Tester, Baucus: Funding for Montana agriculture projects clears final hurdle

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Funding for critical Montana agriculture projects cleared a final legislative hurdle today, with Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus voting in support of the Agriculture Appropriations Act.

The Agriculture Appropriations Act passed today is one of 12 bills that will fund the federal government for this fiscal year.  This action sends the bill to the President for his signature.  He is expected to sign the measure.

“I’m proud to support these kinds of projects because they are an investment in agriculture—Montana’s number one industry,” said Tester, who helped secure Montana’s funding as a member of the influential Appropriations Committee.  “These projects are smart initiatives that will help keep our way of life sustainable for future generations.”

“Working to sustain and create good paying jobs is my top priority and these investments in agricultural research will help ensure that farming and ranching remain viable for future generations,” said Senator Max Baucus, who worked closely with Tester in securing Montana’s funding.  “Every corner of our state will be impacted by these projects and I will always fight to support the right projects for the Treasure State."

The Montana projects include: 

• National Center for Appropriate Technology, based in Butte, will receive funding to provide technical assistance for farmers and ranchers nationwide. ($2,800,000)
• Construction of the Animal Biosciences Research Facility on Montana State University’s Bozeman campus that will house research to improve beef production. ($3,654,000)

Below is a list of Montana projects secured by Tester and Baucus in the Agriculture Appropriations Act:

National Center for Appropriate Technology – based in Butte, will receive funding to provide technical assistance for farmers and ranchers. ($2.8 million)

Montana State University:

• Animal Bioscience Research Facility construction. ($3.654 million)
• Brucellosis research to continue work on developing an effective vaccine to reduce the risk of brucellosis infection in cattle. ($305,000)
• Barley for Rural Development Center to further development of quality barley varieties. ($547,000)
• Targeted Grazing for Managing Invasive Plants Program to develop and implement new management strategies for livestock and land managers to control non-native plants. ($270,000)
• Senator Baucus secured $682,000 for the Montana Beef Network to help ranchers manage cattle herds and beef production to ensure Montana beef remains the highest quality. 

Brucellosis Management for Montana's Greater Yellowstone Area through the Montana Department of Livestock to conduct brucellosis prevention and development and implement brucellosis herd management plans for area ranchers.  ($650,000)

Watershed Restoration Coalition – Upper Clark Fork Landowner Outreach Initiative to conserve and restore the upper Clark Fork River Valley. ($200,000)

IN ADDITION:

Tri-State Predator Control: The Montana Wool Growers will participate in this multi-state program to manage and control predators affecting livestock herds and wildlife. ($926,000)