U.S. SENATE —Following U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ announcement of committee assignments for the 115th Congress, Montana’s top agriculture and forestry leaders praised his new membership on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
“Montana’s number one economic driver is agriculture and I’m excited to represent their priorities on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,” Daines stated.
Alan Merrill, President Montana Farmers Union: “Montana Farmers Union wants to congratulate Senator Daines on his appointment to the Senate Ag Committee. With work beginning on the next Farm Bill having the senator serve on this committee will be an asset for Montana’s farmers and ranchers to ensure their voices are heard and interests are met.”
Lola Raska, Executive Vice President of the Montana Grain Growers Association: “We are absolutely thrilled that Senator Daines has been appointed to serve on the Senate Ag Committee. With work already underway on a new farm bill, this appointment could not come at a better time. We very much appreciate Steve’s continued recognition of the importance of agriculture to our state’s economy.”
Montana Farm Bureau Federation President Hans McPherson: “Montana Farm Bureau is excited to have Senator Daines on the AG Committee. Agriculture is Montana’s #1 industry so it is great to have a Montana senator at the table as the Farm Bill and other critical legislation is crafted that affects our livelihoods.”
Errol Rice, Montana Stockgrowers Association Executive Vice President: “The Montana Stockgrowers Association congratulates Senator Daines on being appointed to the Senate Ag Committee. Having a Montanan at the table as the next farm bill is developed presents a great opportunity for growing Montana agriculture and expanding opportunities for ranchers across the state. MSGA appreciates Senator Daines’ work on behalf of the state’s #1 industry and is eager to continue to work closely with the Senator to ensure that the next farm bill serves Montana.”
Keith Olson, Executive Director, Montana Logging Association: “Senator Daines membership on the Senate Agriculture Committee is very exciting. This strengthens his role as a strong advocate for hardworking Montanans who make their living in our woods. His membership on this Committee coupled with his continued service on the Senate Committees on Energy and Natural Resources and Appropriations will ensure Montana timber harvesting professionals will be well represented as Congress develops common-sense solutions to forest management practices.”
Wendy Jackson, Executive Vice President of the Land Trust Alliance: “Land trusts, farmers, and working lands across America have benefitted from Senator Daines’ leadership, most notably from his co-sponsorship of the conservation easement incentive bill passed last year in the House and Senate. His appointment to the Agriculture Committee is good news as Congress turns its focus towards the reauthorization of the Farm Bill.”
Julia Altemus, Executive Director, Montana Wood Products Association: “We are thrilled Senator Daines will now be serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee. The Agriculture Committee serves an important role in the confirmation process of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, undersecretaries with jurisdiction over our federal forested lands, and the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, with Senator Daines’ continued work on the Energy and Natural Resources and Appropriations Committees, we are more optimistic than ever a strong Montana voice will be reflected as Congress develops comprehensive solutions to address the challenges associated with management of our forest service lands.”
Krista Lee Evans, Executive Director, Montana Agricultural Business Association and the Montana Grain Elevator Association: “Having Sen. Daines serve on both the Ag Committee and the Ag Appropriations Committee is great news for Montana ag and the MABA and the MGEA are thrilled to have a Montanan sit on this critical committee. We especially look forward to working with Sen. Daines to secure priorities for Montana’s largest industry as negotiations over the next Farm Bill begin.”
Glenn Marx, Montana Association of Land Trust: “Montana has a rich history in public and private land conservation and Senator Daines’ commitment to this principle makes him a valuable addition to the Senate Agriculture Committee and is welcomed news for all Montanans. We look forward to working him and the Montana Congressional Delegation as the 2018 Farm Bill starts to take shape.”
Don Steinbeisser Jr., Director, Montana Dakota Beet Growers Association: “We are happy to hear that Senator Daines will be serving on the Ag Committee. It will certainly be good for sugar and the state of Montana.”
Jim Brown, Director of Public Affairs, Montana Wool Growers Association: “On behalf of the membership of the Montana Wool Growers Association, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Senator Daines on his appointment to serve on the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. This is an incredible development for Montana’s agriculture production community. As a native Montanan and an avid outdoorsman and hunter, Senator Daines understands the important role Montana’s agriculture producers play in wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation.”
John W. Rauser, President Montana Pork Producers Council: “On behalf of Montana Pork Producers Council, I congratulate the appointment of Senator Daines to serve on the Ag Committee and the Ag Appropriations Committee. Having a Senator from the State of Montana serve on these committees will be particularly helpful as negotiations over the next farm bill begin in earnest. As President of Montana Pork Producers, I look forward to working with Senator Daines on the next farm bill to ensure that not only pork producers, but all Ag sectors in Montana are well represented.”
Bethany Erb, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, Mule Deer Foundation: “We are happy to have Senator Daines as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. As a Montanan steeped in its hunting heritage, he truly understands the importance of public and private land partnerships, the balance between agriculture production and wildlife management, and wise land management for the benefit of wildlife, like mule deer. His experience and passions make him a welcome addition to the Committee on Agriculture. We enjoyed working with him when he was a Member of House of Representatives as the last Farm Bill took shape, and again on important conservation and sportsmen issues through his membership on the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Energy and Natural Resources. We look forward to working with him in this additional capacity as well, especially as the 2018 Farm Bill materializes.”
Larry Hendrickson, Chair Montana Association of Counties Agriculture Committee: “We will be looking forward to starting 2017 with Senator Daines on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Working together, with the Senator, to craft the next farm bill, and helping open new markets for Montana Ag products, as agriculture is Montana’s number one industry.”
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