U.S. Cattle Producers in Washington, DC This Week

USCA (May 27, 2008) - U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) members Tammy Basel, Danni Beer and Johnny Kerstiens from South Dakota; Richie Devillier, Peanut Gilfillian and Chuck Kiker from Texas; Jon Wooster from California and Jay Miller from Virginia are in Washington, DC this week for meetings.

At noon on Thursday, May 25 in Room 122 of the Canon House Office Building, USCA members will join other members of the American Task Force Argentina to brief Congressional staff about policy issues between Argentina and the U.S., most notably a historic loan default and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to increase meat imports from Argentina despite the country’s problems with foot and mouth disease (FMD). The USCA is calling upon both Congress and the Administration to address these issues immediately.

USCA members will also hold meetings with Congressional members, staff and the Administration. Ranchers will be discussing USDA’s proposed rule to increase meat imports from Argentina, along with the implementation of country of origin labeling (COOL) and enhancing the beef checkoff to promote U.S. beef.

"USCA is pleased to have these cattle industry leaders in Washington, DC to meet with, and inform officials about the issues affecting the U.S. cattle industry," stated USCA President Jon Wooster, San Lucas, Calif. "USCA’s goal is to maintain a full-time presence in Washington along with bringing in ranchers as often as possible to meet with policy-makers. We are carrying out this goal and I look forward to productive meetings this week."

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington D.C. to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill. For membership forms and other information visit www.uscattlemen.org.