The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Board of Directors has released its 2026–2027 state and federal policy priorities following its recent board meeting, reaffirming its commitment to representing Montana’s cattle ranching families and advancing policies that support a strong and sustainable cattle industry.
“As a grassroots membership organization, MSGA’s policy positions are developed and guided by its members. These priorities reflect the most pressing issues facing ranchers across the state and provide a roadmap for advocacy at both the state and national levels,” said MSGA President, Lesley Robinson. “These priorities ensure that MSGA remains proactive in addressing both long-standing and emerging challenges. From tax policy and senior water rights to labor and public lands, we are focused on practical solutions that keep Montana ranching families strong.”
MSGA will focus on advancing policies that strengthen the economic viability of ranching operations, protect natural resources, and uphold private property rights. Key state priorities include:
- Creating a Favorable Tax Climate for Ranchers by supporting increased exemptions for the business equipment tax, reducing personal property tax levels, and representing agricultural interests in land valuation and tax policy discussions.
- Pursuing Water Policy Solutions While Protecting Senior Water Rights, including advocating for a divisional water court model, maintaining the exception to the permit process for de minimis use, strengthening tools to enforce water rights, and encouraging water storage solutions.
- Ensuring Cattle Per Capita Dollars Benefit Producers through continued stewardship and strategic investment.
- Protecting Private Property Rights by addressing challenges related to land use, road access, and corner crossing.
- Safeguarding State Trust Lands Grazing to ensure grazing permits remain available and prioritized for production agriculture.
- Engaging in the CAFO General Permit Process to ensure regulations do not create unnecessary operational or financial burdens.
At the federal level, MSGA will advocate for policies that reduce regulatory burdens, improve access to resources, and strengthen the long-term viability of the cattle industry. Key federal priorities include:
- Creating a Favorable Tax Climate for Ranchers, including efforts to eliminate the death tax and incentivize keeping land in food production.
- Improving Government Programs such as Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and simplifying financing programs for young producers.
- Finding Solutions for Agricultural Labor Challenges by improving the H-2A program and supporting workforce development within the cattle industry.
- Minimizing Barriers to Entry for Young and Beginning Producers by addressing access to land and capital.
- Protecting Public Land Grazing through enforcement of the Taylor Grazing Act and highlighting the role of grazing in wildfire mitigation.
- Engaging in Endangered Species and Land Designation Processes, including advocating for state management of grizzly bears and maintaining wolf delisting.
- Ensuring Federal Agencies Are Adequately Funded to support animal health, wildlife management, and land management services.
Founded in 1884, the MSGA is the trusted voice for Montana’s cattle industry. MSGA works to protect and enhance Montana ranch families’ ability to grow and deliver safe, healthy, and sustainably produced beef to the world, while preserving ranching as a way of life for future generations.
For more information about MSGA’s policy priorities, visit www.mtbeef.org.
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MSGA – 2026
