HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-20 Correspondence - Murdoch's essential work 1
M arch 24, 2020 6Y �A
The Honorable Chris Mehl WELCOME
Mayor of Bozeman, MT
City Hall--Commission Room
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Mayor Mehl:
We are writing to ensure the continued operation of local farm and ranch retail stores, which help
to sustain the country's food supply.
The current pandemic is creating challenging circumstances that require difficult decisions to limit
the spread of COVID-19. In addition to limiting social and commercial activity to "the essential,"
some states,cities, and counties have 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.These stores meet the local needs of farmers and ranchers who contribute to the national
food supply chain that sustains the health and well-being of all Americans.
For example, Murdoch's operates 34 stores to serve the essential needs of farmers and ranchers
throughout Montana, 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 upon their local farm and ranch retailers. Grocery stores and other
retailers generally do not carry the supplies that a healthy farm animal population requires.
Even a temporary interruption in our industry's operations would jeopardize the local and
nationwide supply of basic, healthy, and inexpensive food for millions of families. We trust you do
not want your decisions in response to COVID-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
and future 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/email below.
Sincerely,
Rick Ungersma Home Office
President and CEO 2311 North 7th Ave.
rungersma@murdochs.com Bozeman,MT 59715
(406)587-5846 Phone:406.587.5846
murdochs.com