Gov. Gianforte Celebrates Montana Beef Month

Meets with Foster Families as 56 County Tour Continues in Western Montana

• May 10 2022

HAMILTON, Mont. – Continuing his 56 County Tour in western Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed May as Beef Month to promote Montana’s world-class beef after participating in a branding in Granite County.

“Nothing beats Montana beef, and that’s thanks to the hard work of ranching families like the Vietors,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Beef Month, we celebrate Montana’s proud ranching history and recognize Montana ranchers who ethically and sustainably raise beef to feed our state, nation, and world.”

Gov. Gianforte brands a calf at the Rocking Chair Ranch, owned by the Vietor family

Joining the Vietor family at the Rocking Chair Ranch in Philipsburg, the governor helped brand 100 head of cattle. He also spoke to ranch owner, Jason Vietor, about the importance of ranching to their family.

“Ranching is more than just an occupation, it’s our way of life, as we’re the third generation, raising the fourth, on this land,” Vietor said. “We work hard each day to be good stewards of land, make sure we take care of the land for the next generations to come. It gets harder every day to do what we do, but our work is only possible because of the Montanans who support our farmers and ranchers.”

Adding value to Montana commodities, preserving the Montana brand throughout the supply chain, and increasing beef processing capacity in the state so producers can capture more of the value they create are top priorities for the governor.

Later in the afternoon in Hamilton, the governor led a roundtable discussion on foster care in Montana with local foster care families and providers.

“Montana tragically has one of the highest numbers of children in foster care per capita in the nation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I appreciated sitting down today with some of the folks ensuring Montana kids have a safe, nurturing environment to grow up in.”

Gov. Gianforte hears from foster families and providers in Hamilton

During the roundtable, participants discussed with the governor the importance of expanding access to addiction, behavioral, and mental health treatment services as well as workforce development opportunities for biological parents who want to get clean, sober, and healthy.

To combat child abuse and neglect, executive director of Bitterroot CASA Allison Dunne emphasized the need for community connections, saying, “We need to build connections for our kids. Children need to feel safe in school and in their neighborhoods. They need access to resources, and one of the greatest resources they can have is connection, whether to their neighbors, teachers, or friends.”

On Monday, Gov. Gianforte established May as Foster Care Month in Montana to support children in Montana’s foster care system as well as foster parents and advocates.

Earlier today, the governor also joined business owners for lunch in Ovando today to discuss Montana’s growing outdoor economy as well as efforts to bring Montanans who grew up in Powell County back home.

The governor’s 56 County Tour continues tomorrow in northwest Montana. 

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