Bring a Strong Message and Cattlemen Will Respond

By John Queen, NCBA President-elect

Click here for a photo of John Queen

I recently had the privilege of touring several Southeastern states, speaking with cattle producers all the way from the Atlantic Coast to Louisiana. You could not help but be impressed by the independent spirit of these farmers and ranchers. Many were still rebuilding from last year’s horrific hurricane season. And this summer’s severe drought, along with record-high fuel prices, have made hay, feed, and other necessities very hard to come by.

Yet even through all of this hardship, the overpowering message from these cattlemen is one of hope and optimism. These are men and women determined to pass successful, profitable cattle operations to the next generation.

I was also impressed by the realization of many of these families that no matter how independent and resourceful cattlemen may be, there are many things we can never accomplish alone. To preserve this proud tradition and great way of life, cattlemen must pull together to build the kind of business climate that allows us to be successful and profitable.

As I always tell the cattlemen that I meet, I choose to be an active member of NCBA because NCBA works hard every day to mobilize our voice. We cannot be faceless constituents to the Washington power brokers. When decisions are made that affect our bottom line, we absolutely need a seat at the table.

This begins with our active involvement in the upcoming elections. This year’s successful candidates will be making policy decisions that will impact the cattle industry for many years to come. Once these leaders are chosen, we can’t simply assume they know which issues are important to cattlemen.

Each of us needs to reach out to our members of Congress, to seek positive action on such issues as drought relief, clarifying agriculture’s exemption from Superfund regulations, and the 2007 Farm Bill. We need to work with Congress on conservation programs that recognize the need for environmental stewardship, while also keeping the land active and productive for cattle producers.

Cattlemen also face many challenges on the regulatory front. We could be on a collision course with the EPA regarding the regulation of agricultural dust — restrictions that could truly threaten our livelihood. Every day we must deal with activist forces that do not recognize or appreciate the value of agriculture to America’s economy and rural way of life. It’s a battle that cattlemen will surely lose if we do not speak with a strong and unified voice.

International trade is yet another policy area in which cattlemen face many obstacles and challenges. NCBA stands for free, fair, and reliable trade, and for improving and expanding access for U.S. beef in overseas markets. This includes dramatic reduction in tariffs and other trade barriers that keep our product off dinner tables in many foreign countries. Whether it’s the World Trade Organization talks, a bi-lateral trade agreement or the impact of our own Farm Bill on international trade, cattlemen need the kind of active and effective representation that only NCBA can deliver.

Of course, the strength of NCBA’s voice depends on its membership, and on that front I am very encouraged. Across the nation, more and more cattlemen are seeing the value of participating in a member-driven organization where every voice matters.

Nationally, NCBA membership has risen about 8 percent over the past year. In certain regions, the news is even better. In NCBA Region II, comprised of eight Southeastern states, membership has increased 75 percent in the course of just one year. Membership is up over 20 percent in the Southwest (Region VI) and almost 10 percent in the Northeast (Region I).

This kind of solid membership growth shows that cattlemen are responding to NCBA’s positive message of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. It’s exactly the kind of growth cattlemen need to make our trade association stronger and more effective. It’s important to not only join the organization, but also to participate actively by shaping the industry’s policy discussion and overall direction.

One of your best opportunities to do so is coming up soon at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn. This event will be held Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 2007, at the Opryland Hotel. Early registration is open now and continues through Jan. 5.

Why participate in the Annual Convention? There’s simply no better opportunity to learn about the issues affecting your cattle operation and to leave your personal footprint on the policy direction of the U.S. cattle industry. You will also have the opportunity to review and discuss all programs funded by the beef checkoff, and to learn more about the industry’s continuing efforts to drive beef demand through promotion, research, and education.