January 26, 2009

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Encourages Producers to Stay Focused on Issues
Contact: Jon Wooster 831/385-5316 or Jess Peterson 202/870-3867 - Email: usca@uscattlemen.org
 
USCA (January 26, 2009) - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) says that while the concept of a federal dairy buyout has been floated on Capitol Hill, the plan appears not to have gained any traction. An initial effort to fund a federal dairy buy out failed in the U.S. House of Representatives when House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. David Obey (D-WI) objected on the grounds that the program would violate a promise not to include earmarks in the bill.

"At this time it appears that Congress has rejected the suggestion of a new federally funded program to take dairy cows out of production," commented Jon Wooster, USCA President, San Lucas, California. "While we understand that the dairy industry, like other segments of production agriculture, is suffering, it is important that any such approach receives full and thorough public debate in order to understand the consequences."

"What the cattle industry can’t afford to do is get distracted from the other important issues and opportunities at hand," continued Wooster. "For example, USCA has been working to develop relationships with the Obama Administration and Congress to close loopholes in the country of origin labeling law."

"USCA is working towards meaningful beef checkoff reform and we invite producers to join our effort," continued Wooster. "While other groups are advocating an increase in the per head assessment, checkoff revenues are diminishing because of a declining herd and fewer market transactions. Legislation specifically aimed at updating the twenty-year-old mandatory checkoff program was introduced in Congress last year, which is a clear signal that policy decision-makers are serious about checkoff reform. It’s critical for producers to remain engaged in, and focused on, shaping a checkoff program that meets the needs of today’s industry."

"The new leadership in Washington, DC is scrutinizing our international trade policy," said Wooster. "Now is the time for producers to be at the table helping mold a fresh approach to international trade that will have a more positive effect on the U.S. cattle industry. There is a good chance that the trend towards free trade without protections for perishable and cyclical agriculture products will finally be addressed. USCA is working with Congress and the Obama Administration to strengthen our U.S. trade standards. "

"It is important that we preserve our resources and stay focused on the opportunities at hand. Let’s not be deterred from our goals. If the rumors about a dairy buy out become a reality, USCA will be at the forefront to ensure that producers have a voice in the debate."
 

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to concentrating its efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. USCA has a full-time presence in Washington, giving cattle producers across the country a strong influence on policy development. For more information go to www.uscattlemen.org.