Missouri Cattlemen Discuss Industry Issues with NCBA Chief

COLUMBIA, Mo. (October 8, 2002) – About 185 cattlemen from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Tennessee had an open dialog about industry issues with National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Terry Stokes during two Missouri town hall meetings Oct. 7. The first meeting was held in Columbia, followed by a meeting in Jackson that evening.

During these open forums producers had a chance to air their concerns, which included many questions about livestock identification and how it will relate to implementation of country-of-origin labeling.

Stokes shared his goal, which is to “enhance profitability and viability for all cattlemen,” and discussed the beef checkoff, as well as many of the policy issues the association addresses. Among other issues, NCBA works on product development, research, marketing, environment, endangered species, food policy, trade, drought, federal lands and animal health issues, Stokes said.

“Terry made heads shake in agreement about the need for permanent death tax relief in agriculture,” said Chris J. Buechle, executive vice president for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “He shared a story about a family he had visited with last week who has had to pay estate tax on their family farm twice now, and how it has almost wiped them out. He said NCBA will continue to lead the charge to get rid of this unfair tax.”

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.

The next town hall meeting with Stokes will be held for Arkansas-Oklahoma producers in Fort Smith, Ark. on Oct. 15.

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