Tester, Walsh recognized as fighters for Montana’s farming and ranching families

Montana’s Senators receive highest legislative honor from National Farmers Union

(U.S. SENATE) – Montana’s Senators Jon Tester and John Walsh received the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union Tuesday night for their work fighting for farming and ranching families in Montana.

Tester, the Senate’s only working farmer, and Walsh, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, were recognized for their work fighting for Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), improving brucellosis prevention, improving livestock disaster programs and implementing the 2014 Farm Bill.

“Farmers and ranchers across our state put in long hours to produce the crops and livestock that feed families and support households nationwide,” Tester said. “It’s an honor to receive this award and a good reminder of why I fight so hard for our producers and the economies and communities they support.”

“Montana’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy and they produce the highest quality products in the world,” Walsh said. “In the Senate, we must move forward with common sense policies to ensure that Montana’s livestock and crops can continue sending our prized products across the globe.”

“Montana Farmers Union appreciates Senator Walsh and Senator Tester’s contributions to Montana’s agriculture producers,” said Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill. “We value the Senators efforts that supports livestock disease research, protects Montana markets, and commitment for country-of-original labeling. We are excited to recognize Senator Walsh and Senator Tester for their consistent advocacy for Montana’s family farms and ranches.”

Tester, in addition to pushing for quick implementation of the Farm Bill’s livestock disaster assistance programs earlier this year, is also a champion in the Senate for COOL. He led efforts to preserve strong Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) rules in the Farm Bill, helping consumers know where meat was born, raised and processed and giving them the option to buy U.S.-made meat if they choose.

Walsh is sponsoring the American Livestock Protection and Ranching Opportunity Act which establishes a Livestock Disease Initiative and authorizes $5 million annually to study brucellosis and other diseases. Walsh’s bill also prohibits the import of foreign beef until the exporting country is certified by the USDA as free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

The Golden Triangle Award is presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and supported policies that benefit family farmers and ranchers.

The National Farmers Union represents more than 200,000 family farms and ranches across the United States. The Montana Farmers Union was established in 1915 to protect family farms and ranches throughout Montana.