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DC fly in.

Tam

Well-known member
Kevin Kirschbaum....Bloomington, WI wrote a letter of opposition to Swifthorses.com I googled him and look what I found.


Cattle group "stampedes" D.C. to discuss industry issues


More than five dozen R-CALF USA volunteers from 20 states traveled to the nation's capitol for a three-day "Stampede" to discuss issues important to the U.S. cattle industry with members of Congress, representatives of federal agencies, including Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, as well as Administration representatives, and others who have an interest in industry regulations.

"Our members braved the cold and the Valentine’s Day blizzard to make sure that the concerns of independent cattle producers were represented on Capitol Hill," said R-CALF USA Government Relations Coordinator Abra Belke. "Even as many government offices were closing due to the inclement weather, our members 'cowboyed up' and trudged through the storm to make sure that our issues were discussed with members of Congress, as well as high-level Administration officials."

R-CALF USA Checkoff Committee Chair Jim Hanna said the Stampede gave members an excellent opportunity to meet with the decision-makers in Washington, D.C., so they would understand the organization's position on reforming the Beef Checkoff Program to promote U.S.A. beef instead of generic beef products, and the need for more oversight and more information available to producers with regard to how Beef Checkoff dollars are spent.

"We had really good reception on the Checkoff reforms, especially with Secretary Johanns, who took a lot of notes and paid really close attention when we were talking," Hanna said. "We didn't receive any argument or disagreement about the changes that need to be made. A lot of the issues we take to Congress, we end up trying to defend and explain our position, but with the Checkoff survey results so strongly in our favor, USDA basically can’t argue with those. I think R-CALF can look forward to accomplishing a lot regarding the Beef Checkoff during the coming year."

Other topics of concern R-CALF USA members discussed included moving up the implementation date of Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), encouraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to withdraw its proposed Rule 2 that deals with resuming imports of Canadian cattle over 30 months (OTM) of age, banning captive-supply and livestock ownership practices of meat packers, and correcting the Interstate Meat Inspection Act so smaller packers can ship their products across state lines. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said these are the core issues that affect the profitability of U.S. cattle producers, and Stampede participants did an outstanding job of elevating these issues for the new Congress.

This was the second time for Louisiana cattle producer Mike Kovac to participate in R-CALF USA's Stampede. He said this year was even better than last February's event. "It seems like Congress and USDA listened more than they did last year and just had a better understanding of what U.S. cattle producers need," Kovac said. "It seemed like everybody was more receptive. We discussed including a cattle chapter in the upcoming Farm Bill to resolve competition issues, and we also discussed moving up the implementation date for COOL, and addressing producer concerns about the Checkoff."

"The trip was well worthwhile because it's important that Congress hear from producers," Kovac continued. "It's also important that they know we have to pay our own way to participate in the R-CALF Stampede, and that they know we think it’s worth spending $1,500 or more of our own money to make sure members of Congress hear our message."

Louis Day, of Valentine, Neb., echoed that sentiment. "I thought it was worth all the expense and the time because on the first day we got to meet with both of our Senators and all three of our Congressmen," Day said. "My biggest deal was to stress what a stranglehold the multinational packers have on captive supplies, and to explain that for every 1 percent of supply they control, they can control their profits by 2 percent."

R-CALF USA Wisconsin Membership Chair Kevin Kirschbaum said he was pleased to learn that his Senators and Representatives are on board with most of the organization’s issues.

"They were very appreciative to see us – their constituents – come to them with thoughts and ideas," Kirschbaum said. "They all were very open-minded, and all understood the common-sense advantages of COOL, interstate shipment of meat, and many of our other concerns. It was great to see all the other R-CALF ranchers from across the country in our nation’s capitol supporting their industry."

Bullard said participants again made history by demonstrating to our nation’s leaders that there are real people whose lives are affected by these issues.

"Each and every one of the visits our members made will elevate the stature of these issues, and the people they spoke with will remember these meetings for a long time to come," Bullard said. "The annual Stampede strengthens R-CALF's ability to establish a solid foundation that the organization will continue to build upon throughout the year to advance these important matters."

"Every Stampede participant is sincerely committed to improving the U.S. cattle industry and supporting what Congress is all about – and that’s the maintenance of a free enterprise system – a system that promotes and facilitates an open and competitive marketplace," Bullard concluded. "R-CALF USA members are the ones delivering that message, and it is one powerful message."

Wonder if Kevin Kirschbaum knows that his new pres. voted to stay home and Johhny Smith voiced his opinion that it doesn't accomplish much to go to Washington DC when he voted to stay home. How many annual fly ins will R-CALF be participating in when the new Pres. is against them. :? Check out the Sept. 28, 2006 board minutes Where Johnny and Max opposed the motion to schedule the Washington DC fly in.
 

rkaiser

Well-known member
How many more fly in's to Washington do you think that CCA should buy with producer dollars Tam? Not one red cent has made a difference so far.
 

mrj

Well-known member
Kaiser, does CCA use checkoff dollars, or membership and affiliate and allied organization money to HELP pay SOME of the expenses for their leadership to attend meetings?

While I don't know how Canadians do such things, here in the USA, the Beef Checkoff money is NOT used to send dues organization members to lobby in Washington. Those leaders fortunate enough to get help with costs are funded with dues organization funds ONLY.

It is against the law to use US Beef Checkoff money for lobbying, therefore it is not done.

MRJ
 

Tam

Well-known member
rkaiser said:
How many more fly in's to Washington do you think that CCA should buy with producer dollars Tam? Not one red cent has made a difference so far.

Got anything to back this opinion Randy?

In my opinion every time they have one of these R-CALFers Fly in's to talk a US Congessmen or Senators, the next foot in the door should be a very informed Canadian Producer to fill those Congressmen and Senators in on the TRUTH about our industry. Maybe after those in DC see the truth we will get back to dealing with the real issues instead of the crap R-CALF wants to drag people to court on.

I don't have a problem with spending a few Producer dollars to protect our interests in the capital city of our historically largest beef market do you? Would you rather the CCA not fly to DC and talk to US law makers? Would you rather we save our money and file an expensive lawsuit that we have little chance of winning like the New R-CALF board of Directors lead by the likes of Litigating Johhny and Gun carrying Mad Max seem to think is the best bang for the buck? Which route do you think will be more cost efficient Randy. Talking or defending against just another trumped up court case.
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Tam, you being a Canadian, I would think you would petition your own government. Why not do your jawing in Ottawa, or are you resigned to being dependent on the US for your existance?
 

Kato

Well-known member
I think most of us here have already spoken with our MP's at the federal level, and agriculture ministers at the provincial level. They know our opinions. Lobbying in Canada is not the same as in the U.S. We don't usually :cboy: stampede the Parliament buildings unless it's for a protest rally.

We pay a checkoff to the Manitoba Cattle Producers Assoc. A portion of that is for beef promotion etc, and a portion is to run the association. It's known when you pay your checkoff that it will be used for the association, and you have the right to ask for a refund if you don't agree with what they do. You also have a right to show up at meetings and run for a director's position if you want to. The government doesn't get involved with how the association is run.

The MCPA is involved in working with other associations and levels of government with such things as environmental issues, promotion of Manitoba beef, animal health issues, research, and of course helping the CCA finance the ongoing legal battles over the border. This cost Manitoba producers over $100,000.00 last year. :roll:

Randy, I'm not so sure that the CCA has made no difference to our situation. I think without their efforts we'd be in a tougher situation than we are now. There's still a long way to go though. If it's true that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I think we've got some strength left yet. :wink: 8)
 

Tam

Well-known member
Sandhusker said:
Tam, you being a Canadian, I would think you would petition your own government. Why not do your jawing in Ottawa, or are you resigned to being dependent on the US for your existance?

Where did I say we haven't spoke to our MP's Sandhusker? In fact we have spoke to alot of our elected officials both in Ottawa and Regina . :roll: Unlike your industry leaders ours feel informing our officials on the issues and working with them is better than SUEING THEM. Costs alot less too. :wink:

BTW Sandhusker I'll be thinking of you when BMR and I are having supper with a few of our Sask MLA's on Tuesday night OK :wink:
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Tam said:
Sandhusker said:
Tam, you being a Canadian, I would think you would petition your own government. Why not do your jawing in Ottawa, or are you resigned to being dependent on the US for your existance?

Where did I say we haven't spoke to our MP's Sandhusker? In fact we have spoke to alot of our elected officials both in Ottawa and Regina . :roll: Unlike your industry leaders ours feel informing our officials on the issues and working with them is better than SUEING THEM. Costs alot less too. :wink:

BTW Sandhusker I'll be thinking of you when BMR and I are having supper with a few of our Sask MLA's on Tuesday night OK :wink:

I'm glad you're talking to them. Will dependence on the US or regaining control of the Canadian packing industry be among the topics?
 

rkaiser

Well-known member
I would have answered your question MRJ, but Tam beat me to the punch. I will not argue with you Tam because as you always say Randy Kaiser is nothing but opinion. In my opinion all CCA lobby efforts in Washington have been a complete and utter waste of money. The border has been and will be controlled by Cargill and Tyson - PERIOD. No proof for you Tam dear - just my humble opinion.
 

Tommy

Well-known member
Tam...Wonder if Kevin Kirschbaum knows that his new pres. voted to stay home and Johhny Smith voiced his opinion that it doesn't accomplish much to go to Washington DC when he voted to stay home. How many annual fly ins will R-CALF be participating in when the new Pres. is against them. Check out the Sept. 28, 2006 board minutes Where Johnny and Max opposed the motion to schedule the Washington DC fly in.

They must have been out voted or no one would have went to Washington DC. Just like the old Pres. was voted out, majority rules. Do you have a problem with the majority vote being a rule Tam?
 

Tam

Well-known member
Tommy said:
Tam...Wonder if Kevin Kirschbaum knows that his new pres. voted to stay home and Johhny Smith voiced his opinion that it doesn't accomplish much to go to Washington DC when he voted to stay home. How many annual fly ins will R-CALF be participating in when the new Pres. is against them. Check out the Sept. 28, 2006 board minutes Where Johnny and Max opposed the motion to schedule the Washington DC fly in.

They must have been out voted or no one would have went to Washington DC. Just like the old Pres. was voted out, majority rules. Do you have a problem with the majority vote being a rule Tam?

Tommy how many more Fly ins to talk to the Congressmen and Senators on important issue to your industry do you think will happen now that Leo, Chuck, Dennis, and Jon are no longer voting to go? Don't you just love how your Board of Directors handles anyone that votes to talk instead of litigate?
Donate another calf Tommy as you will need $400,000 to clean up the lawyers fees now owed and another million plus to get the next Johnny Smith backed law suit underway. BTW doesn't it bother you that your own R-CALF lawyers don't give the next lawsuit much hope of success? Majority rules Tommy Donate two calves. :wink:
 

rkaiser

Well-known member
Wouldn't take you long to join the Rcalf group or the CCA group in their Washington "Fly ins" if you used that broom that Oldtimer says you got in the garage.
 

Bill

Well-known member
Tam said:
Sandhusker said:
Tam, you being a Canadian, I would think you would petition your own government. Why not do your jawing in Ottawa, or are you resigned to being dependent on the US for your existance?

Where did I say we haven't spoke to our MP's Sandhusker? In fact we have spoke to alot of our elected officials both in Ottawa and Regina . :roll: Unlike your industry leaders ours feel informing our officials on the issues and working with them is better than SUEING THEM. Costs alot less too. :wink:

BTW Sandhusker I'll be thinking of you when BMR and I are having supper with a few of our Sask MLA's on Tuesday night OK :wink:

Who all is meeting to break bread with the MLA's and what subjects will be discussed? Is this a social event or will there be opportunity to present a CCA/SSGA "plan B" that can be implemented if Rule #2 isn't passed.
 

Tommy

Well-known member
Tam...Tommy how many more Fly ins to talk to the Congressmen and Senators on important issue to your industry do you think will happen now that Leo, Chuck, Dennis, and Jon are no longer voting to go? Don't you just love how your Board of Directors handles anyone that votes to talk instead of litigate?

What friggin business is it of yours anyway Tam? Are Leo, Dennis, Chuck, and Jon the only guys left that can sit on a board?
If someone goes out on their own without board approval there should be something done about it. He should have thought about that before he sent his letter.

If the border is open to OTM's we will all be losing on our cull cows. Instead of getting 50-60 cents per pound we will get 30-35 cents per pound for them. So I might just donate two calves this year. I will be losing a lot more than that if it opens.
 

Kato

Well-known member
That's assuming a lot. :shock:

Like the fact that there will be millions of old cows heading south. I don't think there will be. We don't even have millions of old cows any more. The age restricition put on those cows will stop a lot from even considering going south. Any cow that has changed hands since birth will not be able to be age verified, so will not be eligible.

What you will see is less red tape with the younger fats going south. We may see heifers actually being worth a bit more than they are now, with any luck. The discounts on heifers here are terrible, and the segregation rules for them are prohibitive when it comes to shipping south.

The cows will stay here and be sold for whatever our local pirates feel like paying.
 

rkaiser

Well-known member
Have you been watching the cull cow price in Canada lately Tommy. Don't get your shorts in a knot Tommy; if you don't beleive the truth in Kato's post, grab a market report and take a look at Canadian D1 and D2 or whatever cow grade pricing interests you. Don't forget to factor in the Canucklebuck. Donate a calf to Creekstone farms and really make a difference.
 

Tam

Well-known member
Bill said:
Tam said:
Sandhusker said:
Tam, you being a Canadian, I would think you would petition your own government. Why not do your jawing in Ottawa, or are you resigned to being dependent on the US for your existance?

Where did I say we haven't spoke to our MP's Sandhusker? In fact we have spoke to alot of our elected officials both in Ottawa and Regina . :roll: Unlike your industry leaders ours feel informing our officials on the issues and working with them is better than SUEING THEM. Costs alot less too. :wink:

BTW Sandhusker I'll be thinking of you when BMR and I are having supper with a few of our Sask MLA's on Tuesday night OK :wink:

Who all is meeting to break bread with the MLA's and what subjects will be discussed? Is this a social event or will there be oportunity to present a CCA/SSGA "plan B" that can be implemented if the US border doesn't open to Canadian OTMs?
It is the Weyburn Big Muddy Constituency Spring Banquet that our board organizes. We're having Brad Wall speak with a chance to visit afterward. There will also be several other MLA's attending. Nearly everytime we visited with MLA's, we talk about industry issues. I think the last time we spoke about Voluntary age verifying verses Mandatory, why the traceability plan that the government was thinking about will not work in the country, BSE testing, tax breaks for Ag. ventures.and a few environmental issues. So chances are Industry issues will come up again.
 

Tam

Well-known member
Tommy said:
Tam...Tommy how many more Fly ins to talk to the Congressmen and Senators on important issue to your industry do you think will happen now that Leo, Chuck, Dennis, and Jon are no longer voting to go? Don't you just love how your Board of Directors handles anyone that votes to talk instead of litigate?

What friggin business is it of yours anyway Tam? Are Leo, Dennis, Chuck, and Jon the only guys left that can sit on a board?
If someone goes out on their own without board approval there should be something done about it. He should have thought about that before he sent his letter.

If the border is open to OTM's we will all be losing on our cull cows. Instead of getting 50-60 cents per pound we will get 30-35 cents per pound for them. So I might just donate two calves this year. I will be losing a lot more than that if it opens.

Tommy if the board was so hell bent on getting rid of Kiker why was the vote not taken in Kansas City, FACE TO FACE, in a meeting set up to discuss the famed letters. Face to Face they decided to drop the letters and move forward with industry issues. It took a By LAW breaking vote on a Special conference call, which was called to speak about a complete different topic. If it was legal to do it the way they did why did Thornsberry call two points of order to stop it? I wonder if a third point of order would have stop Stevenson. :?

Tommy the way they removed Kiker and McDonnell shows everyone how BY LAWS and RULES MATTER to the remaining Board members. This quote from the Sept 28th minutes tells everyone where we are headed with the remaining board Johnny Smith notes that undertaking new or different litigation may help raise funds. How many more court cases are you willing to support when your own lawyers say you have little chance of winning? Are you willing to let Bullard, a SD rancher turned CEO, write your legal petitions to save money. What's next Tommy? :roll:

And why it friggin matters to me is for every calf you donate to fund R-CALF's next stupid lawsuit on the border, some other ranchers has to donate one to DEFEND THEMSELF AGAINST THAT STUPID LAWSUIT. Of which we have donated a few over the recent years. Not only that tax payers have to flip the bill to defend against those stupid lawsuits when they are filed against their government. All our money could be better spent if it wasn't for R-CALF.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Sandhusker said:
Tam's donating calves to help the USDA's legal fees?

Tammy must fear bringing USDA's "sound science" into the light of day- and the facts to be decided by a neutral party...But for the last 12+ years Canadian producers have been living on USDA's help of deception and fraud- which just magnified with the BSE issue....
 
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