By Karli Johnson and Nicole Rolf, Montana Farm Bureau Federation 

The Montana State Capitol halls were filled with MFBF farmer and rancher members during the sixth week of the legislative session, with nearly 60 members attending the biennial event. MFBF members had their chance to promote Montana agriculture and learn the ins and outs of the session during the MFBF Calling on the Capitol. MFBF was joined by the Power of 10 young veterinarian group and learned about current ag issues, heard from multiple departments and spent time in the Capitol learning the legislative process. Along with bringing our members up to date on the latest happenings, MFBF lobbyists were busy working bills that included fake meat, water rights, CTE funding, and the right to repair. 

To kick off the Calling on the Capitol event, MFBF’s State Affairs Coordinator, Karli Johnson, informed the group about the bills that MFBF has taken a stance on so far during the session. They then received an update from Brian Thompson, an attorney at BKBH on the Held Decision; a climate change case in which 16 youth sued the state alleging fossil fuel policies violate their constitutional rights. They argued that the state’s support of the fossil fuel industry made climate change worse, harming their health and way of life. Thompson shared that the court ordered the state to develop and implement a plan to reduce greenhouse gas admissions which could potentially have an adverse impact on agriculture.  Finally, members received an update on HB 119: Establish a Montana cattle committee from District 2 Director J.M. Peck. Members asked great questions and Peck shared insight on amendments that are being made to the bill and how the cattle committee process will look if passed into law, reminding the group that the next biggest step will be a producer referendum. MFBF is working diligently to fine tune the bill that will ensure its passage through the Senate and across the governor’s desk.

On day two, members had a typical fast-paced session day beginning with department updates. Members heard from the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Park’s (FWP) recently appointed Director Christy Clark about the current issues that FWP are tracking and taking part in. Director Clark also shared her hopes for the future of FWP working hand in hand with farmers and ranchers. The newly appointed Director Jillien Streit and Deputy Director Zach Coccoli from the Department of Agriculture shared the happenings within the department. Director Streit shared her ideas and hopes for the MDA as she moves forward with her position, like helping expand Montana agriculture diversity. Finally, Executive Officer Mike Honeycutt shared highlights on issues that the Department of Livestock has been tackling lately, including the Avian Influenza outbreak and the modernization of the brand department. After a chilly walk to the Capitol, members learned about the legislative process from Jason Mohr of Legislative Services and received an update from Secretary of State Christi Jacobson. Members also received the opportunity to meet with Governor Gianforte and shared their perspectives on current bills and issues that the legislature is seeing. To round out the day, the group was able to attend Senate and House floor sessions, a capitol tour, and sit in on committee hearings.

Most MFBF members attended the House Agriculture Committee hearing where HB 401: Prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Montana sponsored by House Ag Chair Braxton Mitchell (R) HD 5 was brought before the committee. MFBF testified in support of the bill which works to ban the sales and manufacturing of cell-cultured protein, or fake meat, in Montana. Our great state is known for our world-class beef and to protect our ranching families, as well as the health and safety of our consumers, it is essential that these rules are set in place. This bill does not ban plant-based meats, only those that are cultured from animal cells. It will help provide a truth in labeling when it comes to the case of meat in the grocery store and prevents unintended effects from an obscure product.

MFBF also testified its support on HB 357: Provide funding for middle school career and technical education sponsored by Eric Tilleman (R) HD 23. Representative Tilleman, a past agriculture education teacher, brought forward HB 357 to obtain more funding for CTE (career and technical education) for classes in junior high schools, an example being ag education or home economics. Tomorrow’s workforce is made up of today’s students, making work force readiness and hands-on learning opportunities essential at a young age. The expansion of this program would also work to benefit the school communities, giving farmers and ranchers an opportunity to mentor middle school students and help pass down the love of agriculture.

House Taxation heard HB 411: Exempt agricultural property from open space levies sponsored by Jane Gillette (R) HD 77, a simple bill that does just as the title states. As we see more urban sprawl in our state and its intersection with agriculture land, it makes sense for farmers and ranchers not to be taxed for something they are already providing. MFBF testified in support of the bill.

House Business and Labor had an extensive conversation on Thursday on HB 390: Provide for Montana right to repair agriculture equipment act sponsored by Paul Tuss (D) HD 27. MFBF, along with numerous agricultural equipment dealers, rose in opposition to the bill. MFBF shared that this controversial subject has been discussed extensively by our members on the state and federal level. After thorough discussions, our members nationwide concluded that the best way to fix right to repair controversy is through a comprehensive, free market solution, rather than having a state-by-state patchwork of right to repair legislation.  Based on this policy, Farm Bureau moved forward in working toward a solution that meets the needs of our members by entering into agreements with the major equipment manufacturers. This process resulted in Memorandum of Understanding agreements with six of the major manufacturers, and more are in the works.  These MOUs were created based on satisfying the needs of our members and are reviewed biannually to ensure these needs are met. Since the beginning of the MOU agreements, around two years ago, AFBF has found that they are effectively working and cover three quarters of the machinery sold in the U.S. Discussion was also brought up on how these highly detailed MOUs are more capable of keeping up with modernization than legislation can be. Along with this, private sector solutions will not have the unattended consequences of a price flux in parts or potential out-of-stock items when farmers need it most. The bottom line is our MOUs do far more to give equipment owners the right to repair than this legislation ever would. Our members asked for a private market solution and Farm Bureau has delivered. This legislation is unnecessary at best and harmful at worst.

 

Nicole Rolf is the Senior Director of Governmental Affairs and a rancher from Miles City, Montana.  Nicole works closely with our Congressional delegation on national issues affecting Montana agriculture. Additionally, this is her ninth Montana Legislative Session, lobbying in Helena on behalf of MFBF members. Nicole can be contacted at nicoler@mfbf.org.

Karli Johnson is the State Governmental Affairs Coordinator and a rancher from Chouteau, MT. This is Karli’s first session lobbying on behalf of Montana Farm Bureau although she can be known as an old hand at testifying on Grizzly Bear bills before she came onto staff. Karli will focus on water and wildlife issues throughout the legislative session while also serving as the Northwest Regional Manager. Karli can be contacted at karlij@mfbf.org.