Agriculture Secretary Vilsack hears concerns in Helena

The Montana agriculture industry has concerns, and on Saturday it was able to present U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack with a laundry list of items to tackle.

Vilsack traveled to Montana to listen to ag producers' concerns, and while in Helena, heard from several groups.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association asked for help with the brucellosis plan; the Montana Cattlemans Association talked about the growing wolf problem; and MT Department of Livestock Chair Jan French addressed the need for more federal funding.

French noted, "I thought he did a really good job of telling people that their issues were important and that they are already being dealt with in Washington D.C. and if they are not, then he is going to deal with them. I thought he did a really good job of addressing the issues."

Vilsack also heard concerns about strict export laws, and the pine beetle problem.

With a list in hand, Vilsack headed out to Deer Lodge for the next stop on his Montana trip.