Cattlemen Applaud Selection of Mike Johanns

Washington, D.C. (December 2, 2004) – America’s cattlemen are excited to receive news that President Bush is nominating Governor Mike Johanns of Nebraska to be Secretary of Agriculture. 

“Governor Johanns was born and raised on a cattle operation and knows first-hand the needs of producers and rural communities,” says Jan Lyons, a Kansas cattle producer and president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “He has served six years as governor of one of our nation’s largest cattle-producing states, and we’re enthusiastic about working with him.”

During his tenure as governor, Mike Johanns focused on many key agriculture issues including tax reform, trade, drought relief and value-added incentives for agriculture.  Johanns’ long list of accomplishments has provided real benefits for ag producers in Nebraska and nationwide. 

“These are all key issues for America’s beef producers, and we’re grateful to have a nominee with such passion in these areas,” says NCBA Chief Executive Officer Terry Stokes.  “Governor Johanns has worked in the past to develop polices to help producers. We’re confident that as Secretary of Agriculture, he will continue this work in the future.”

“Mike Johanns is an excellent choice to be Ag Secretary,” says Chandler Keys, NCBA vice president of government affairs. “He’ll be able to hold his own with Washington’s policy-makers, while providing producers across the country with leadership at the USDA.”

~ visit our web sites at www.beefusa.org or http://hill.beef.org  ~

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.