advisory Committee. The committee comprises Montana agriculture stakeholders who provide Gianforte with critical input. In the initial conference call with committee members from throughout the state, Gianforte welcomed and thanked the group, and provided a legislative update, including the latest on the upcoming Farm Bill, trade, tax reform, and other issues. “Montana’s ag industry touches virtually every community in our state. It’s important I hear from folks on the ground who drive our number one industry. The Agriculture Advisory Committee is a diverse group of producers, business owners, researchers, and leaders who share their valuable experience and ideas with me,” said Gianforte. “I look forward to continuing our work to advance Montana ag and protect our way of life.” The next meeting is scheduled for mid-April. The Agriculture Advisory Committee is one of six advisory committees Gianforte has assembled to address issues facing Montanans. The others focus on issues relating to health care, natural resources, Native Americans, business, and veterans. Statements From Stakeholders: Bob Quinn, owner of Kracklin’ Kamut, Big Sandy: “I like the diversity of the committee; from producers to small businesses, associations and the research community. Everybody had valuable input. I appreciated the update from Greg, and especially appreciate his sincere interest in helping the agriculture community.” Don Steinbeisser, Jr., producer and member of the Montana-Dakota Beet Growers Association, Sidney: “This is a really great idea. Greg will stay connected to Montana’s ag community and take that information back to Washington.” Karen Yost, vice president of Montana Agri-Women, Billings: “It is essential that farmers and ranchers have a passion and a persistence for their jobs, but even then, they cannot survive without a friend in Washington. Congressman Greg Gianforte has demonstrated his willingness to be that friend. His advisory committee represents a wide variety of agriculture interests, and I appreciate the fact we all have direct communication with him, and Greg’s willingness to listen and learn.” Fred Wacker, owner of Cross Four Ranch, Miles City: “Congressman Gianforte has great interest in the ag community and has put together a great group of ag advisors from cattle people, sheep people, farmers, and other groups. This is interest that I have never seen before by a Montana Congressman.” Members of Gianforte’s Agriculture Advisory Committee: Jim Baker, Montana Cattlemen’s Association (Hot Springs)Darrin Boss, Northern Agricultural Research Center (Havre)John Brenden, Producer (Scobey)Lyndsay Bruno, Montana Farmers Union (Great Falls)Charlie Bumgarner, Montana Grain Growers (Great Falls)Joe Goggins, Vermilion Ranch Company (Billings)Lynda Grande, Montana CattleWomen (Columbus)Chris King, Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (Winnett)Dave McEwen, Montana Wool Growers (Galata)Hans McPherson, Montana Farm Bureau (Stevensville)Bryan Mussard, Montana Stockgrowers Association (Dillon)Bob Quinn, Kracklin’ Kamut (Big Sandy)Don Steinbeisser, Jr., Montana-Dakota Beet Growers Association (Sidney)Jillien Streit, Stricks Ag (Chester)Greg Thayer, Montana Milling (Great Falls)Bruce Tutvedt, Montana Farm Service Agency (Kalispell)Heather Unverzagt, Montana Seed Growers (Bozeman)Lance Vermeire, Range Ecologist (Miles City)Fred Wacker, Cross Four Ranch (Miles City)Karen Yost, Montana Agri-Women (Billings)