"IT'S YOUR MOVE" DURING THE 1998 NCBA MEMBERSHIP MONTH CAMPAIGN

DENVER, Jan. 19, 1998 - The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) will strive to recruit new members with its annual membership campaign held the month of February 1998. For six consecutive years, Merial, formerly Merck AgVet, has sponsored the NCBA membership campaign in an effort to increase the level of representation for the beef industry in Washington, D.C. This year's theme, "It's Your Move," says it is time to take the responsibility and ownership of NCBA by becoming a member.

"The strength of NCBA comes from the individual member and our partnership with state cattle organizations," said Steve Foglesong, Membership and Revenue Development chairman. "The grassroots producer drives the association's policy and programs. NCBA's work on estate tax and capital gains relief alone shows the value of a strong national organization. All cattle producers need to hop on board so that their national organization, NCBA, can effectively represent their interests on Capitol Hill."

Whether you are a new or renewing NCBA member, there is a free product incentive made possible by Merial, maker of IVOMEC®. New NCBA members are entitled to complimentary IV0MEC® product. Renewing members are entered into drawings for IVOMEC® product packages and an all expense-paid trip to the 1999 Cattle Industry Convention to be held in Charlotte, N.C. Recruiters are recognized and can win many awards as part of the Top Hand Club program. Top Hand Club prizes range from free IVOMEC® product, to jackets, to the grand prize of a $2,000 vacation package for the recruiter who signs up the most new NCBA members.

Initiated in 1898, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the marketing organization and trade association for America's one million cattle farmers and ranchers. With offices in Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C., NCBA is a consumer-focused, producer-directed organization representing the largest segment of the nation's food and fiber industry.