[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.

                          ____________________