Bill > HJ52

This joint resolution requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to conduct a comprehensive study of Montana's cattle industry, focusing on strategies to improve its profitability, marketability, and support. The study will specifically examine the potential implementation of a state-level cattle assessment program (similar to the National Beef Checkoff Program) to fund research, promotion, and educational initiatives. The interim committee will investigate how other states have implemented similar programs, review stakeholder perspectives, explore potential assessment collection and refund processes, and evaluate the formation of a quasi-state agency commodity board to manage these funds. The committee is required to include input from a wide range of stakeholders, including various cattle producer associations, agricultural organizations, and industry groups. The study must be completed before September 15, 2026, with final results and recommendations to be reported to the 70th Legislature. This resolution acknowledges the critical importance of Montana's cattle industry to the state's agricultural economy, recognizing its significant contribution to the state's GDP, rural communities, and job market, while seeking ways to address challenges such as fluctuating market prices and increasing competition.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2928