CONTACT:     Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org      

                        Joe Schuele, (303) 850-3360, jschuele@beef.org

NCBA Statement on Appointment of James Link as GIPSA Administrator

Jim McAdams,

Texas rancher and president, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

October 20, 2005

“Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has made a fine choice in appointing James Link as administrator of USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.

"Jim has served America’s cattlemen very well through his work with National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show. We served as board members together at TSCRA, and he has been especially valuable to NCBA as a member of the Beef Safety Committee.

“Jim brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to USDA as he prepares to lead its livestock and grain regulatory services. As director of the ranch management program at Texas Christian University and owner of Link Cattle Company, he has expertise in so many aspects of agriculture. He will serve all of America’s agricultural producers – as well as our consumers – extremely well.

"I am proud to have a friend to so many of us, a fellow cattleman, and a NCBA leader fill this very important post. I congratulate Secretary Johanns on making an outstanding choice in Jim Link. Cattlemen always stand ready to provide public service and leadership when called upon, and we look forward to working with Jim during his tenure."

Find more about the appointment of James Link at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/10/0445.xml

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