U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $300,000 in funding from the U.S Department of Agriculture for Montana State University and the Rocky Mountain Malting Barley Cooperative.
The Rocky Mountain Malting Barley Cooperative is led by Dr. Jamie Sherman, the Project Director at MSU that is working to develop new barley varieties that are demonstrated to provide flavor and are adapted for dryland production in Montana and the West.
“Agriculture is Montana’s number economic driver and I’m thrilled to announce funding to make agriculture sustainable and growing for generations to come,” Daines stated.
Daines is a member of the bipartisan Senate Small Brewers Caucus, established in June 2011, to “provide a forum for members of the Senate and their staffs to discuss the issues important to small brewers while exploring what lawmakers can do to strengthen the growth and role of these small businesses in local economies across the country.”
Daines has also been a consistent advocate for robust funding of agriculture research that is essential to ensuring Montana’s farmers and ranchers can continue be among the most productive and efficient in the world.
Daines was able to protect and secure funding for essential programs within the FY 2017 Ag Appropriations bill, including:
U.S. Wheat Barley Scab Initiative: Daines secured increased funding for the U.S. Wheat Barley Scab Initiative to help producers fight this disease that is becoming a serious problem for Western states like Montana.
Agriculture Research Service’s Sidney Insect Unit: Daines was able to sustain funding for the ARS Insect Unit Research Laboratory based in Sidney despite efforts to shutter the facility made by the Obama Administration. This laboratory conducts essential research into pests and diseases impacting the northern Great Plains region, including the wheat stem sawfly, grasshoppers and Mormon crickets.
Land-Grant Research, Extension Services: Daines was able to secure and retain funding for the essential agriculture research that takes place at MSU and other land grants, as well as funding for extension services.
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