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DENVER (July 21, 1999) - A broad-based beef producer committee exploring the governance and function of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has asked for input on recommendations they believe would create a stronger organization. The NCBA Blue Ribbon Commission, appointed by NCBA President George Swan in February, released its preliminary findings at the 1999 Beef Industry Summer Conference.
Comments on the findings were made by producers attending the Summer Conference in Denver, July 18-21. Additional input will be accepted for another six weeks. Following this input phase, the Commission will meet to finalize recommendations. It is the Commission’s intent to have the final recommendation out for review late fall or early winter. With this timing, producers, beef councils and affiliates will be prepared for consideration of these ideas at the Annual Convention in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 26-29, 2000.
The preliminary recommendations addressed several issues, including strengthening the state/national partnership, improving communications and changing representation in the organization. In addition, the commission proposal included methods to create greater focus within NCBA, improve the organization's meetings and governance structure, and emphasize the NCBA commitment to the producer.
"We received input from hundreds of beef producers from throughout the U.S. as we were putting together these suggestions," said Dave True, a beef producer from Casper, Wyo., and chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission. "Our contact with affiliates and state beef councils, regional meetings and conference calls and individual discussions with our fellow beef producers were integral to the preliminary recommendations. In addition, we received input from more than 500 producers in the form of surveys, individual letters and messages. It was a very comprehensive process."
The commission detailed several ideas they thought could improve how NCBA works. Specifically, the commission suggested the organization remain producer controlled, with only producers voting on policy in the Dues Division Board and in committees. Strengthening contact with producers through the optional utilization of field men and regional vice presidents in both divisions was also suggested.
Responsibility and authority for the organization would be driven to the regional level, with Executive Committee, Nominating Committee and Resolutions Committee members elected from the regions. Governance costs would be reduced to increase efforts in the program and policy areas.
To enhance the state/national partnership, greater emphasis on strengthening NCBA affiliates through improved services was suggested. Competition between affiliates and NCBA for members or publication advertising would be reduced or eliminated. State beef councils and their representation on the NCBA checkoff division would be strengthened, as well.
A reduction of the NCBA Board size was proposed. All honorary directors and directors-at-large would be removed, with the exception of the current officers and past five NCBA presidents. Packers, marketers and allied industry would serve as ex-officio directors on the Dues Division Board, and the 21 free organizational seats on the Checkoff Division would be removed. In total, the number of directors on the board would be reduced about 33 percent.
The Blue Ribbon Commission presented its suggestions in several open forums at the Summer Conference. The preliminary recommendations were also discussed at the meeting's regional caucuses and at other meetings.
"We appreciate the hard work and thoughtful consideration put into these suggestions," said Swan. "They are excellent starting points from which we can strengthen our organization for the sake of the beef industry."
Commission members were Wythe Willey (vice chair), J.D. Alexander, Coney Burgess, Lynn Cornwell, Steve Foglesong, Jay O'Brien, John Hays, Steve Henshaw, Dee Lacey, Jim Schaben, Bob Schmidt, Ken Stielow and Bert Tucker. State executives Pat Adrian and John Braly served as ex officio members of the commission.
-- NCBA --
Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the marketing organization and trade association for America’s one million cattle farmers and ranchers. With offices in Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C., NCBA is a consumer-focused, producer-directed organization representing the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry. |