Agriculture

As the U.S. Senate’s only working farmer, Jon knows that agriculture is the backbone of Montana’s economy.

Jon farms the same land in north central Montana that his grandparents homesteaded over a century ago, and he understands firsthand the challenges facing family farmers and ranchers.

That’s why Jon is taking on consolidation in agriculture, where he’s seen unfair practices from multi-national corporations squeeze Montana’s family farmers and ranchers out of business while making record profits at their expense.

Jon understands that capitalism only works with competition, so he’s working across the aisle to get more market transparency and competition in the industry with bills to put some real teeth in the Packers and Stockyards Act, to ensure only American beef is labeled “Product of USA,” and to get fair prices for farmers and ranchers.

Jon is also fighting to open Montana producers up to new markets, and to protect their bottom lines by saving them time and money with the right to repair their own farm equipment.

Above all, Jon is fighting to ensure Montana producers have access to the resources they need to grow their bottom lines, strengthen their communities, and pass down their operations to the next generation—just like Jon hopes to pass his farm down to his grandkids..

Improving Mental Health Resources for Farmers & Ranchers is Aim of Tester Bill
Senator’s Farmers First Act reauthorizes Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network As a part of his continued effort to improve mental health resources in rural Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced his bipartisan Farmers First Act of 2023 to reauthorize the Farm and Ranch...
Tester to Lead Week of Senate Action to Counter China, Defend Montanans’ Freedom and Privacy
Senator will receive both classified and public briefings on the Chinese spy balloon, press officials on banning China from purchasing U.S. farmland As part of his continued efforts to protect Montanans’ freedom and privacy and counter foreign adversaries who want...
Tester Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Costs for Montana Family Farmers and Small Businesses
Senator’s Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would take into account the unique business models of farms as students apply for financial aid Continuing his efforts to lower costs for Montanans and bolster education opportunities for rural communities, U.S. Senator Jon...