Montana cattlemen in Miles City, Lewistown hear from National Cattlemen’s leader

(HELENA) -- Nearly 300 cattlemen from around Montana had the opportunity to discuss beef industry issues like free trade, the beef checkoff program, and the industry’s voice on the national level with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Terry Stokes during town meetings in Miles City and Lewistown last week.

”We are extremely pleased at the turnout at these town meetings, which were a great opportunity for our Montana producers to share their issues and concerns with one of the beef industry’s top leaders,” said Bill Garrison, MSGA president and a rancher from Glen, Mont.  “Now we’re looking forward to working together for a better industry for all of us.”

NCBA, in partnership with the Montana Stockgrowers Association, conducted the meetings in an effort to hear producer concerns so the association can meet their needs and better represent them.  Stokes also sought Montana cattlemen’s feedback on the national organization’s vision and philosophies.

A major topic in the meetings was NCBA’s stance on free trade and the global marketplace.  “You can’t have free trade without fair trade and that is NCBA’s philosophy,” Stokes said, mentioning the work NCBA is doing in pushing for country of origin labeling of beef, in rescinding foreign use of the USDA grade, and in partnering with groups like the U.S. Meat Export Federation to expand foreign marketing opportunities for U.S. beef producers.  He also said NCBA will continue to work against Australia and New Zealand’s recent push for increased tariff rate quotas and a bi-lateral free trade agreement.

Montana producers also asked about what NCBA is doing to ensure profitability for cattlemen.  Stokes responded that NCBA has long been a champion for cattlemen’s issues in that area, including focusing on defeating the “death” tax, working to improve food safety, creating a profitability think tank, and defending property rights.

Another concern raised during the meetings is the representation of Montana cow/calf producers within NCBA’s organizational structure, which includes all segments of the beef industry.  Stokes pointed out that 63 percent of the policy board of directors are cow-calf producers, 30 percent are feedlot operators, 6 percent represent allied industry, and 1 percent are packers.  “In other words, cow/calf producers like you all are the ones driving the decisions within NCBA,” Stokes said.

Stokes also fielded questions regarding the difference between the dues and checkoff divisions within NCBA.  “There is a very definite firewall under which we operate to ensure the two divisions are completely separate,” said Stokes, who added that the system is highly regulated by the USDA to ensure it is in compliance with the beef checkoff Act and Order.

Stokes said he appreciated the reception he received in Montana, and the opportunity to visit with producers throughout the state.  “These meetings have been a welcome chance to learn what’s on the minds of cattlemen around the country, and learn how NCBA can be more responsive to their needs,” said Stokes.

NCBA is working with state cattle organizations to hold a series of town hall meetings across the country. The purpose of the open forums is for NCBA to hear what’s on the minds of producers so the association can meet their needs and better represent them, said Stokes, and to gather feedback on the national organization’s vision and philosophies.

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