Governor Gianforte Thanks Montana Farmers and Ranchers

Celebrates National Agriculture Day at the Capitol

HELENA, Mont. – Joining Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit, Governor Greg Gianforte today in the State Capitol thanked Montana farmers and ranchers as part of National Agriculture Day.

“Our farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to grow and raise world-class products to feed the world,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Montanans, we’re proud of our rich heritage of agriculture and the generations of families who make up our state’s number one industry.”

During a ceremony in the capitol rotunda, the governor joined Director Streit, representatives from Montana’s leading ag organizations, producers, and students to highlight the contributions of producers and proclaim March 18, 2025, as National Agriculture Day in Montana.

Director Streit emphasized the industry’s impact, saying, “Montana agriculture generates over $5 billion annually and supports thousands of jobs. As we celebrate National Agriculture Month, Week, and Day, we’re reminded of the dedication of our producers and the importance of ensuring they have the tools to succeed.”

Governor Gianforte highlighted his administration’s support for Montana agriculture, including tax relief, workforce development, and infrastructure investments that benefit farmers and ranchers.

To support Montana farmers and ranchers, the governor’s budget expands the business equipment tax exemption from $1 million to $3 million, eliminating the business equipment tax burden for more than 700 small businesses, farms, and ranches. This increase comes on the heels of the governor’s first-term investments that eliminated over 5,000 small businesses, farms, and ranches from the business equipment tax payroll.

The governor encouraged all Montanans to celebrate National Agriculture Month by supporting local producers, learning more about Montana agriculture, and recognizing the hard work that goes into putting food on our tables.

You can view the governor’s proclamation here or at https://gov.mt.gov/Documents/GovernorsOffice/Proclamations/View?doc=2503XX-MontanaAgricultureDayWeekMont.pdf