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House Ag committee advances bill allowing goat producers to opt into county predator-control assessments
Summary
The House Agriculture Committee voted to pass House Bill 767, which would let goat owners opt into existing county predator-control funding schemes used by sheep and cattle producers. Supporters said predation — especially by coyotes — causes major livestock losses; the bill does not create a mandatory tax.
The House Agriculture Committee advanced House Bill 767 on a voice vote, a measure that would allow goat producers to opt into county-level predator-control assessments that currently apply to sheep and cattle.
Representative Julie Darling, sponsor of the bill, told the committee she brought the measure at the request of livestock producers. "This bill is…seeking additional sources for predator control funding," Representative Julie Darling said, noting the proposal would add goats into current statute covering predator control assessments.
Supporters framed the bill as a tool for producers to finance predator-control programs that reduce livestock losses. "Working with sheep and goat producers, you'll hear the same thing over and over. We need more predator control," Ms. Michaels of the Montana Wool Growers Association told the committee. She…
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