Governor Gianforte Highlights Value-Added Ag, Montana Tourism Industry on 56 County Tour

Governor Gianforte Highlights Value-Added Ag, Montana Tourism Industry on 56 County Tour

• June 26 2024

LIVINGSTON, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday met with Montanans in Gallatin and Park counties, continuing his fourth annual 56 County Tour as governor.

"Montana is home to many different industries, from our innovative research to our small businesses that support tourism and the arts," Gov. Gianforte said. "Investing in state labs and tourism is crucial for driving research advancements, supporting local economies, and promoting the state's natural beauty to visitors."

Gov. Gianforte touring the construction site of the new state laboratory at MSU

Kicking off the day in Bozeman, Gov. Gianforte highlighted the recent groundbreaking at Montana State University (MSU) for a multi-use agricultural building.

The new state building will house the Montana Department of Livestock's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Montana Department of Agriculture's Analytical Lab, and the MSU Wool Lab. Funded through appropriations from the 2021 and 2023 legislative sessions, the future lab will conduct research to support Montana's farmers and ranchers and well as study new and emerging biosecurity and animal health.

"This building will take us several generations into the future," said Brent Roeder, MSU Extension Sheep Specialist. "At our lab, we are focused on value-added ag, just like the governor. Bringing the three labs together will create synergies for our producers and for future research. There's a lot of people who came together to make this possible, from the major ag groups to producers, and ultimately the legislature and the governor."

Promoting value-added agriculture to strengthen the ag industry is a signature element of the governor's Montana Comeback Plan.

Gov. Gianforte visiting Music Ranch Montana in Livingston with owner Frank Smith

Wrapping up the day in Park County, the governor visited Music Ranch Montana to highlight Montana's tourism and arts industries.

Established by Frank and Karen Smith, Music Ranch Montana is a live music venue and dance hall that hosts a number of events each year at its scenic barn in Paradise Valley.

"This vision I had was that the community needed a place for people who wanted to play music and listen to music could come together," owner, Frank Smith said. "It's evolved over the years, but that has always been the central idea, to support the community."

Last spring, working with the legislature, Gov. Gianforte delivered on his promise to help Montanans keep more of what they earn and encourage small business growth to provide the largest income tax cut in Montana history, cutting the income tax rate for Montanans at every income level.

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