Senate Agriculture committee confirms governor's appointees to hail, livestock and veterinary boards

At a Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee hearing, members moved by voice vote to confirm a slate of the governor's nominees to four state boards overseeing hail insurance, livestock loss reimbursement, livestock policy and veterinary licensing.

The approvals came after short introductions from nominees, remarks from agency and industry proponents and committee questions about program priorities. Committee Chair Gillespie closed discussion and the committee took unanimous voice votes, with several senators recorded voting by proxy as “yes.”

The nominees and confirmations Vince Mattson and Bing Von Bergen were confirmed to the Montana State Hail Board (Senate Resolution 19). Both described long farming backgrounds; Mattson said he farms north of Chester and grows wheat, chickpeas, lentils, canola and mustard, and asked to continue his work on the board. Bing Von Bergen said he farms north of Moccasin and co-owns Heartland Seed Company. Proponents included a representative of the governor's office and the Department of Agriculture, Montana Farm Bureau Federation and Montana Grain Growers.

John Samsel was confirmed to the Livestock Loss Board (Senate Resolution 34). Samsel, a cattle and sheep producer from Judith Basin County, told the committee he has attended recent meetings and emphasized the board's role in responding to producer losses from predators such as grizzly bears. The Department of Livestock, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Farm Bureau and wool- and sheep-producer organizations rose in support.

Frederick “Eric” Moore was confirmed to the…