Montana Ag Leaders Praise the US-Japan Trade Deal

 

Last week, Fred Wacker, President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, and I joined President Trump at the White House as he signed a historic trade agreement between the United States and Japan. As Montana’s lone voice on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee with jurisdiction over trade, I have long urged the administration to reach the US-Japan Trade Agreement for Montana’s farmers and ranchers. Here’s what Montana Ag leaders and stakeholders are saying about it:

  • “The trade deal between the United States and Japan is welcomed news by the farmers and ranchers of Montana. The lower tariffs this agreement puts in place help level the playing field for American agriculture products and we expect our agricultural exports to Japan to grow. We are looking forward to sending them more of our high quality beef and wheat and sincerely appreciate all the work Senator Daines has done on this, and other important trade agreements.” – Hans McPherson, President, Montana Farm Bureau Federation
  • “The Montana Grain Growers Association thanks Senator Daines for his hard work in bringing a trade agreement with Japan to completion. This deal returns fairness and certainty to Montana’s wheat market, and it stabilizes our long term trade relationship with the #1 buyer of Montana wheat. Trade is vital for Montana which exports 80% of its premium wheat each year.” – Lyle Benjamin, President, Montana Grain Growers Association
  • “As the Chair of the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) Agriculture Committee, I am always encouraged by new trade opportunities for the producers of Montana, and we extend our gratitude to Senator Daines for his help.” – Larry Hendrickson, Chairman, MACO Agriculture Committee
  • “The trade deal with Japan is great news just in time for our producers and neighbors in Granite County. Land taxes have gone up, equipment, fuel, power and labor have all gone up but cattle prices have declined and wheat prices are at 1970s levels. Montana Cattleman take great pride in producing a higher quality calf then anywhere in the world, but are getting less and less per pound for their efforts. We hope that with Japan interning the market, US packers will have to complete and pay ranchers and farmers a larger share of the profits! Fare prices for Ag. products translate into stronger healthier small towns and small Counties. Thank you Senator Daines for protecting our way of life!” – Bill Slaughter, Commissioner, Granite County
  • “This is such good news, because Beef and Wheat states like Montana have agonized about this for over 2 years, ever since the U.S. pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Now tariffs to Japan, one of our best markets, will begin to ratchet down until our products face the same rates as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the other TPP partners.  Everyone hopes this success is a sign of things to come, especially with China.”– Taylor Brown, President, Northern Ag Network
  • “President Trump and Senator Daines efforts to level the playing field in our trade with Japan are to be applauded. Thank you” – Miles G. Hutton, Commissioner and Rancher, Blaine County
  • “On behalf of the Montana Agricultural Business Association we would like to congratulate the efforts that went into the incredible win for Montana Agriculture with the recent trade agreement between Japan and Montana’s farmers and ranchers. MABA represents over 200 individuals and 260 locations that provide supplies and inputs to Montana’s agriculture community. We are an integral partner in the agricultural industry, supplying seed, sale and application of farm protection products, fertilizer, consulting, testing, transportation and much more. We applaud Senator Daines efforts to enhance our critical agricultural communities. We are so proud of the quality agricultural Montana produces and the tremendous effort it takes to get those products to market. It is critical to protect and nurture our trade partners, we encourage and will continue to support efforts to get recognition for the wonderful products the State of Montana produces. Best of luck as we continue negotiations with our other valuable markets, and thank you Japan for recognizing we are a great source for quality and consistent farm products.” – Arleen Rice, President, Montana Agricultural Business Association
  •  “We feel that this trade deal is a blessing for producers in our area. The ability to have another market for our cattle helps stabilize the cattle market in a difficult time. We look forward to more of these opportunities as our state’s representatives work diligently to secure more opportunities. Agriculture is the foundation of our country and we appreciate the continued support.” –Clayton Gernaat, Director, Marias River Livestock Association
  •  “Farmers and Ranchers for Montana has long advocated to bring water right certainty to Montana’s agriculture community. We view the Japan trade deal as a positive step toward ensuring more certainty and price stability for cattle producers across our state. Once again Senator Daines has shown his commitment to protecting Montana’s way of life and the future of agriculture in our state.”– Shelby DeMars, Spokesperson, Farmers and Ranchers for Montana
  • “The Stillwater County Commissioner would like to thank you for your efforts in the recent US-Japan Trade Agreement. Your voice and representation of Montana farmers and ranchers is appreciated. Agriculture is still one of our county’s great values. What this deal will do for not only local cattle producers, but also the local wheat farmers are beyond beneficial. Leadership and support like this are tremendously refreshing and your time on this trade deal was well spent. Thank you and good luck in your continued role as a voice for Montana” – Support Letter from Stillwater County Commissioners
  • “ The US-Japan Trade Agreement is a huge victory for Northwest Montana farmers and ranchers. Anytime the first and third largest economies in the world can come together to do away with tariffs is a good day for the Montana economy. Many thanks to Sen. Daines for pushing to get this agreement done.” – Joe Unterreiner, President, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

For more information on the trade deal click HERE

Best Wishes,

Steve Daines
United States Senate