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HELENA, Mont. – To mark the second day of Montana Agriculture Week, Governor Greg Gianforte today recognized Montana’s ranchers during a visit to the Sieben Ranch, a multi-generational ranch which includes a cow/calf, yearling, and stocker cattle operation.
“This Agriculture Week, we’re recognizing the thousands of Montana farms and ranches that drive our state’s economy and feed our nation and the world, including many that are part of our first-class cattle industry,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To help keep these family-run operations running for future generations, we’re investing in value-added agriculture to help our ag producers capture more of the tremendous value they create and expanding their market opportunities in our country and throughout the world.”
Gov. Gianforte speaks to Nina Baucus, owner of the Sieben Ranch
While touring the Sieben Ranch, the governor heard from owner Nina Baucus on calving currently underway at the ranch, stopping to see both heifers and cows.
Joining the governor on the visit were Montana Department of Livestock Executive Officer Mike Honeycutt, Montana Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Zach Coccoli, and representatives of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA).
Speaking to the importance of the cattle industry to Montana, MSGA Executive Vice President Jay Bodner added, “It was an honor to join Governor Gianforte on a multi-generational Montana ranch operation in the Helena valley. We not only got to discuss the importance of cattle production on Montana’s economy, but the role ranching plays in land stewardship as well. We would like to thank the Governor for his strong support of agriculture.”
Last week, Gov. Gianforte proclaimed March 20-26 Montana Agriculture Week to recognize the state’s agriculture industry, farmers and ranchers, and their contributions to the Montana way of life and the world.
The governor kicked off the week on Sunday by celebrating Montana Meat Day and encouraging all Montanans to mark the day with some world-class beef, chicken, lamb, or pork from Montana ranchers.
This morning, the governor announced Montana finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making Montana only the tenth state in the nation where state-inspected meat and poultry processors can ship their products across state lines.
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