Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Diehl Ranch Co. in East Helena to discuss the impact of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies on the state’s agriculture industry.

“For too long, Montana producers have had to pay taxes on equipment that sits around for most of the year, and it just doesn’t make any sense,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To protect the bottom lines of our hardworking ag families, we tripled the business equipment tax exemption, allowing producers to grow their operations and create more good-paying Montana jobs.”

After hearing from agricultural producers across the state, Gov. Gianforte worked with the Montana Legislature to triple the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 to $300,000 through his Business Investment Grows (BIG) Jobs Act.

The tax reform measure removed over 3,400 businesses around the state from the burden of the business equipment tax. 

Mark Diehl, the owner of Diehl Ranch Co., told the governor how the BIG Jobs Act has helped the Diehl family invest in its operation.

“Ag producers rely on expensive, complex equipment and machinery throughout the year to get the job done. This tax reform measure by Governor Gianforte is a huge help to our operation and the ag industry,” Diehl said.

During the tour, the governor reiterated his desire to continue working with the Montana Legislature to further reduce the burden of the business equipment.