Montana Ag Producers, Businesses Tell Tester Tariffs are Hurting Their Operations

Senator Hosts Listening Session to Hear How Shifting Trade Policies Impact State’s Economy

(Billings, Mont.)­—Montana farmers, ranchers, and small business owners today told U.S. Senator Jon Tester that recently imposed tariffs are creating enormous uncertainty for them.

Tester, during a listening session at the Billings Chamber of Commerce, heard from a panel of agriculture producers and businesses who rely on access to international markets.

“These businesses made it very clear that tariffs are threatening jobs and their bottom lines,” said Tester, the U.S. Senate’s only working farmer. “Montana needs certainty so producers and business owners can strengthen our economy. I will defend our state from this looming trade war that puts our jobs and economy at risk.”

The following individuals participated in the listening session hosted by Tester:

• Michelle Erickson-Jones, Montana Grain Growers 
• Chris Skorupa, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Rural & Agricultural Council of America, and Beartooth Fertilizer Co. 
• Herb Karst, Karag Inc. 
• Shane Strecker, American Sugarbeet Growers Association 
• Dan Brooks, Billings Chamber of Commerce 
• Stefan Streeter, Montana Department of Transportation 
• Honore Bray, Missoula Public Library 

Tester recently voted for and helped pass a Farm Bill through the Senate.