March 25, 2009 |
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USCA Meets with Secretary Vilsack |
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| Contact: Jess Peterson 202/870-3867 - Email: usca@uscattlemen.org | |
| USCA (March 25, 2009) Members of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) recently met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Participants of USCA’s “Making Change Work” Fly-In 2009 were pleased with the opportunity to discuss key cattle industry issues and hear Secretary Vilsack’s priorities and goals. During the meeting, USCA members referenced several pressing issues. Eddie Shelton from Union Hall, Virginia, asked the Secretary to avoid any type of price-distorting dairy buy out. Bill Sauble from Maxwell, New Mexico, urged USDA to expedite its work in updating Tuberculosis rules and status changes. Hugh Broadus from Forsyth, Montana, asked support for the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Services - Wildlife Services to help protect the nation’s food and fiber production. Brian Malaer from Harwood, Texas updated the Secretary on the fever tick situation in Texas and requested additional federal funding to combat the fever ticks. USCA President Jon Wooster thanked Secretary Vilsack for his leadership and support for ensuring that country of origin labeling (COOL) is properly implemented and carried out. Wooster also emphasized USCA’s policy of opposing a national mandatory animal identification system. Secretary Vilsack emphasized his support for COOL. With regards to work on animal identification, Secretary Vilsack stressed the importance of going slow and gathering plenty of input from producers and animal health officials. The Secretary noted that he did not have an agricultural background, but that he would work to maintain an open door policy to all agriculture industry groups and that he would strive to ensure farmers and ranchers play an active role in USDA’s policies and plans. USCA Executive Vice President Jess Peterson stated, “On behalf of the USCA membership, we want to offer our appreciation and thanks to Secretary Vilsack and his staff for taking the time to meet with the USCA delegation. The ranchers attending this meeting were pleased that the Secretary and his staff showed a great deal of optimism and passion in their plans for addressing the issues affecting the U.S. cattle industry. USCA looks forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and his talented team at USDA.” USCA participants in the meeting included: Hugh Broadus (MT), Jeff and Brenda Morgan (KS), James Schmidt (ND), Zeb Gray (IA), Todd Kelsey (WA), Kathy Waltmon (TX), Brian Malaer (TX), Bill Sauble (NM), Justin Tupper (SD), Tom Connelley (SD), Pat Becker (ND), Eddie and Debbie Shelton (VA), Jim Werner (IA), Jon Wooster (CA), Lee Robbins (KS), Dar Giess (MN), and Jess Peterson (DC). *group pictures available by request – email: usca@uscattlemen.org |
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