MISSOULA, MT - As Republicans face criticism over Donald Trump’s plan to import Argentinian beef at the expense of American farmers, Montana ranchers are lining up behind Matt Rains in his campaign for Montana’s first congressional district. 

“I am proud to earn the support of hardworking ranchers and farmers who are the backbone of Montana,” Rains said. “As reckless tariffs drive up costs for everyone, and this Administration puts Argentina before Americans, this isn’t a partisan issue—it’s about fighting for our way of life. Ryan Zinke is MIA.”

Rains, who announced his decision to run yesterday, is a fourth-generation Montana rancher and former Chief of Staff at the Montana Farmers Union. As Chief of Staff, he expanded support for family farms and ranches across the state, including helping to start the first USDA-certified meat-processing cooperative in Havre, MT so that producers could keep more of their hard-earned money.

“I support Matt Rains because he knows Montana agriculture, and he supports it wholeheartedly,” said Jenny Kahrl, a 30-year cattle rancher and former owner of Amsterdam Meat Shop. She also criticized the importing of Argentinian beef: “We need to support Montana’s agriculture and Montana’s beef, and American agriculture and American beef.”

Chuck Merja, who has been a rancher in the Sun River Valley for over 60 years, is also supporting Rains: “I watched Matt grow up on a ranch, go to West Point. His work with Montana’s Farmers Union has helped him see the plight of farmers and ranchers and how little congressional help we get. Zinke won’t lift a finger to help Montanans, whether its livestock or timber or anything else, and Matt already is. My wife, Stephanie, and I endorse Matt Rains for Congress.”

“Montana has twice as many cows as humans,” said Chuck. “Zinke represents neither.”

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