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BOZEMAN - Congressman Denny Rehberg was in friendly political company for a discussion session with top officials of the Montana Farm Bureau Wednesday afternoon.

The small group spoke for about an hour on a range of hot button issues. Many of these, like the recently passed healthcare reform bill and stimulus package, were not directly related to agriculture but a consistent theme ran throughout.

The typically conservative federation agreed with Rehberg in wanting lower government spending and fewer federal regulations.

When the conversation moved to agriculture, the same concerns were raised. Federation members hope for a repeal of the Montana estate tax, which charges a fee on land passed down through inheritance.

"If you love the estate tax...then you must love subdivisions," said Federation Executive Vice President, Jake Cummins. The group said those inheriting many local farms and ranches can't afford to keep them, and are forced to sell it off in parcels.

"If the environmental community would come together and help us with the estate tax, we could keep these ranches together so they don't end up being subdivided," Rehberg said.

The Congressman also told the federation he was working hard on changes to the Endangered Species Act to allow Montana wolves to be taken back off the list.

Rehberg's Democratic opponent in the November election, Dennis McDonald, did not immediately return a call for comment.