Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns
January 18, 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.

Key Senators Step-Up Efforts to Resolve Korean Beef Trade Issue:  The sixth round of bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) talks began in Seoul this week on January 15.  Although agriculture was not discussed as a top priority in FTA negotiations, South Korean officials and key members of the U.S. Senate met January 17 in Washington, D.C., to discuss the ongoing problems with U.S. beef trade with South Korea in depth.  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) called the meeting where Senators met with Korean Ambassador Lee Tae-sik, who said he will be actively taking steps to resolve the matter.

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was in the meeting and called it very productive.  Hatch said the Senators expressed concerns that Korea was unfairly discriminating against American beef.  But Hatch also said Ambassador Lee outlined a framework for resolving this issue, which while still under negotiation, should satisfy the interests of both trading partners.  “I’m optimistic that Korea is on its way to accepting our beef exports again,” Hatch said.

U.S. officials and NCBA continue to insist that South Korea resume trade of 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.  As many as 35 Senators are pushing for resolution to the beef trade matter before agreeing to support the FTA.  NCBA continues to work with key congressional offices toward resolution of this issue.

Cattlemen Continue to Assess Winter Storm Damage:  It is estimated that as many as 20,000 cattle have been lost due to winter ice and snow storms in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri according to estimates by cattle organizations in those states.  “But that estimate doesn’t include the additional hardships our fellow cattlemen and women are facing with feed, fencing, sickness, lost production and the costs of rebuilding their livelihoods,” says Roxanne Johnson, Executive Director for the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF).  Since January 4, the NCF has been coordinating a disaster relief fund to provide aid for cattlemen hit by the recent winter storms.  Johnson says contributions to the disaster relief fund are coming in daily with nearly $30,000 raised to-date along with additional in-kind donations of hay and equipment.

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

Senators Push for Disaster Aid for Ag Producers:  Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) introduced S. 284, the 2007 Emergency Farm Relief Act on January 12.  This bill contains provisions providing monetary assistance for producers struck by drought in 2005 and 2006, and would also provide payments for livestock losses as a result of the blizzards.  Sen. Conrad said he modified the bill somewhat to satisfy the Bush Administration's objections to providing assistance in light of budget concerns. 

The bill would provide $4.4 billion in emergency funding to farmers and ranchers who have suffered weather-related crop production shortfalls, quality losses and damage to livestock feed supplies. It will also provide payments for the loss of livestock.  Current cosponsors include:  Senators Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), John Tester (D-Mont.), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

A separate bill was introduced by Senators Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.) to aid ag producers who were impacted by the blizzards and ice storms in late December.  S. 165 reauthorizes the Livestock Compensation Program and would allow aid for producers who suffered livestock losses as a result of the recent blizzards in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Oklahoma.  Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.).

NCBA Pushes Small Business Tax Relief:  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a small business tax relief package this week as a complement to legislation increasing the federal minimum wage.  Included in the tax package is language related to section 179 expensing which allows for an immediate 100 percent deduction of the cost for most personal property purchased for use in a business.

The Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003 dramatically improved the value of this provision for cattle producers by expanding both the annual dollar limit and annual investment limit to $100,000 and $400,000, respectively. As part of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2006, this beneficial expansion to section 179 was extended through 2009.

In a letter to Chairman Baucus sent this week, NCBA said, “by its very nature beef production is a capital intensive business.  In order to carry out day-to-day activities on a farm or ranch, producers are required to invest significant amounts of money in depreciable property such as machinery…Section 179 expensing is a valuable tool for cattle producers, and NCBA would ask that a continuation of the expanded dollar and investment limits be included in any small business tax relief offered as a compliment to an increase in the federal minimum wage.”

Exports Market Update:  U.S. beef and beef variety meat exports for January-November (11 months) 2006 were $1.86 billion versus $3.86 billion in pre-BSE exports for all of 2003. This suggests that year-end totals for 2006 will exceed $2 billion putting us just past the half-way mark toward recovering to 2003 levels. According to USDA, 85 countries have either fully or partially opened to U.S. beef. Of the 85 currently open markets, 52 accept bone-in products, and 29 accept all beef, including beef from animals over thirty months (OTM) of age.

There is no justifiable reason for our trading partners to ban U.S. bone-in and OTM beef products. With strong firewalls in place, the United States produces the safest beef in the world.  NCBA will continue to urge the U.S. government to push our trading partners for free, fair and reliable trading practices that include fully opening their borders to our products.  Pending an upcoming visit, Russia has agreed to open its market to U.S. beef and so has the Ukraine. Panama also recently agreed to open its market to U.S. beef in its free trade agreement negotiations with the United States.

Nineteen countries still maintain their completely unjustified bans on U.S. beef. Those countries include Argentina, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, China, Ecuador, the French Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, New Zealand, Qatar, Romania, South Africa, Turkey, Uruguay, and Venezuela. (NCBA would be remiss if it didn't also point out that the U.S. is the largest export customer for Australia, New Zealand and Uruguayan beef!) USDA lists South Korea as open to U.S. boneless beef exports. However, given the continued stall tactics by the South Korean government, it is quite obvious that this market is far from open. We also look forward to a fully opened Japanese market based upon scientifically sound criteria.

NCBA Names Parker Chief Veterinarian:   NCBA announced January 16 that Dr. Elizabeth Parker has joined its team as chief veterinarian in Washington, D.C.  Parker’s experience includes working as a professional staff member on the House Agriculture Committee and more recently as an international consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 

“Growing up on a family farm in Abilene, Texas, Elizabeth knows first-hand the challenges our members face every day on their operations,” says NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt.  “I’m confident she will prove to be an excellent resource for our members on animal health-related issues and a strong advocate of their priorities in Washington, D.C.”

In her new capacity, Parker will focus on issues related to animal health, animal welfare and food safety and security, especially those being debated within government agencies and in Congress.  She will also serve as a valuable asset as the U.S. beef industry continues to work toward normalizing trade in the foreign marketplace.  Dr. Parker holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Science and Veterinary Science, and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, all from Texas A&M University. 

NCBA Defends Producers’ Property Rights in Supreme Court Case:  NCBA Defends Producers’ Property Rights in Supreme Court Case:  NCBA has joined with the Public Lands Council (PLC) in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the case of Wilkie v. Robbins.  At the center of the case for NCBA and PLC is the right of private property owners to deny federal access to their property and the options available to property owners for pursuing federal officials for inappropriate actions.

Harvey Frank Robbins owns the High Island Ranch near Thermopolis, Wyo., and a dispute between Robbins and the Bureau of Land Management began over ten years ago when Robbins purchased the ranch and relocated to Wyoming from Alabama.  The 80,000 acres involved in this case are partly public and partly private lands, and at issue is whether Robbins had a right to deny the BLM access to his property.  In court cases over the past decade, Robbins won two preliminary victories in the U.S. district and circuit courts.  Despite these decisions, officials have revoked Robbins’ grazing permits, denied him a permit for special recreation use, refused to maintain a public road providing access to the Robbins’ land, interfered with his guest cattle drives, and eventually harassed him to the point that he was forced to shut down his dude ranch business.

PLC and NCBA are deeply concerned about this blatant disrespect for private property and the extent to which the federal government can improperly coerce private conduct.  This issue is of paramount concern to our western producers who interact extensively with the federal government and with producers and Americans everywhere who are concerned with appropriate legal checks on improper government conduct.  NCBA and PLC plan to submit their briefs February 21st and oral arguments are scheduled for March.

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 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. 

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 has already personally interviewed USDA Secretary Mike Johanns and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.).

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 p.m. 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.

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.  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 the 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.