National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Mike John of Huntsville, Mo., testified Wednesday before the House Agriculture Committee on Capitol Hill, outlining NCBA’s fundamental, free-market principles on federal agricultural policy and the 2007 Farm Bill.   

Cut #1         :21          Outcue: "... or commodity over another."

John acknowledged that partnerships between industry and government can play an important roles in certain aspects of farm policy, especially conservation.

Cut #2         :23          Outcue: "... include more producers."

John cautioned that anti-agriculture activists will once again use the Farm Bill debate to try to damage the livestock industry, citing the recent vote on horse slaughter as evidence of this threat.  

Cut #3         :19          Outcue: "... platform for their agenda.”

John noted that NCBA strongly supports international trade, because of the opportunities it creates for growth in the American cattle industry.

Cut #4         :20          Outcue: "... market development efforts.”

He asked the committee to continue its efforts to remove trade barriers, and ensure that free trade agreements are upheld and enforced in a manner that is fair to the American producer.  

Cut #5         :19          Outcue: "... to which American agriculture is a party.”

John called for government to play its appropriate role in enforcing free and fair markets, but not to interfere in cattlemen’s individual marketing decisions or strategies.  

Cut #6         :39          Outcue: "... and make a living.”

John reminded the committee that the cattle industry operates relatively free of government intervention, and asked for a continuation of this positive business climate.  

Cut #7         :20          Outcue: "... business climate for cattlemen.”