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Senate Ag Committee backs Jillian Street for Montana Department of Agriculture director
Summary
The Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee held a confirmation hearing for Jillian Street and, after testimony from industry groups and questioning about local food strategies and tariffs, voted in executive action to recommend SR 79 'do pass' to confirm her as director.
Chairman Archer Gillespie opened the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee hearing on Senate Resolution 79, the governor's nomination of Jillian Street to lead the Department of Agriculture.
Street, a family farmer and agribusiness owner, told the committee she intends to be “the voice of innovation in Montana agriculture,” citing export experience and local value‑added projects such as a farm‑to‑table store in Chester. Chris Haggam, chief of staff to the governor, and representatives of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Grain Growers and other industry groups testified in strong support, praising her outreach, trade work and commitment to farmers and ranchers.
Committee members pressed Street on priorities. Senator Newman asked whether the department has concrete targets for increasing Montana‑grown food consumed in state; Street said she has ideas — working with school districts and local supply chains — but has not yet finalized a formal plan, noting she has been in office only a short time and is actively developing goals. Street also described how her business adjusted to a sudden tariff in 2018, saying the experience shaped her focus on market diversification.
Supporters emphasized Street’s early engagement with agency staff and her focus on rural community revitalization and value‑added production. Louis Johnson, introduced as Street’s brother, offered a personal endorsement. Anna Keckshe, the Department of Agriculture’s general counsel, told the committee that Street had already begun meeting agency staff and integrating into the department.
After public testimony and committee discussion, the panel moved into executive action. A motion to recommend SR 79 'do pass' was made and the committee recorded ayes; the executive action on SR 79 was closed with the committee moving Street’s confirmation forward.
The committee did not set a floor date; the matter will proceed to the next steps in the Senate confirmation process.
