June 5, 2008 |
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U.S. Cattle Producers Pleased with Progress in Washington, DC |
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| Contact: Jess Peterson 202/870-3867 - Email: usca@uscattlemen.org |
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| USCA (June 5, 2008) - The U.S. Cattlemen's Association (USCA) members recently completed a successful round of meetings in Washington, DC. 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 met with Senate and House staff, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials, and agriculture trade association representatives. Members also participated in the American Task Force Argentian's round table Congressional staff briefing. "Nearly one year ago USCA was officially introduced to Washington, D.C. leaders," stated Jon Wooster, USCA President. "It has truly been amazing to see the inroads this group has made in Washington, DC. Meeting after meeting proved that the work and time spent establishing a presence in the nation's capitol is paying off. Normally meetings center around one or two issues, however, with all the recent events and upcoming issues that USCA is involved with, these meetings were filled with excellent updates, insight and plans for success on numerous key issues," noted Wooster. Peanut Gilfillian, President of USCA state affiliate Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas, agreed. "It was great to have long and in-depth discussions with USDA officials regarding their plans for finalizing the COOL law along with their interpretation of the Beef Checkoff and how producers can maximize its usage. I felt we were very well received on Capitol Hill, and I was pleased to pass along thanks to staffers for their work in passing the 2007 Farm Bill. USCA is making the difference in Washington, and Texans are pleased to have USCA working hard for them," stated Gilfillian. Danni Beer, USCA COOL Chair was excited to get positive updates from USDA on the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law. "USDA officials have assured us that the agency has written the rule in the least-burdensome and most cost-efficient way for all segments of the cattle and beef industry. The rule-writing is complete and it will be implemented in a common sense and timely fashion," noted Beer. "The rule remains on course as it will be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (this can take up to 90 days, but USDA is hopeful it can take much less). The rule will then be published in the Federal Register for a 60 day comment period by Congress and the public. USDA officials are hopeful that the comment period will be completed on or before September 30, 2008. I am extremely pleased that USDA is stepping up and doing the right thing for cattle producers. This latest round of COOL meetings with USDA proves that cattle producers can work with this agency and that positive dialogue truly makes a difference," said Beer. USCA Animal Health Chair Chuck Kiker represented the entire sector of production agriculture at the American Task Force Argentina (ATFA) roundtable briefing. The event attracted more than 60 participants at the U.S. Capitol for a meeting that highlighted Argentina's several bad acts. The roundtable was co-hosted by Representatives Steve Israel (D-NY) and Dan Burton (R-IN). "Argentina is a matter of great importance to the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, and like ATFA we are concerned about Argentina's historic loan default and the unfair advantages it gives Argentine agriculture," noted Kiker. "USCA is greatly concerned with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rule to increase meat imports from Argentina, despite Argentina's documented foot and mouth disease (FMD) problem. The U.S. Cattlemen's Assocation is calling upon USDA to withdraw this problematic rule; and if the agency doesn't, we hope Congress will ensure this proposed rule is not implemented." Tammy Basel, President South Dakota WIFE (Women Involved in Farm Economics) and representative for the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association, summed up the week's work. "It's really incredible to see everyone pulling together from different state and regional livestock groups to make a difference through USCA in Washington, DC," said Basel. "Farmers and ranchers were successful in getting a Farm Bill. Now, it's back to work to find ways to promote our new label along with ensuring the U.S. livestock industry is protected from foreign diseases. USCA's full-time presence in Washington, DC has resulted in dialogue and relationships with policy-makers, staff and agency officials that are invaluable to the industry. Being at the table and engaged in the process with a solution-oriented approach is the key to achieving what we want on issues so important to the industry. USCA is providing us with that opportunity." |
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