National Cattlemen’s Beef Association member Ernie Morales testified Thursday before the U.S. House Ag Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. The topic of the hearing was rapidly rising livestock feed costs. Morales, a cattle feeder and rancher from Devine, Texas, told committee members that all sectors of the cattle industry are feeling the pain from corn prices that have nearly doubled in the past year.

Cut #1 :31  Outcue: "...for their calves."

Ethanol is one of the major factors driving demand for corn. Morales said cattlemen support development of renewable fuels, but not at the expense of other users of grain.

Cut #2 :29  Outcue: "...such as corn."

Morales said the 51-cent per gallon fuel blending tax credit and the 54-cent per gallon tariff on imported ethanol were important tools for jump-starting ethanol development. But now that the ethanol industry is booming, NCBA cannot support renewal of these incentives. He emphasized that all users of grain need to compete in a fair, market-based business climate.

Cut #3 :34  Outcue: "...that bushel of corn."