Leader’s Letter

Reflect … and Look Ahead!

By Pete McClymont

    Another year draws to a close. Along with it, the tenure of one volunteer leader concludes, allowing another talented producer to step forward to lead our great association and beef industry. Thus, it is the proper time to reflect and to look ahead.

If one takes time to view the NCBA Web site and read the article on association history, it will present a very familiar view of what our challenges were prior to the turn of the century. Amazingly, problems from over 100 years ago are similar to today’s concerns.

Today’s problems bring on uneasy feelings as we all try to remain profitable and sustainable. Management of drought relief, EPA dust regulations, record keeping of the transfer of hay, ground water monitoring and trade – just to name a few – are either mindless issues on a good day or battles to overcome. Nebraska Cattlemen has made great strides in all these areas and will work toward a successful endpoint on the other issues still in progress.

Drought management – If there is one person who needs congratulations in championing positive results for those negatively impacted by the ongoing drought, it is NC Membership Chairman Scott Reynolds. Even though the financial offerings from Congress and USDA are not close to the devastation ranchers endure, without Scott Reynolds they would have received nothing. Officials at the state FSA office, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, USDA, plus Governor Dave Heineman and USDA Secretary Mike Johanns all are familiar with Scott’s dogged approach to making a difference for ranchers, not just in Nebraska but across the country.

Dust regulations – This issue is evidence of how people who don’t know agriculture can make a common element in rural life a four-letter word. EPA Director Johnson ruled September 29 that dust is now illegal. It is far more technical and complex, but essentially that is what it means to us who value agriculture and a rural, wholesome lifestyle. NC worked all levels to influence this decision with our NCBA partners. NC will continue to exert pressure at all levels of government.

Record keeping of hay transfer – Here is another “wake up and smell the coffee” issue. Larry Smith is bird-dogging this one. In the fallout of terrorist activities, it is the federal rule to record transfer of hay that is sold or transported on a hired basis. The concern is that in the transfer of hay by someone other than the owner, there could be abuse of the hay. The expectation is record keeping with identity. This rule goes beyond dumb. It is amazing NC has to fight an issue like this at all, but we are and will continue to do so.

Groundwater monitoring – Nebraska Cattlemen has worked diligently with the Department of Environment Quality – especially with Dave Miesbach – and others to develop a workable plan. NC’s proposed plan was well received by NDEQ and is a work in progress. This issue has potentially far-reaching effects for the feeding sector.

Trade – BSE has created innumerable and expensive headaches for the affirmation of consumer confidence. However, the result of this issue has been unstated trade discrimination that we have worked diligently to correct. Nebraska beef producers can benefit more than any other state by having our beef back where it needs to be – on international dinner plates.

Many times I’ve publicly stated that NC is in the people business with the beef industry being the focus – not the reverse. People create challenges and people solve challenges. Over the years, a growing membership and increasing revenues have brought NC greater stature. But the respect we’ve earned dates back to the Nebraska Stock Growers and the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association.

Numerous elements contribute to earning respect. Consideration of other viewpoints, diligence, consistency, production and effort all contribute to the sum total of respect. Speaking for the current Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as we made decisions, we consciously and subconsciously considered what our predecessors had “willed” to the current leadership, particularly the need to be fiscally responsible. Jay Wolf and others have been steadfast in maintaining a strong budget. To that end, revenues are at record highs and programs and services to membership are as broad as ever. NC leadership wants the same for the future as what was entrusted to them.

The take-home message is and always should be that your Nebraska Cattlemen dues are working hard to earn your respect with dedicated volunteer leadership and excellent staff. It is the cheapest and most profitable line-item in your business. Let your neighbors know that an NC membership will enhance their profitability and valued way of life.

In closing, it has been an honor to serve you, the Nebraska Cattlemen membership and the beef industry. It has been the highlight of my professional career. Thank you.    Pete McClymont, Holdrege, is concluding his year as NC president.