Shortgrass
Well-known member
NCBA is actively promoting the exemption of manure piles as toxic waste. This must pass or else all of us will be encumbered with unreasonable and costly regulations. Well meaning, but unknowledgeable urban neighbors who may have drove by a feedlot on vacation intend to "do something about that awful smell" are uncaring about the economic burdens that would be placed on us. They have given no thought at all of the difference between obnoxious and toxic. Some of the proposals even would hinder your ability to put barnyard fertilizer on your own field. We need to be pro active on this and many other issues. My daughter changed jobs in February from being a Loan Processor at a Bank to working for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. A great move on her part. I had never joined the organization because of some preconceived ideas. I have since found out that this organization is doing a lot of good for cattlemen across the United States. I am now a lifelong member.
They have sound reasons for their positions. For example, they are not promoting COOL. I wanted to know why. They explained that in the consumers mind--and we are appealing to consumers instead of producers--that many times "imported goods" have an appeal. 90%-95% of beef in store cases is US beef. Imported beef could, in some minds, be more desirable than American beef. I can see that COOL might actually advertise for the limited supply of imported beef. Companies that have stressed "made in the USA" have seldom seen an appreciable increase in sales, and actually seen a slight decline in some cases. We all know and believe with our heart our product is second to none, so do they, but there are serious reservation as to whether COOL would increase sales of US beef. Actually, it may not work for the betterment of our industry.
These people do their homework. The positions that they take are carefully calculated to be in the best interest of the beef industry. All issues are brought forth by grassroot members and then voted on by the entire membership before becoming policy. The Board of Directors consists of 63% cow/calf or yearling ranchers, and 25% feeders, thus 88% of the board are active producers. We ag producers are badly outnumbered. The changes that have taken place since the industrial revolution in our country have led to an urban population that is far removed from the farm an that does not understand the need for or importance of cattle in the US. The NCBA works with legislation and legislators to increase knowledge and encourage a favorable environment for you and I to conduct our businesses. We need them, and they need your support and participation. If you aren't a member, you ought to be. If interested in joining, pm me, and I will give you Sarah's phone number at work, and she will get you signed up and be sure you get all the incentives involved. I also encourage you to participate in your State and local Associations. I can help you join the Colorado Cattlemen's Assn.
They have sound reasons for their positions. For example, they are not promoting COOL. I wanted to know why. They explained that in the consumers mind--and we are appealing to consumers instead of producers--that many times "imported goods" have an appeal. 90%-95% of beef in store cases is US beef. Imported beef could, in some minds, be more desirable than American beef. I can see that COOL might actually advertise for the limited supply of imported beef. Companies that have stressed "made in the USA" have seldom seen an appreciable increase in sales, and actually seen a slight decline in some cases. We all know and believe with our heart our product is second to none, so do they, but there are serious reservation as to whether COOL would increase sales of US beef. Actually, it may not work for the betterment of our industry.
These people do their homework. The positions that they take are carefully calculated to be in the best interest of the beef industry. All issues are brought forth by grassroot members and then voted on by the entire membership before becoming policy. The Board of Directors consists of 63% cow/calf or yearling ranchers, and 25% feeders, thus 88% of the board are active producers. We ag producers are badly outnumbered. The changes that have taken place since the industrial revolution in our country have led to an urban population that is far removed from the farm an that does not understand the need for or importance of cattle in the US. The NCBA works with legislation and legislators to increase knowledge and encourage a favorable environment for you and I to conduct our businesses. We need them, and they need your support and participation. If you aren't a member, you ought to be. If interested in joining, pm me, and I will give you Sarah's phone number at work, and she will get you signed up and be sure you get all the incentives involved. I also encourage you to participate in your State and local Associations. I can help you join the Colorado Cattlemen's Assn.
