Meat on display at the Safeway grocery store in Bozeman, Feb. 17, 2021.
Farm and ranching groups want people to buy more Montana beef, but they’re split on whether proposed state level legislation would do that.
In the meat section at grocery stores, meat products like spare ribs often bear stickers: “Product of USA.”
Many ranchers say this label is misleading consumers. That’s because imported beef and pork processed and re-packaged in the US can get this label, as can the meat from livestock born in other countries and then sent to US feedlots or slaughterhouses.
Rachel Cramer
A Product of USA label on spare ribs at the Safeway grocery store in Bozeman on Feb. 17, 2021.
Saying Gov. Greg Gianforte wants to “have some change in philosophy” at the Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Senate Fish and Game Committee on Thursday voted not to advance Glasgow
The Montana Legislature is considering the first two in a slate of bills that could impact the management of bison in and traveling through the state.
Rep. Marvin Weatherwax, D-Browning, brought House Bills 311 and 312 before the House Agriculture Committee this week. Both bills deal with state regulations and processes for moving bison when they are destined for Indian reservations.
Bison are incredibly important culturally, economically and as food to many tribes with several sustaining their own herds, Weatherwax said. But those herds are generally too small to sustain genetic diversity without introducing new animals, and the tribes source those animals from places such as Yellowstone National Park or herds from other Indian reservations, he said.
Montana lawmakers hold hearing on bills that would make bison transfers to tribes easier
MTN News
and last updated 2021-02-12 11:09:45-05
HELENA â Montana lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on a pair of bills aimed at making it easier to transfer wild bison onto tribal lands.
The House Agriculture Committee held hearings on House Bill 311 and 312, both sponsored by Democratic Rep. Marvin Weatherwax Jr. of Browning.
HB 311 would allow bison to be transferred to an Indian reservation from a national park or another reservation without a health certificate from the state. Supporters said that would remove a regulatory burden on tribes seeking to bring in bison.
Gianforte, Republicans seek more influence over judicial choices
GOP also has bills to make judicial races partisan
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MTN News
The Montana Supreme Court is in the middle of a political battle with the Legislature over the state s court system.
By: Mike Dennison
and last updated 2021-02-11 09:50:52-05
HELENA â Montana Republicans, who control the governorâs office and the Legislature, are now pushing bills to give the GOP and conservatives more influence over choosing the stateâs judiciary.
Gov. Greg Gianforte, Montanaâs first Republican governor in 16 years, is behind a bill to allow him to appoint whoever he wants to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court or state district courts â instead of having to choose from a list of nominees submitted by an independent commission.