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SD Auction Markets Assn. Unanimously Support R-CALF

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Anonymous

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May 14, 2007
Phone: 406-672-8969; e-mail: [email protected]

South Dakota Auction Markets Association Unanimously Votes to Support R-CALF USA

Lead, S.D. - At the annual meeting here of the South Dakota Auction Markets Association (SDAMA) on May 5, members unanimously voted to continue overall support of R-CALF USA, and in particular, the group's efforts to see that country-of-origin labeling (COOL) is implemented, and its litigation against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding Canada's problems with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Joe Vetter, owner of Herreid Livestock Market in Herreid, S.D., and past president of SDAMA, brought the resolution forward, which is copied verbatim at the end of this news release.

"The resolution was overall support on R-CALF's efforts to continue to support COOL and also to support R-CALF's efforts on the Canadian border situation," Vetter said. "I just brought it to the floor and I said 'As a member of the South Dakota Auction Markets Association, I would ask that the association support R-CALF's efforts on COOL and also in their efforts to stay the course with what's going on with the Canadian situation.' There were no objections."

R-CALF USA Region III Director Johnny Smith said on behalf of the national organization that the steadfast support of SDAMA is greatly appreciated, and that he thinks this vote will send a strong message to auction market associations across the countryside.

"R-CALF's been the one working for everything - honest and fair and competitive markets - and I say that every week on my radio program," Smith said. "These auction markets create price discovery at its finest. We get our producers the most money we can, and that's why we support the people that raise the cattle and believe in the free market system. That includes our friends that come and buy the cattle and promote the market, not just corporate feedlots and that sort of thing."

SDAMA Animal Health Resolution

Monitor and take appropriate action on livestock auction market animal health issues such as BSE, Foot and Mouth Disease and animal identification. A committee will be appointed, if necessary.

SDLAMA is concerned with USDA's decision to classify Canada as a minimal risk region for BSE.

Whereas, Canada has had several positive cases of BSE; and

Whereas, SDLAMA, Inc.'s by-laws require that we constantly strive to improve the auction market system; and


Whereas, SDLAMA, Inc.'s by-laws require that we promote the livestock industry in South Dakota; and


Whereas, SDLAMA, Inc. supports sound animal health practices as evidenced by our support for health inspection by veterinarians at livestock auction markets; and


Whereas, a case of BSE in the United States would be harmful to the cattle market, livestock industry and livestock auction markets in South Dakota.


Now, Therefore be it Resolved that SDLAMA, Inc. continues to support R-CALF along with other organizations efforts to keep the Canadian border closed to live cattle and beef imports; and


Be it Further Resolved, that SDLAMA supports litigation as well as other appropriate means to keep the Canadian border closed to live cattle and beef imports; and


Be it Further Resolved, that SDLAMA, Inc. will, based on the request of any member(s), issue a news release that lists those markets(s) as being opposed to filing the Amicus Brief.

"The event was attended by representatives of 31 of 37 member auction markets," said SDAMA Executive Director Jerry Vogeler. "This is the position that the members adopted at our annual convention."

For more information, contact Vogeler at 605-223-2060.
 
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