NCBA Policy Committee

The new dues structure for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) membership was showcased at the Membership Committee, and summarized at the NCBA policy committee. The new dues structure would treat all members fairly by making them all eligible for the same dues scale. Mark Nelson, chair of the membership committee said that there are 10-15 dues structures for NCBA membership. The different structures are divided by state. The new structure would treat all NCBA members the same by making the dues fair and simple.

At the beginning of this year, membership numbers are at about 28,700, which is up 13% more than last year at the same time. Revenue, though, is down slightly due to the $40 dues option.

The goal of the new dues program is to help increase membership and raise revenue to fund the policy division. Last year, the policy division had a deficit of about $1 million and next year the division will need about $4 million to keep it in full operation.

Terry Stokes, CEO of the NCBA, said they are focused on connecting with producers. So far this year they have held more than 30 town hall meetings in 15 states, and they still have more meetings scheduled. He said the NCBA is focused on its members, and wants everyone to have a chance for their questions to be answered.

Stokes added the NCBA Foundation has raised $800,000 in grants from companies – including McDonald’s – to fund research and other programs. Currently they are focused on diversifying funding for the NCBA Foundation.

-— by Stephanie Veldman

Keys Sees Challenges & Opportunities

During Friday’s Policy Division Forum, NCBA’s Chandler Keys reported on the challenges and opportunities facing the association’s Washington D.C. lobbying effort. Keys noted how Australia and South American countries have sought free trade agreements to access U.S. markets. He said NCBA advocates fair trade through reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers to open up foreign markets to U.S. beef.

Keys explained how NCBA was instrumental in shutting down West Coast dock worker strikes that hampered shipment of beef exports. He noted how association efforts were directed toward boosting Japanese consumer confidence in U.S. beef, following the detection of BSE in Japan’s domestically produced cattle.

Related to tax issues, Keys reported how NCBA initiated formation of a coalition to work toward elimination of the death tax that threatens many U.S. farm and ranch families.

"We were laughed at in the beginning and accused of tilting at windmills," stated Keys," but we expect to see a vote in Congress, this spring, on permanent elimination of the death tax."

NCBA has taken advantage of good relationships with the administration and members of congress to successfully seek an increase in cost-share programs for conservation, through the Farm Bill, and $1.4 billion for drought relief aid to livestock producers.

"The administration is friendly toward our industry," affirmed Keys, "and we have built relationships with key players. But that means we have a responsibility to perform. We have to choose our positions carefully to remain effective."

— by Troy Smith