State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Hosts Lunch with Montana Ag Producers
Continues Montana Agriculture Week Celebration
CHARLO, Mont. – Continuing ag week in Montana, Governor Gianforte shared a meal with local producers in Charlo today to promote the state’s agriculture industry.
"Montana’s farmers and ranchers play a critical role in our communities by providing essential products that nourish our state and nation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “During Ag Week, we recognize their hard work and dedication to ensure that we have access to high-quality, locally sourced food and other products.”
Gov. Gianforte visiting with local ag producers during a lunch in Charlo
Meeting with producers from the Flathead, Gov. Gianforte heard from ranchers, farmers, grain growers, manufacturers, and small business owners over lunch at Ninepines Lodge in Charlo.
Joining the governor for the lunch of beef and potatoes, provided by the ranchers and farmers in attendance, was rancher and Charlo native Nick Courville who shared the importance of supporting farmers and ranchers and buying local.
“It’s great to show off our producers and show how easy it can be to do a transaction with local farmers and ranchers,” Courville said. “Sometimes it seems inaccessible if they aren’t at the farmers’ market, so getting face-to-face to understand how that side of our business operates and how it makes ends meet for us as a local rancher, producer, as opposed to trying to ship it away.”
Fourth-generation farmer and Ronan native, Bridgett Cheff, echoed Courville adding, “Getting local products out to consumers is really important because it not only supports local businesses, but it also promotes the genuine quality that these farmers and ranchers in the valley produce, all the while promoting healthy nutrition for growing families.”
To help small businesses, as well as family farms and ranches, the governor increased the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 in 2021 to $1 million, eliminating the tax burden for 5,000 Montana businesses.
“With more money in their pockets, small business owners, farmers, and ranchers can invest back in their operations to innovate and create jobs,” the governor added.
Discussing expanding opportunities for Montana producers to get their product to the market, the group highlighted the state’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) that makes Montana one of few states in the nation where state-inspected meat and poultry processors can ship their products across state lines.
“This agreement was a huge advantage. Right now I have to have my product federally inspected and there are very few inspectors – I was lucky to have one close to me in Ronan. But this allows more options,” said fourth-generation rancher Brittany Cathey of Cathey Cattle Company.
Earlier this week, Gov. Gianforte proclaimed March 2024 Montana Agriculture Month to recognize the state’s agriculture industry, farmers and ranchers, and their contributions to the Montana way of life and the world.
The governor concluded the lunch adding, "Our state's economy and communities rely on agriculture, and we are committed to investing in value-added ag to create jobs and expand opportunities for our hardworking producers like you all.”
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