Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns
January 11, 2007

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.

President Declares Emergency Federal Aid for Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska:  The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal aid has been made available to supplement state and local response efforts in the areas struck by record snowfalls.  Declarations were made for counties in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.

In a letter to President Bush last week, NCBA President and Missouri cattleman Mike John requested federal assistance for ranchers suffering from impacts of recent snow and ice storms. “As a first step in providing assistance, we ask that all areas impacted by these storms immediately receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration,” John wrote.  FEMA assistance provides for snow removal and “protection of life and property.”  NCBA is still actively working with government leaders to secure additional assistance for ag producers.

Weather Update:  Over the past month, winter storms dumped as much as three feet of snow and ice across major portions of the High Plains trapping tens-of-thousands of cattle without food or relief from the cold.  At press time, an Arctic cold front is expected to bring extreme temperatures and threats of more snow and ice to Colorado, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

Disaster Relief Effort Helping High Plains Cattlemen:  The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) is accepting tax-deductible contributions for its disaster relief fund in an effort to provide aid for cattlemen hit by the recent blizzards.  In cooperation with NCBA and state and local cattlemen’s associations, the NCF is accepting monetary donations, one hundred percent of which will be distributed to cattlemen in need. Cattlemen can also assist with the effort by offering to donate hay, trucking, and use of equipment. 

To contribute or get more information, contact NCBA’s Membership Department at 866-BEEF-USA (233-3872) or visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

South Korea Free Trade Agreement:  The sixth round of bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) talks is scheduled to begin in Seoul on January 15.  Trade insiders say agriculture is not likely to be discussed as a top priority at this time.  However, U.S. officials continue to insist that South Korea resume trade in U.S. beef before the United States will agree to support a FTA.  To take advantage of fast-track authority, FTA talks must be concluded before the end of March, so negotiators are running out of time to resolve the beef trade dispute.   Senate leaders have promised to oppose the FTA if South Korea refuses to resume beef trade.

Nelson Warns of Sanctions Legislation if Korean Situation Doesn’t Improve:  In a statement earlier this week, Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) warned that Korea’s latest practices against U.S. beef may warrant retaliation. 

“There is no doubt that U.S. beef is the best and safest in the world, yet occasionally some of our trading partners work up unfair tactics or even excuses to ban shipments outright…Most of us in beef country are suspicious that these actions are blatant trade protectionism seeking to keep American beef out of their market,” said Nelson. 

“It’s a frustrating situation that may unfortunately require retaliation to end it. I have been in touch with South Korea’s Ambassador and I have stressed to him that I am fully prepared to introduce a bill to provide trade sanctions against South Korea if they don’t end the unfair practices against U.S. beef.  I believe I have the necessary support in the Senate to pursue trade sanctions if we don’t see positive changes on the part of South Korea.” 

Vietnam Joins WTO:  Vietnam becomes the 150th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) effective today, January 11, 2007.  U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab welcomed Vietnam into the WTO saying this is an historic day for Vietnam and the rules-based global trading system.

The 109^th Congress approved permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) for Vietnam in December before adjourning, paving the way for the United States to benefit from Vietnam's entry into the WTO. 

For cattlemen, the United States 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.  Vietnam is now Asia's fastest-growing economy outside of China.

Trade with Japan: Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns met with Japanese Agriculture Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka in Washington today. NCBA and U.S. government officials continue to urge Japan to open its border to U.S. beef from cattle up to 30 months of age. Japanese restaurant groups have urged for more U.S. beef, saying restrictions on U.S. beef exports to Japan have left supplies low and prices high. NCBA will continue to urge Japan to fully reopen its market to U.S. beef, as they currently allow only beef from cattle aged 20 months or younger.  This age limit has no basis in science nor is it in line with international standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health.

2007 Beef Export Promotion Funding: Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced fiscal year 2007 allocations to promote U.S. agricultural products overseas on January 10.  $100 million will be given to 67 U.S. trade organizations, including more than $6.2 million for the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

"USDA supports efforts to help our farmers and ranchers gain access to growing global markets," said Johanns. "The fact that we are on track to sell a record $77 billion of U.S. agricultural products to overseas markets this year highlights the importance of the Market Access Program (MAP) to help U.S. exporters reach new customers around the world."

Under MAP, USDA uses Commodity Credit Corporation funds to enter into agreements with U.S. agricultural trade organizations, state regional groups, and cooperatives to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities. For more information on the MAP, go to www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp.

Ethanol Hearing:  The Senate Ag Committee hosted a hearing on January 10 focused on the topic of ethanol production.  Titled “Agriculture and Rural America's Role in Enhancing National Energy Security,” the hearing included testimony from Keith Collins, USDA Chief Economist who predicted a slower growth in the livestock sector as a result of ethanol’s impact on commodities markets.  From the ag producer perspective, Gene Gourley testified representing the National Pork Producers Council and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.  Gourley said availability of corn is a concern, and more money is needed for research. 

Committee Chairman Tom Harkin said ethanol and biofuels production is sure to be considered as part of the energy title in the Farm Bill.  “We can, and I believe we must, formulate and pass a Farm Bill that encourages and accelerates the rural production of energy for the whole nation,” said Harkin. “We have the opportunity to move our agricultural sector from one that supplies food and fiber to a sector that supplies food, fiber and energy.”

Currently, NCBA doesn’t have a specific policy regarding ethanol production, but it will be a hot topic of discussion at the upcoming Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show, January 31-February 3.

International Livestock Congress:  NCBA Chief Economist Gregg Doud was in Denver this week for the 2007 International Livestock Congress on January 9.  One of the hottest topics discussed was the continuing global march toward traceability in food – not just beef.  Also discussed was the U.S. beef industry’s ongoing efforts to maximize the value of each U.S. beef carcass and the relationship this has to the international marketplace.  More information on the International Livestock Congress is posted at http://theisef.com.

NCBA to Launch National TV Show:  Next month, NCBA is set to launch a national weekly television show on channel RFD-TV! The program, titled NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, will provide weekly news and features for cattle producers across the country. In preparation for the upcoming television debut, NCBA personally interviewed USDA Secretary Mike Johanns and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) this week.

Premiering across the nation on February 6, NCBA's Cattlemen to Cattlemen is the TV program the cattle industry has been waiting for! The show will bring the latest cattle industry news, markets, and features on a weekly basis. Viewers will hear from leaders in every segment of the cattle and beef industries, plus top government officials and newsmakers on Capitol Hill. Make sure YOU tune into NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, beginning in February, Tuesdays at 8:30 Eastern on RFD-TV. The show will be rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 4:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 10 a.m. All times are Eastern.

Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) Awards:  As preparations are underway for the announcement of the 2006 ESAP National Winner at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention & Trade Show, NCBA is already taking nominations for the 2007 awards.

Seven regional winners and one national winner are honored each year as part of our Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) 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. 

Convention Countdown:  Preparations are underway for the 2007 Cattle Industry Annual Convention & Trade Show, January 31-February 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. Go to http://www.beefusa.org/convregistration.aspx to get updated program information and for instructions on how to register.  Attendees can also attend events supporting NCBA’s Political Action Committee (NCBA-PAC) and honoring the winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). Most importantly, NCBA members will attend committee meetings, discuss key policy issues, and develop new policy for consideration at the NCBA Board of Directors and Annual Membership Meeting on February 3. This is the most important policy development meeting of the year!  Make sure your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed in Nashville! 

NCBA to Debut Career Fair at 2007 Annual Convention & Tradeshow:  NCBA is coordinating a first-ever career fair to take place at a Cattle Industry Convention & Tradeshow, Saturday, Feb. 3, 9:00am-2:00pm.  The city of Nashville hosts one of our largest cattle industry shows, creating an opportunity for the industry to develop recruiting partnerships, and we’re expecting a number of college students and future business leaders to attend! Employers of all types with open positions are encouraged to participate! Whether you want to target a handful of college students or you want to conduct a nationwide search, the 2007 Career Fair will simplify your recruiting efforts and help you find and hire the right people—fast! 

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 1^st 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 John Michael Montgomery!

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, multi-platinum recording star John Michael Montgomery! 

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.