Phillips County Farm Bureau Recognizes Local Representatives

Montana’s 67th Legislative Session came to a close on April 29th, 2021, and can generally be considered a success for agriculture. The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) followed and took action on over 75 bills, formally supporting 50 and opposing 19 based on MFBF policy. MFBF had a 100% success rate in killing legislation they opposed, protecting agricultural and property rights. Of course, MFBF efforts would have been less successful without the support of active legislators who consistently vote with agriculture’s best interests in mind, such as those representing Phillips County.

Phillips County Farm Bureau would like to recognize the work of our local representatives, Senator Mike Lang (SD 17) and Representative Casey Knudsen (HD33), and to thank them for their legislative efforts this session in support of agriculture. As producers, it can be difficult to keep up-to-date with all of the happenings in Helena while calving, seeding, and praying for rain; fortunately, we have two highly motivated legislators we can trust to represent our best interests.

Senator Lang chaired the Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation Committee, and also served as an important advocate for agriculture on the Senate Natural Resources and Finance and Claims committees. In addition to his committee involvement, Senator Lang sponsored 12 bills this session, five of which were of particular interest to MFBF. Sen. Lang’s bills covered topics ranging from liability laws to grizzly bear relocation to funding revisions for sage grouse conservation. All five bills supported by MFBF policy protected the rights of landowners and operators, encouraged landowner involvement in FWP commissions, and generally required responsible management of wildlife. For more information on Sen. Lang’s bills, refer to SB338, SB307, SB306, SB337, and SB249 (laws.leg.mt.gov). Senator Lang’s exceptional efforts in the legislature gained him one of the highest scores in MFBF history, and as a result, Senator Lang was awarded the “Outstanding Friend of Farm Bureau” Award.

Representative Knudsen was also active on the other side of the legislature. In addition to serving as Speaker Pro Tempore, he served on the House Agriculture Committee. Nicole Rolf, MFBF’s Senior Director of Governmental Affairs noted that, “Rep. Knudsen was always willing to discuss important agricultural issues despite a position in leadership.” Rep. Knudsen also sponsored eight bills and resolutions, the highest priority for Phillips County regarding the St. Mary Diversion and Milk River Project (HJ7). The resolution urged a revision of funding methods to ensure sustainability of the project for all users. Rep. Knudsen earned the Silver Windmill Award from MFBF for obtaining a 94% voting record.

Phillips County Farm Bureau also recognizes Senator Lang and Representative Knudsen for their accessibility to constituents, even during the legislative session. Both legislators have joined Phillips County Farm Bureau for meetings and virtual coffee chats, and we appreciate their time and efforts to connect with local members. "We are so fortunate to have a Senator and a Representative serving a large portion of Montana and Montana agriculture who are both from Phillips County,” says Tom DePuydt, President of Phillips County Farm Bureau. “We hope that the dedication of our representatives inspires others to advocate for agriculture." An awards presentation is being arranged for June; details to be announced.