2007 CCC Archive
Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns
January 4, 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.
NCBA Asks White House to Aid Cattlemen Hurt by Winter Storms: In a January 3rd letter to President Bush, 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, making cattle producers eligible for low-interest emergency (EM) loans via the Farm Service Agency,” the letter says. “Furthermore, we ask that USDA allocate Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds to aid producers who have suffered significant livestock losses and damage to critical infrastructure.”
Back-to-back winter storms have blanketed snow and ice across major portions of the High Plains. Many of the cattle, trapped by heavy snow and high drifts, have gone nearly a week without being fed. There is no estimate yet on how many cows have died, but many ranchers in the area are saying the recent storms are worse than the 1997 blizzard that killed 30,000 cattle and cost U.S. agriculture $28 million.
Cattlemen Helping Cattlemen: NCBA is activating a disaster relief effort for cattlemen hit by the recent blizzards, similar to our hurricane relief efforts a year ago. In cooperation with the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and state and local cattlemen’s associations, NCBA is accepting monetary donations, one hundred percent of which will be distributed to cattlemen in need – there is not a percentage taken for administration costs. Donations can be made to the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and are tax deductible. The relief funds will be distributed as directed by state associations in the affected areas. Cattlemen can also assist with the effort by offering to donate hay, trucking, and use of equipment. For more information, contact NCBA’s Membership Department at 866-BEEF-USA (233-3872).
USDA Proposes Expanding Trade of Canadian Cattle: The USDA announced today a proposal to amend its BSE minimal risk region importation policy which will expand the importation live cattle from Canada. According to the USDA, this rule will provide for importation of "live cattle and other bovines for any use born on or after March 1, 1999." The official notice is expected to appear in the Federal Register next week. More information is posted at www.aphis.usda.gov.
NCBA is reviewing the proposal and will present it along with a detailed economic and scientific analysis for its members to consider at NCBA’s upcoming annual meeting in Nashville, January 31 – February 3. “As a member-driven organization, it’s up to our members to shape our comments based on a deliberate review of all the facts. NCBA will be drafting comments after getting our members’ feedback in the coming weeks,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt. “But it’s important to remember that we have some time here to review the proposal, evaluate all the information and carefully consider our course of action. These cattle aren’t going to start coming South tomorrow.” This proposed rule will be open for public comment until March 12, 2007.
Mooooving Day for the 110th Congress: The new Congress set up shop in Washington, D.C. today with the Democratic party formally taking control of both the House and Senate. Democratic leaders have vowed to address such key issues as homeland security, energy dependence, stem cell research, prescription drug programs and the minimum wage in their first 100 hours.
NCBA, USTR Discuss Plans for “New” Agreement with Korea: NCBA staff met today with Richard Crowder, U. S. Trade Representative (USTR) Chief Agricultural Negotiator to outline the course of action for dealing with South Korea’s refusal to accept U.S. beef. In a letter sent to U.S. Trade Ambassador Susan Schwab on December 14, 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 USTR 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 and other non science-based trade barriers have hurt the trading relationship between the two countries and has threatened the progress of U.S.-Korea free trade negotiations.
Cloning: FDA released its Draft Risk Assessment on Animal Cloning, along with its Proposed Risk Management Plan, Draft Guidance for Industry, and other companion documents on Thursday, December 28, 2006. These materials are posted on FDA’s website at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CloneRiskAssessment.htm.
In a media statement, Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said, "Based on FDA's analysis of hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and other studies on the health and food composition of clones and their offspring, the draft risk assessment has determined that meat and milk from clones and their offspring are as safe as food we eat every day. Cloning poses no unique risks to animal health when compared to other assisted reproductive technologies currently in use in U.S. agriculture."
An animal clone is a genetic copy of a donor animal, similar to identical twins but born at different times. Cloning is not the same as genetic engineering, which involves altering, adding or deleting DNA; cloning does not change the gene sequence. Information on animal cloning is posted at www.clonesafety.org.
Resolve to Nominate a Deserving Cattle Operation for 2007 ESAP Award: Folks have a little over three months to submit ESAP nominations. What’s a better New Year’s Resolution than to recognize your ranching neighbors for the contributions they make to the environment and the industry every day?
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 Pre-Reg Deadline is THIS WEEK! 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. The deadline for pre-registrations, including ticket additions or changes, is January 5. After January 5, attendees must register on-site and pay the higher registration fees. 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). Most importantly, NCBA members will attend committee meetings, discuss key policy issues, and develop new policy for consideration at the NCBA Board of Directors 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, February 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! For more information, contact Erica Spiegle in NCBA’s Washington office at 202-347-0228 or espiegle@beef.org.
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.