CONTACT:    

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

 NCBA Statement on Johanns Resignation
John Queen, North Carolina Cattle Producer and
President, National Cattlemen's Beef Association

September 20, 2007

“Mike Johanns has been a great friend to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the cattle industry, as well as to production agriculture as a whole.  We hate to lose a friend like that.  But we’re hopeful that he will continue to be a friend to cattlemen, no matter where his life of public service takes him.

“As Governor of Nebraska, one of our nation’s largest cattle-producing states, and having grown up on a cattle operation, Mike came to Washington with a genuine compassion for the needs of agricultural producers and rural communities.

“As Secretary of Agriculture, he has helped guide the U.S. cattle industry through a number of critical steps toward recovering our lost export markets.  Mike Johanns has properly insisted on establishing trade policies based on sound science and in accordance with international standards. 

“He has been adamant that our trading partners play fair in the international trade arena, and he has worked to not just restore lost markets, but expand foreign market access for U.S. beef.  Thanks to his responsiveness and aggressiveness in this area, U.S. cattlemen are now providing more international consumers with the best and safest beef in the world.

“We are excited to continue working on these and other critical issues with Acting Secretary Chuck Conner, and we wish Mike Johanns the very best as he pursues new endeavors.”

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.