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).

Publication Note:  Cattlemen’s Capitol Concerns will not publish on December 29.  CCC will return on Thursday, January 5, 2006.  Happy Holidays from NCBA and your CCC publishing team!

Cattlemen WTO Talks Report: NCBA Chief Economist Gregg Doud is back in Washington D.C. this week after the international World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations in Hong Kong. Doud reports: “It is quite clear from Hong Kong that trying to reach an agreement between 150 nations that actually meets U.S. cattle producers’ expectations will take a very long time. But it’s still imperative that we continue to push for better market access and reduced tariffs globally via these trade talks, no matter how long the process takes.”

Right now, the average global tariff on exported beef and beef products is at 85 percent. For U.S. beef to increase export market opportunities, such market access barriers must be lowered. “Clearly the most disappointing aspect of the Ministerial was the complete lack of any discussions on market access.” NCBA says some EU negotiators “seem to be clinging to an old-school mentality that supports high tariffs and barriers to entry.” Currently, the European Union’s (EU) bound tariff on beef imports is at 57 percent.

NCBA believes the U.S. effort in Hong Kong was a success in that the talks were not an utter failure. “We actually got an agreement out of Hong Kong, albeit an agreement that is really only in principle another agreement to keep talking,” says Doud. For more information on the U.S. Proposal for WTO Agriculture Negotiations, which NCBA supports, go to www.ustr.gov.

Feed Rule Comments:  NCBA submitted its comments this week on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed expansion to their feed rules designed to minimize even further the risk of BSE in the United States.  In summary, NCBA remains completely dedicated to following a science- and risk analysis-based program to prevent the introduction, amplification and spread of BSE.  NCBA believes more than 15 years of action, information and analysis – and in particular data from the expanded BSE surveillance program – indicate that no data exists to support the FDA altering the existing feed regulations.  NCBA references the results of USDA’s Expanded BSE Surveillance Program which, to date, has tested over half a million targeted animals at highest risk for BSE and has found only one confirmed case, evidence that our firewalls are working and the prevalence of this disease in the United States is extremely low.  The comments, posted as “RE:  Docket No. 2002N-0273, Substances Prohibited From Use in Animal Food or Feed,” are on our website at  http://www.beefusa.org/govecattlehealth.aspx or contact NCBA’s Washington office at 202-347-0228. 

Coarse Particulate Matter:  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its proposed rule December 21 for regulating coarse particulate matter (i.e. dust) under the Clean Air Act.  The proposal would regulate dust that is dominated by sources typically found in urban areas, such as resuspended dust from high-density traffic on paved roads, industrial sources, and construction activities.  The proposal would exclude from regulation dust dominated by windblown dust and soils and agricultural and mining sources. 

This issue is important to cattlemen because of dust produced by tilling soil, cattle romping in feedlots, planting crops, harvesting crops, driving on dirt roads, spreading of nutrients on fields, outdoor storage of bulk materials, and feed mixing.  Thanks to NCBA efforts, EPA has agreed to exclude agriculture dust from the standard at this time.  But NCBA remains concerned about implementation of the rule and where EPA plans to locate monitors to ensure that agriculture dust does not get caught up in the regulatory framework.

Under the Clean Air Act, dust may only be regulated if it is shown in scientific studies to cause substantial adverse health effects.  NCBA believes that the studies that have been reviewed for this effort do not meet the legal requirement for this finding, in rural or urban areas.  We have fought hard to convince the EPA to hold off on establishing a coarse PM standard until such evidence of adverse health effects is available.  In response to our concerns, EPA agreed to accept comments on not adopting a standard at this time.  The full text of the proposal can be found at: www.epa.gov/air/particles/actions.html. NCBA will draft comments on the proposal, and will assist affiliates and individual members in drafting comments as well.               

Cattlemen Urge Co-Sponsors on Manure Bill: NCBA is urging support for a bill that would exempt manure from regulation as a Superfund material.  H.R. 4341 was introduced November 17 by Reps. Ralph Hall (R-Texas) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and currently has 40 co-sponsors.

For cattlemen, this issue could have a tremendous impact. If opponents of animal agriculture are successful in their efforts to bring manure under Superfund regulations, any cattle producer that spreads manure on a pasture or provides it for use as a fertilizer could be subject to EPA's Superfund laws, originally intended to address hazardous and toxic industrial chemical spills.

Livestock operators should contact their members of Congress and convey that livestock manure is NOT a Superfund material and cattle operations are NOT Superfund sites.  Urge your member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 4341 to exempt manure from Superfund Regulations!  To contact representatives directly, producers can visit http://capwiz.com/beefusa, customize the letter provided, and send this message directly to their Member of Congress. 

New ESA Bill:  Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) introduced S. 2110, the Collaboration for the Recovery of the Endangered Species Act (CRESA) December 15.  This bill focuses on ESA improvements in terms of landowner conservation incentives.  While ESA reform remains one of the top priorities for NCBA and Public Lands Council members, it's still uncertain how a final bill in the Senate will take shape.  NCBA and PLC are urging their producer-members to support the efforts of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works lead by Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Ranking Member James Jeffords (I-Vt.) and the Environmental and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water lead by Chairman Lincoln Chaffee (R-R.I.) and Ranking Member Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.). 

Livestock producers should contact their Senators and communicate to them the importance introducing and supporting ESA reform legislation when Congress returns from recess.  Producers can visit http://capwiz.com/beefusa and craft a message to send directly to their Senators. 

Crowder Confirmation Hearings:  The Senate Finance Committee approved December 16 the confirmation of Richard Crowder to be the next Chief Agriculture Trade Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.  NCBA says Crowder brings extensive experience in the trade arena and an aggressive approach to trade negotiations consistent with NCBA producer-directed policies. 

ESAP Nominations:  Make your New Year’s resolution one that will reward a well-deserving cattle operation with national recognition for a job well-done! Nominate them for the 16th annual Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). Now is the time to acknowledge that local family that constantly gives back to the land, preserving our natural resources for the next generation. Anyone interesting in nominating a cattle producer or submitting an application can contact NCBA’s Washington D.C. office for a copy or download the application online at http://hill.beef.org/esap.

Convention Deadline Approaching Fast!:  The 2006 Cattle Industry Annual Convention & Trade Show will be held February 1-4, 2006 in Denver.  Once again, NCBA will host its informative General Session, Issues Forums, educational sessions, committee meetings and all-important Board meeting.  In addition, this year’s convention will include a dizzying agenda of social events and networking opportunities.  This is the time of year when NCBA’s producer-members gather to discuss our industry’s priority issues and determine policy for the coming year.  And we'll be celebrating NCBA's 10th Anniversary – ten years since the merger of the National Cattlemen's Association and the National Live Stock and Meat Board in 1996 which formed National Cattlemen's Beef Association.  Registration and hotel reservation deadline is January 6th!  For more information, visit our web site or contact NCBA’s Convention & Meetings Department at (303) 694-0305 between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. See you in Denver!

NCBA Career Fair at Convention: NCBA's Human Resources Department will host a Career Fair Booth at the 2006 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in the NCBA area of the Trade Show, Booth #2330.  The primary purpose of the Fair is to recruit for open positions at NCBA and in the cattle industry as a whole.  Convention attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth for career training tips and assistance in writing an effective cover letter and resume.  Industry groups, organizations, and producers are encouraged to contact NCBA with information about job openings so that the information can be included in trade show publications and listings.  The deadline to submit open positions to be included in the HR booth/Career Fair is Monday, January 23, 2006!  Please contact Erica Spiegle at espiegle@beef.org or 202-347-0228!

Don’t Miss the NCBA-PAC Silent Auction!:  The NCBA-PAC Silent Auction at the 2006 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show will feature distinctive items from all over the country.  Whether you are looking for unique gifts for family and friends or something special for you or your home, you are sure to find it here!  This year’s auction will feature signed vintage Jerry Palen Prints, and much more!  All proceeds benefit NCBA-PAC/PEF.  Auction items may be sent to Washington, D.C. or dropped off at Convention headquarters, Convention Center rooms 709-711, with an attached donation form.  If you have any questions or would like to donate an item to the Silent Auction please contact Erin Vincent at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org. 

Join Us for Team Penning!: Also at the upcoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show in Denver this February, NCBA-PAC/PEF will host our first-ever team penning competition!  The evening event will be held on Friday, February 3rd beginning at 6:30pm.  It will include the team penning finals, and a delicious steak fry dinner followed by a barn dance with live entertainment by James Lann and Branded, a talented up and coming country band from Texas.  The event is sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health. Space is limited so don’t forget to order tickets when pre-registering for the 2006 Convention.  NCBA Members are also encouraged to ride in the team penning which begins at 8:00am on Friday February 3rd.  All skill levels are welcome!  If you are interested in riding please contact Erin Vincent at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org.

Bull Offerings Keep Mooving Along for NCBA-PAC/PEF Auction:  NCBA’s PAC/PEF is excited to host its first ever all-breed bull auction! Held in conjunction with the 2006 Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, the bull sale will take place during the “exclusive trade show hours” on Thursday, February 2 at 2:00pm in booth #2400.  Attendees will be provided a detailed sale catalogue including pedigree, ultrasound data, and EPD information for each lot (where applicable). Don’t miss your chance to bid on some of the best beef genetics and seed stock in the nation while supporting NCBA-PAC! 

Pre-sale bids will be accepted on all lots.  If you are interested in making a pre-sale bid or bidding by phone at the time of the auction, please contact Erin Vincent to make the appropriate arrangements at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org.

Offerings to date include:

• Aristocrat Angus Ranch, Platteville, Colo.
• Coldwater Cattle Company, Holly Springs, Miss.
• Colyer Herefords, Bruneau, Idaho
• Ekker Hereford Ranch, Vernon, Utah
• Express Ranches, Yukon, Okla.
• Fink Beef Genetics, Manhattan, Kan.
• Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland Kan.
• Leachman Cattle of Colorado, Wellington, Colo
• Lyons Ranch, Manhattan, Kan.
• Marshall Cattle Company, Burlington, Colo.
• Mound Creek Ranch, Leona, Texas
• Southern Cattle Company, Marianna, Fla.
• Three Trees Ranch, Sharpsburg, Ga.

To make a donation please contact Erin Vincent at 202-347-0228 or evincent@beef.org.  Donations of seedstock and sale credits will be accepted until Friday, January 13, 2006.

BSE Surveillance:  USDA’s Enhanced BSE Surveillance Program continues having already tested over half million high-risk animals for BSE since June 1, 2004.  As of today, the program has tested 556,143 targeted animals at highest risk for BSE and has found only one confirmed case, evidence that our firewalls are working and the prevalence of this disease in the U.S. is extremely low.  Testing 268,500 animals can detect BSE at a rate of 1 in 10 million adult cattle at a 99 percent confidence level.

Congressional Schedule:  The Senate has recessed for the holidays, although the House could return to Washington for a final vote of the Fiscal year 2006 Defense Appropriations Bill.  The Senate is scheduled to return to Washington on January 3, 2006, and the House is expected to reconvene January 31.

Media Contact:
Tanya Augustson or Karen Batra at 202-347-0228; taugustson@beef.org or kbatra@beef.org