BILLINGS - A huge part of Montana's economy is based on agriculture and ranching. An annual convention was held in Billings Friday and Saturday to address issues that matter most to that sector of our population.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association holds their annual meeting every year here in Billings. They gather to discuss policy issues and matters that affect ranchers in everything from farming to live-stock. About 500 people turned out this year to have their voices heard.
They discussed everything from the price of beef, to brucellosis, and public access to streams and rivers in the state.
Bryan Mussard is on a board of directors for the organization and he says they oppose that access, "Most land-owners are against it. Ninety percent of the streams and rivers in Montana, every one can access them. So we feel like we don't need more access, there are plenty of them out there and people want to use them without asking".
Eric Moore, a retiring member of the Southeastern Board of Directors says brucellosis is one of the biggest issues facing ranchers today. "We're now working to be pro-active on how to move forward and address the issue of brucellosis in the Yellowstone National Park population of bison and elk; mainly how to get the last reservoir of brucellosis, which is one of the last in the North American continent, controlled and eradicated".
Officials with the organization say strategies for getting rid of brucellosis include controlling the population of bison in Yellowstone National Park so that way they don't venture out of the park and spread the disease to Montana cattle. Also high on the list is working on treatment and vaccinations.