TRIBUTE TO FRED WACKER

TRIBUTE TO FRED WACKER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1665] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO FRED WACKER Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Fred Wacker of Miles City, MT. Agriculture is Montana's No. 1 economic driver, and the hard work of farmers and ranchers in the Treasure State puts food on table for families across Montana and the Nation. Fred Wacker, a third generation Montana rancher, has dedicated his life to this cause. For 30 years, Fred has operated Cross Four Ranch in Custer and Rosebud Counties as a cow, yearling, and finished cattle operation. His family helps support the ranch and specializes in all natural cattle. Fred's steak also helped lift China's 14-year ban on American beef. I hand-delivered several steaks made from Cross Four Ranch beef to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on a trip to China in 2017, and shortly after, the ban was lifted. Several years later, Fred and I stood side by side at the White House as President Trump signed a historic deal with Japan to decrease tariffs on U.S. beef, thanks to Fred's advocacy on the issue. Not only has Fred's operation made a difference in Montana, it has made an international impact by helping expand market access for American farmers across the globe. In addition to managing his ranch, Fred advocated on behalf of Montana ranchers through the Montana Stockgrowers Association and served his community on the Custer County Water and Sewer District Board, the Custer County Planning Board, and as president of the Miles City Kiwanis. Fred Wacker has devoted his life to helping Montana agriculture thrive, and the country is better thanks to Fred's hard work. It is my distinct honor to recognize Fred Wacker as this month's awardee for America's 250 Montana Innovators Series for his dedication to his community and Montana. Folks like Fred Wacker help make Montana the Last Best Place. ____________________