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NCBA, CBB Leadership Welcome Cattlemen to the 2013 Convention

Leaders urge organizations to work together within new committee structure to set priorities for the coming year.

by Troy Smith for Angus Journal

 

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2013) — During the opening general session Feb. 6, leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) welcomed beef producers to Tampa, Fla., for the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention. NCBA President J.D. Alexander of Pilger, Neb., and CBB Chairman Wesley Grau of Grady, N.M., urged representatives of their respective organizations to work together in setting priorities for the coming year.

Grau reminded the audience that this convention offers the first opportunity for the CBB and delegates from the Federation of State Beef Councils to meet jointly under a new beef checkoff committee structure. He noted how reduced cattle numbers have further impacted an already tight checkoff budget, but producer volunteers must focus their efforts on prioritizing checkoff investments.

 

“Our new committee structure was developed to help the checkoff better respond to its mission and the industry’s long-range plan,” said Grau, urging the audience to resist making comparisons between the new structure and the old committee system.

 

“It was reorganized to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Realize that it may take a little time to become accustomed to the new committee structure,” he advised. “Treat each other with the utmost respect. We’re here to mold the future of our industry. Together is the only way it can happen.”

 

Alexander allowed that he had heard it said that if something can’t be legislated, regulate it. He added that NCBA members and staff have seen ample evidence of that through government’s attempts to apply burdensome regulations. Cited examples included attempts to restrict the ability of youth to work on farms and ranches, proposed EPA dust regulations, the Renewable Fuels Standard and proposed rules that would require commercial driver’s licenses for drivers of many farm vehicles.

 

“NCBA has fought each of those unjust and unreasonable regulations,” stated Alexander. “We also had success in eliminating trade barriers that will allow more U.S. beef to be exported. We maintained the $10 million exemption (per couple) on the federal estate tax.”

 

Alexander said there are more battles to fight, and the preparation takes place at this convention.

 

In closing, Alexander echoed Grau’s earlier remark, saying, “All comers have a seat at the table. Together we can succeed.”