2006 CCC Archive
Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns ~ December 14, 2006
The Cattlemen’s Capitol Concerns (CCC) is a weekly report from Washington, D.C., giving an up-to-date summary of top policy initiatives concerning the cattle industry; direct from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Please feel free to reprint.
Congress Passes Vietnam PNTR: Congress approved permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) for Vietnam last weekend before adjourning. The Vietnam measure was considered as part of an omnibus trade and tax bill, and passed the House by a vote of 212-184 on December 8. The Senate voted 79-9 to approve the bill very early Saturday morning, December 9.
Passage of the legislation paves the way for the U.S. to benefit from Vietnam's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). Vietnam and the United States signed a WTO accession deal May 31, and we believe their official entry into the WTO could come in early January 2007. For cattlemen, the U.S. has negotiated a lucrative bilateral market access package with Vietnam. Under the terms of the agreement, approximately three-quarters of U.S. agricultural exports to Vietnam – including beef – will have duties reduced to 15 percent or less, while Vietnam will gain no greater access to the U.S. market. Vietnam was roughly a $9.8 million market for U.S. beef and beef variety meats in 2005 after reopening its market in November 2004.
NCBA Calls for Timeframe and Plan of Action on South Korea: In a letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab today, NCBA asked for U.S. officials to negotiate “as an immediate step” a new agreement with Korea “based upon scientifically-recognized principles that allows for commercially viable trade of beef to begin.” NCBA also asked Schwab for a detailed plan of action and timeline that will give beef producers more realistic expectations of Korea as a potential marketplace. Korea’s rejection of three recent beef shipments and vague policies over bone chips have hurt the trading relationship between the two countries and has jeopardized U.S.-Korea free trade negotiations. “The terms of trade agreed to by both parties should be binding,” says NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt. “Korea must be held accountable to the promises they make.”
Senators Vow to Block South Korea FTA Over Beef Trade Issue: Seven key senators said this week they will work to oppose the free trade agreement being negotiated between the United States and South Korea if that country refuses to ease restrictions on U.S. beef exports. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Jim Talent (R-Mo.) have vowed that if South Korea does not resume buying U.S. beef and accept a bone tolerance for future shipments, they would work to oppose an overall free trade agreement with South Korea.
In related developments, the same seven Senators, on behalf of the Senate Ag Committee, penned a letter December 13 to U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns asking for a suspension in FTA negotiations “until exports of U.S. beef resume and both countries agree on reasonable and fair bone tolerance levels for future shipments.” The letter says, “We are not confident that continued negotiations will ultimately produce an agreement of fair, balanced or commercially meaningful consequence…We cannot reward bad behavior and must stand behind farmers and ranchers in the United States who produce the safest, highest quality product the world has to offer.”
Producers Urged to Express Their Frustrations Over Korean Trade Impasse! Cattle producers across the country are urged to send letters to the White House letting President Bush know first-hand the frustration felt about South Korea continuing to reject shipments of U.S. beef. NCBA members can visit http://capwiz.com/beefusa to customize a personal letter to the White House.
Action at Swift Plants Underscores Need for Immigration Reform: In media interviews this week, NCBA said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigations at Swift plants this week send a clear message to Congress that growing immigration problems must be addressed. “Employers within the beef industry and elsewhere need meaningful immigration reform that both strengthens border security and creates an efficient and effective guest worker program,” says NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt. “We hope the events of this week serve as a strong reminder to the incoming Congress that this is a priority issue for America’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors.”
On Tuesday, December 12, ICE investigators entered all of the beef processing plants and roughly 77 percent of the pork processing facilities of Swift & Company and conducted employee interviews for the purposes of identifying illegal workers. Production was halted while the interviews took place, but all plants were operational again as of December 13.
NCBA policy supports immigration reform legislation that both strengthens border security and creates a temporary worker program that does not extend preferential treatment with regard to qualification for Legal Permanent Resident status. NCBA supports efforts to permanently eliminate the “catch and release” system that allows apprehended illegal immigrants from countries other than Mexico to go free with a notice to appear for deportation hearings in the future.
National Conference on Grazing Lands: NCBA Director of Legislative Affairs Stacey Katseanes and NCBA President and Missouri cattleman Mike John were in St. Louis this week for the Third National Conference on Grazing Lands, December 10-13. The conference was hosted by the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, of which NCBA is a member (for more information, visit www.glci.org).
Mike addressed the group on December 12 at the “Missouri Night” banquet. Stacey moderated a session entitled: “Cooperative Conservation, Communication, and Partnerships: Working for Environmentally Sound and Sustainable Cattle Operations.” The panelists were all past winners of the Environmental Stewardship Awards Program (ESAP), and included: George Work of the Work Family Ranch, San Miguel, Cal.; Dave Petty of the Iowa River Ranch, Union, Iowa; Dick McElhaney of McElhaney Stock Farms, Hookstown, Penn.; and Asa Phillips of Wakefield Farms, Hartwell, Ga.
“Natural” Claims: NCBA staff Leah Wilkinson and Jason Jordan attended a public listening session December 11 at USDA to discuss the meat marketing claim for “naturally raised livestock.” USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced last month that the USDA is considering the development of a voluntary standard to address production practices associated with the term “naturally raised” for livestock. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will carefully consider the comments submitted during listening sessions to determine if a standard should be officially defined. If so, AMS will issue a proposal in the Federal Register which will be subject to comments before it is final. Three listening sessions are being held to provide for public input. Future sessions are scheduled for January 17 in Denver, and January 18 in Seattle. For more information, visit the AMS Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg.
In related news, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is considering a petition to establish a definition for the voluntary claim "natural," and is gathering comments from industry stakeholders on how the claim should be allowed to be used on the labels of meat and poultry products. The petition is available for viewing on the FSIS web site at www.fsis.usda.gov. Comments on this notice are welcome and may be submitted either through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov or electronically to FSIS.RegulationsComments@usda.gov. FSIS will consider oral and written comments received before proceeding with any regulatory changes to address the petition.
The 109th Congress Has Adjourned: The 110th Congress is scheduled to convene at noon on January 4, 2007.
von Eschenbach Confirmed as FDA Commissioner: Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., was confirmed by the Senate December 7 as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). von Eschenbach has served as the Acting Commissioner since September 2005 when former commissioner Lester Crawford resigned. von Eschenbach was previously the director of the National Cancer Institute.
This December, Gift Someone with an ESAP Nomination: The holidays are upon us, a time when we are supposed to be thinking of others. What better time to pull together a nomination for the 2007 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP)? Think of those deserving ranching families that give back to the environment day in and day out.
Give the gift of appreciation by nominating a U.S. cattle producer who deserves national recognition for a job well done. Seven regional winners and one national winner are honored each year for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. ESAP was established in 1991 by NCBA and is made possible by the generous support of Dow AgroSciences, LLC, and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Remember, these nomination applications take some time to complete, and the final nomination forms are due on March 17, 2007. Any organization, group, or individual can submit a nomination on behalf of a U.S. cattle producer. Go to www.beefusa.org/esap or contact NCBA’s Washington, D.C. office to request the application at 202-347-0228.
Look Forward to Seeing Y'all in Nashville! Preparations are underway for the 2007 Cattle Industry Annual Convention & Trade Show, January 31-February 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. This annual event brings together thousands of cattle producers from all across the nation. Convention highlights include: Cattlemen's College® (Sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health), Cattle-Fax Annual Outlook Seminar, and our Beef Industry Issues Forums. Attendees can also attend events supporting NCBA’s Political Action Committee (NCBA-PAC) and honoring the winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP).
Go to www.beefusa.org to get updated program information and for instructions on how to register. The deadline for pre-registrations, including ticket additions or changes, is January 5. After January 6, attendees must register on-site and pay the higher registration fees.
Participate in Policy Development at the 2007 Cattle Industry Convention: Your Voice Counts! If you have an opinion about the issues and policies that affect your cattle operation, speak your mind at the 2007 Cattle Industry Annual Convention & Trade Show, January 31-February 3 in Nashville. Remember, Friday, February 2 is the day for all NCBA Policy Subcommittee and Committee Meetings. Those involved in the cattle industry are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in the decision-making that shapes NCBA’s agenda for the coming year. These committee meetings are open to all meeting participants:
- NCBA Agriculture Policy Committee: The committee will be discussing the results of the 2006 elections and how they will affect agriculture policy in Congress. We will continue to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill and finalize our interim policy that was passed at Summer Conference. Updates on issues such as immigration and animal activism will also be given.
- NCBA Cattle Health and Well Being Committee: Please join our Committee to get an update on the latest animal health issues being considered by USDA, FDA, and in Congress.
- NCBA Federal Lands Committee: The committee will consider federal lands resource issues and hear from decision-makers about current issues across the West and in Washington, D.C.
- NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee: Discussions will focus on the latest factors impacting cattle marketing including the outlook for cattle markets and the status of USDA's comprehensive cattle industry marketing study. The committee will also discuss strategies for addressing potential Farm Bill legislation that will arise regarding marketing issues.
- NCBA Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee: As we prepare for the 2007 Farm Bill, we will discuss conservation programs from the 2002 Farm Bill and conservation goals for future farm policy. Learn the latest on the EPA’s efforts to regulate coarse particulate matter (dust) that may affect agriculture operations, the status of the Clean Water Act CAFO Rule, and where we are on our efforts to define that manure is not a hazardous substance under Superfund.
- NCBA Tax and Credit Committee: The committee will be working on continued priorities to eliminate taxes that reduce the profitability of cattle operations in the United States. Permanent repeal of the Death Tax and other issues will be on the agenda to ensure that NCBA is positioned and prepared for activity in the 110th Congress.
- NCBA Joint International Markets Committee: Get the latest update on all the trade issues affecting our industry, including World Trade Organization and free trade agreement negotiations, NCBA's continued efforts to get U.S. beef back into international markets, and the outlook for U.S. beef exporters into the future. Also, the U.S. Meat Export Federation will discuss their programs overseas to reestablish U.S. beef and beef products in our key markets.
After the policy committees meet, the Resolutions Committee will compile all final resolutions from cattle producers. On Saturday, February 3, the NCBA Board of Directors Meeting takes place, and then it’s time for the NCBA Annual Membership Meeting. This event is especially important for cattle producers and is open to all registered attendees. NCBA voting members will have the opportunity to approve or modify new policies on Policy Division matters approved by the Policy Division Board. Your voice and your vote make a difference in the outcome of this meeting!
NCBA-PAC Preparing for Convention Events: NCBA has planned a wide array of events at our upcoming Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville. Show your support for NCBA-PAC/PEF. Help us support political candidates that support cattlemen, and have fun in Nashville all at the same time!
- NCBA-PAC/PEF Silent Auction
Wednesday, January 31 – Saturday, February 3
Trade Show Booth #2330
Support your PAC while bidding on a wide variety of unique items from all over the country. Past items have included tropical vacations, wild game hunts, handmade leather goods, and framed western prints. Whether you are looking for special gifts for friends and family or that perfect piece for your home, you are sure to find it at the NCBA-PAC/PEF Silent Auction. If you have an item that you would like to donate to the Silent Auction please contact Erin Vincent at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org.
- Second Annual All Breed Bull Auction &
Cattlemen’s Auctioneer Championship Contest
Wednesday, January 31, 7:30-8:30pm
Trade Show Welcome Reception Booth #1270
Held in conjunction with the Trade Show Welcome Reception, the NCBA-PAC/PEF all-breed bull auction will feature bulls, semen and sale credits from some of the nation’s best breeders. Attendees will be provided with Pedigree, Ultra Sound data and E.P.D. Information (where applicable), for all lots. Proceeds from the auction will benefit NCBA-PAC/PEF. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation to the NCBA-PAC/PEF Bull Auction, please contact Erin Vincent at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org.
This year’s auction will also play host to the 1st Annual Cattlemen’s Auctioneer Championship Contest featuring some of the nation’s best auctioneering talent vying for the title of Champion Auctioneer! To nominate your favorite auctioneer please contact Clay Edwards at 303-850-3380 or cedwards@beef.org.
- PAC/PEF Night at the Wildhorse Saloon with Tracy Byrd
Friday, February 2; 7:00pm-11:00pm
The Wildhorse Saloon – Downtown Nashville (transportation provided)
Sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health
Ticket Price: $75 per adult / $35 per child under the age of 12
Join us in the heart of Music City, just blocks from famous Music Row. The Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville’s #1 destination for dining and entertainment features a famous dance floor often seen live on Country Music Television, and award winning cuisine. Buses will provide transportation to and from all Convention hotels to downtown Nashville where we have reserved the entire club for the evening! Don’t forget to come hungry; the Wildhorse Saloon will serve a barbeque brisket buffet dinner with their award winning barbeque sauce that is guaranteed to make your taste buds break into a two step! After dinner, hit the dance floor with one of country music’s best loved artists, Tracy Byrd.
For more information on NCBA’s upcoming PAC events, contact Erin Vincent in NCBA’s Washington office at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org.
Media Contact:
Tanya Augustson Camarra or Karen Batra at 202-347-0228, tacamarra@beef.org or kbatra@beef.org.
This publication is funded by cattle producers and other industry supporters through their voluntary membership contributions to NCBA. To join the tens of thousands of cattle producers from across the U.S. in working to preserve our legacy, contact NCBA Member Services at 1-866-BEEF-USA or Membership@beef.org.