BOZEMAN, MT — A select group of ranchers, stockers, feeders and other industry stakeholders met for a grassroots forum designed to build consensus on issues facing the livestock industry.
Representing the Common Ground Coalition over 30 cattlemen and women from Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and California met April 19-21, 2026 in Reno, NV, to identify goals and solutions that apply to all sectors of the cattle/beef industry chain.
“The overarching goal is to make it feasible for the next generation to get into this business,” J.M. Peck, a cattle rancher from Melrose and District 2 Director for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation said. “Whether someone is taking over a multi-generational ranch or entering as a first-generation producer, we need to facilitate that transition. The average age of the American rancher is over 60; we need young people to keep this industry vibrant and continue providing a great protein source for the world.”…