HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-20 Public Comment - R. Wiedenheft - Critical Role of Farm and Ranch Retailers in COVID-19 ResponseFrom:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Critical Role of Farm and Ranch Retailers in COVID-19 Response
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2020 8:39:10 AM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 8:15 AMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Critical Role of Farm and Ranch Retailers in COVID-19 Response
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Rick UngersmaSite Visitor Email: rungersma@murdochs.com
Dear Mayor Mehl:
We are writing to ensure the continued operation of local farm and ranch retail stores, which help to sustain thecountry’s food supply.
The current pandemic is creating challenging circumstances that require difficult decisions to limit the spread ofCOVID-19. In addition to limiting social and commercial activity to “the essential,” some states, cities, and countieshave ordered all citizens to “shelter in place.”
At such a time, we want to help you understand the unique role played by local farm and ranch retailers. Thesestores meet the local needs of farmers and ranchers who contribute to the national food supply chain that sustains thehealth and well-being of all Americans.
For example, Murdoch’s operates 34 stores to serve the essential needs of farmers and ranchers throughoutMontana, and in Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nebraska. In doing so, our annual sales and supply of feed,medication, and supplements necessary for healthy livestock indicate that small and large operations depend upontheir local farm and ranch retailers. Grocery stores and other retailers generally do not carry the supplies that ahealthy farm animal population requires.
Even a temporary interruption in our industry’s operations would jeopardize the local and nationwide supply ofbasic, healthy, and inexpensive food for millions of families. We trust you do not want your decisions in response toCOVID-19 to contribute to a different disaster.
So we need your support and commitment to exempt farm and ranch retailers like Murdoch’s from current andfuture limits on commerce and social activity that might be required by the coronavirus pandemic.
If we can answer any questions or assist you in your support of our industry, please contact me at my number/emailbelow.
Sincerely,
Rick Ungersma
President and CEO
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply
rungersma@murdochs.com(406) 587-5846