The farm bill contains much-needed provisions such as finally implementing country of origin labeling, which will give consumers a choice and allows Montana producers to compete in a global marketplace.
The energy proposals include incentives for renewable energy programs, like wind and biofuels. Family farmers ought to be part of the solution to our addiction to foreign oil. America's farmers have a history of helping their neighbors and country in times of crisis - much more than the likes of Exxon Mobile and other big energy corporations.
Coming from a ranching family, I understand how rural folks treat their neighbors in Montana. I have a real commitment to protect and enhance the agricultural heritage and unique quality of life in our state.
As a state legislator, my experience with the stockgrowers association left me wondering whom exactly the leadership of this organization represents.
The MSGA opposed a compromise bill intended to clarify bridge access laws on Montana's rivers and streams for sportsmen and landowners. I think most Montana landowners treat their neighbors right, and want them to have opportunities on Montana rivers and streams.
It was even more troubling to learn of the shady connection between MSGA's smooth-talking lawyer and lobbyist John Bloomquist and out-of-state celebrities like Huey Lewis and other wealthy trophy homeowners who are quickly gobbling up quality agricultural land and illegally keeping Montanans off public waterways. It begs the question: Are Bloomquist and the stockgrowers association representing cattle ranchers, or does their allegiance fall to wealthy, out-of-state folks who do not share our values?
The MSGA teamed up with the powerful Realtors association to fight a common-sense Republican-sponsored bill which protects all water rights holders in a time of extreme drought. Fortunately, Democrats showed the bipartisanship needed to pass the bill, which was unpopular among Republican leadership. These days, I guess I feel like farm and ranch families need more of a helping hand from decision makers than from developers in fast-growing, high-priced communities.
This group teamed up with big, out-of-state energy companies to support Senate Bill 407, which would have led to more irresponsible extraction of coalbed methane in eastern Montana and put livelihoods and thousands of acres of irrigated agriculture at risk. I was pleased when Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a farmer himself, saw through this big energy giveaway and vetoed the bill on behalf of the state's farmers and ranchers.
If smooth talk, pressed Wranglers and expensive cowboy hats make you an advocate for Montana's farm and ranch families, then I suppose the leadership of MSGA is meeting expectations. Yet, when I think of all the honest, hardworking folks paying dues to the organization, I think they expect more. I think folks out there assume their lobbyists are working hard for the issues that matter the most, while educating and persuading legislators to bring rural prosperity to the farthest reaches of Montana. It's those hardworking, real Montana families that need the Montana Stockgrowers Association to do a better job for them, and for Montana.
Kendall Van Dyk of Billings represents House District 49 in the Montana Legislature.
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