• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

NCBA Takes Position on Ethanol

OldDog/NewTricks

Well-known member
2/6/2007 7:33:41 AM
NCBA Takes Position on Ethanol

AgWeb.com Editors

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has taken a stand on ethanol, one that injects yet another interesting angle into the growing debate over the alternative fuel.

"Rapidly increasing prices for corn and other feedgrains have raised operating costs for cattle feeders over the past four months, which in turn has contributed to lower calf and feeder cattle prices," NCBA said in a press release.

The group noted, "The policy brought forward Friday by the NCBA Agriculture Policy Committee was approved in large part by NCBA members today, with modest modifications in the policy resolution language. The resolution voiced support for the nation’s commitment to reduced dependence on foreign energy, including efforts to develop renewable energy. But cattlemen called for transition to a market-based approach to renewable energy production, which would help level the playing field for cattle producers and other feedgrain users."

The resolution supports the “sunsetting” of fuel-blending tax credits and tariffs on imported ethanol, as these policies were primarily designed to boost the initial development in renewable fuel production and technology, according to NCBA. "With alternative fuel production now growing at an astounding pace, cattlemen do not consider it appropriate for Congress to renew these mechanisms in their present form when they expire near the end of the decade."

The 54-cent per gallon tariff on imported ethanol is set to expire in 2009, while the 51-cent per gallon fuel-blending tax credit expires in 2010.

NCBA members also called for greater policy emphasis to be placed on development of cellulostic fuels. Production of these fuel types does not rely on feedgrains and could have much less impact on grain prices.

NCBA members also approved policy with regard to live cattle trade with Canada. Currently, cattle and beef imports from Canada are limited to cattle 30 months of age or younger. A pending USDA proposal would allow beef from Canadian cattle of any age, and live cattle up to eight years of age.

Cattlemen did not reject the USDA proposal, but adopted a policy voicing concerns about its possible impact. The policy resolution approved by NCBA members demands permanent identification of all live cattle imported from Canada through harvest, and calls for USDA to develop an orderly market transition plan before expanding the scope of cattle and beef imports from Canada.

“NCBA believes in treating our trading partners as we would like to be treated,” said incoming NCBA President John Queen. “But we want free, fair and reliable trade. USDA must look at the big picture and take steps to ensure that U.S. cattlemen are rewarded – not penalized – for opening our market to a wider range of imports.”

NCBA members also proceeded with caution with regard to any changes in the Beef Checkoff Program. An industry-wide task force recently advanced a slate of recommendations for enhancing the checkoff, including an increase in the $1-per head checkoff rate (contingent on a producer referendum). But the policy resolution adopted by cattlemen seeks greater input and discussion on these task force recommendations, before giving them renewed consideration at next year’s convention.

All policies adopted and officer elections are now subject to approval by approximately 28,000 NCBA members nationwide. Convention results become official only after the ballot process is completed.
 

feeder

Well-known member
NCBA's stand is very frustrating to me. On one hand they want to condemn the US grain farmers ability to finally get a fair price for their product. And on the other hand they want to allow more imported beef into the USA condemning the feeders from getting a fair price for their fats.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
feeder said:
NCBA's stand is very frustrating to me. On one hand they want to condemn the US grain farmers ability to finally get a fair price for their product. And on the other hand they want to allow more imported beef into the USA condemning the feeders from getting a fair price for their fats.

Same-O Same-O...Every year.....
 
Top