Working for You

Working for You

Each month we provide some key areas where MGGA leaders and staff have been working on your behalf. Here is a sampling of important issues and activities for March 2021:

*EVP Vergeront attended an association dinner with Governor Gianforte and First Lady of Montana. Executives from various industries discussed organization goals and legislative priorities.

*MGGA and NAWG has collaboratively engaged FSA, the Montana Congressional Delegation and elevators in regards to QLA challenges. We are tirelessly working in order to find a solution to provide for FSA.

*MGGA has received many calls in regards to the temporary freeze with USDA. Senators Tester and Daines report this is a common practice for a new incoming Administration to review recent and pending regulatory actions. With Secretary Vilsack
being confirmed recently, MGGA and NAWG anticipate with time, USDA will lift the freeze and work on distributing CFAP monies.

*MGGA officers participated in a virtual meeting with Montana Department of Ag, Director Mike Foster. Director Foster spoke about his previous role with FSA and how that prepared him for the Department of Agriculture. He also spoke about the
current legislative session going on in Helena.

*MGGA participated in the NBGA Winter 2021 Virtual Convention. The Board of Directors meeting was full of industry and policy updates. MGGA and MWBC participated in virtual Hill Visits with the three congressional offices.

*Past President Vince Mattson traveled to Texas for the NAWG Conference in Dallas. See NAWG update.

*Steve Sheffels met with the membership committee several times to discuss membership goals and marketing opportunities.