[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 46 (Thursday, March 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING WINNETT ACES

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2019

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of 
Winnett ACES for leading efforts to encourage economic growth, 
revitalize their community, and protect its future.
   Concerned about the decreasing population of rural America, Winnett 
ACES (Agricultural and Community Enhancement and Sustainability) formed 
in 2016 to strengthen its community so that future generations will 
live, work, and raise their families there.
   The group's first program to take off was Winnett Beef in the 
School, which serves locally-raised beef to the local K-12 school 
system. Led by local producer Charlie Ahlgren, area ranchers made a 
three-year commitment to donate beef, about four cows per year, to the 
program. Other volunteers helped cut and deliver the fresh product. 
Within three months, the program had successfully launched, saving 
money for the schools to use on other education priorities.
   Winnett ACES is also leading a revitalization project to build a 
community center. Land has been donated, and grant money awarded to 
design the center, which will accommodate 300 people.
   Another project, known as grass banking, is underway after a 
feasibility study produced the program's guidelines. Local ranchers and 
landowners lease their lands for summer grazing in exchange for 
conservation work. Seven individuals will each graze 100 or more cattle 
when the program launches this spring.
   These projects are a few of the inventive approaches Winnett ACES is 
taking to strengthen its community.
   Madam Speaker, for their innovative efforts to bolster their 
community's future, I recognize the members of Winnett ACES for their 
spirit of Montana.

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