By Jamie Martin
Senator Sheehy organized the Common Ground Summit in partnership with the Livestock Marketing Association to address pressing challenges in American agriculture, with a strong focus on the beef industry. The meeting highlighted the need to support ranchers, maintain national food security, and ensure effective livestock policies.
Senator Sheehy emphasized the importance of lowering input costs and supporting profitability for ranchers. He noted, “Montana ranchers have made clear they will oppose any plan to flood the American market with foreign beef.” The summit underscored the risks of foreign-owned meat packers controlling the food supply and the need to break monopolies to strengthen American food security.
Discussions highlighted that consumer affordability and rancher support are achievable together. Sheehy stated that providing a pro-growth environment allows ranchers to expand operations, capture more value, and supply high-quality, affordable beef. The summit emphasized practical policy steps to ensure American ranchers remain central to the livestock industry while protecting families at grocery stores.
Food security was a key theme throughout. The senator pointed out that feeding the nation is an essential part of national security, likening it to sectors such as technology and energy. He praised leadership efforts aimed at protecting American agriculture and supporting producers.
Participants included Senators Steve Daines, Cynthia Lummis, John Boozman, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jim Risch, Pete Ricketts, Deb Fischer, John Hoeven, and Representatives Barry Moore, Dave Taylor, Adam Gray, and Harriet Hageman. The summit provided a platform for collaborative discussion, ensuring American ranchers remain at the heart of policy and the national food supply.
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Categories: National