Oklahoma – Arkansas Cattlemen discuss industry issues with Cattlemen CEO

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 21, 2002) – Over 100 cattlemen from Oklahoma and Arkansas had a an open dialog about industry issues with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Terry Stokes during an outreach meeting the in early October. 

During these open forums producers had a chance to air their concerns, which centered on free trade, the beef checkoff, and legislative and regulatory concerns and what NCBA is doing for them as an organization. Stokes shared his goal, which is to “enhance profitability and viability for all cattlemen.” 

Stokes also said, “I cannot guarantee profitability, but NCBA is working on issues that influence it.” Some of the actions NCBA has taken on behalf of cattlemen, he said, included defeating the “death” tax, working to improve food safety and creating a profitability think tank.

Several cow/calf producers questioned how well they were being represented at NCBA and Stokes replied, “If the cow/calf producers could come to a consensus they would have a simple majority.” He said that while NCBA is “industry inclusive,” 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.

Stokes answered several questions on Free Trade.  “You can’t have free trade without fair trade and that is NCBA’s philosophy,” he said.    

Stokes shared the tour with Joe Neill, president of Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.

“It is important for producers to share their concerns and Terry Stokes provided that opportunity this past week,” said Neill.  “The discussions were very productive and I look forward to working with Terry as a leader of the industry.”

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.

For more information please contact the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association at (405) 235-4391.

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