Convention Highlights

Policy, Issues, Fun – Dominate NC Convention

    Under cloudy skies and a cold November wind, nearly 500 Nebraska cattle producers and feeders gathered for the annual Nebraska Cattlemen Convention. Nebraska’s capital city was this year’s location, which proved to be a prime location for many interested in learning more about their industry and taking part in developing NC initiatives, policy and directives.

Cattlemen’s College

   Brought back for a return engagement, this year’s Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Pfizer, drew a large crowd. The half-day educational seminar featured speakers addressing issues that included rodent control, pasture management, reproductive performance, natural and organic systems and the use of ethanol byproducts.

   Cattlemen’s College ended with keynote speaker Gary Smith, Ph.D., Colorado State University, reviewing the 2005 Beef Quality Audit results. According to Smith, the audit’s purpose was to determine how to improve beef quality.

   “You should be proud of what you have accomplished as an industry since the first Beef Quality Audit in 1991,” Smith said. “There are improvements in many areas of evaluation.” 

NC issues, policy

   The convention’s opening session reflected a light, optimistic mood, especially after NC Executive VP Michael Kelsey relayed the good news regarding increasing NC membership numbers, which led to a one-seat increase on the NCBA Board. Attendees were treated to presentations from NCBA Chief Operating Officer Rick Husted and American National CattleWomen President-Elect. Outstanding council members were also recognized during the opening session. (See photos of these award winners on page 28.) 

   Afternoon council meeting addressed specific issues and concerns. Standing-room-only crowds emphasized the grassroots participation that is the heart of NC. Speakers addressed issues of technology, environmental concerns, market outlook and of course, ethanol and the use of ethanol byproducts. Policy concerns were further addressed in committee meetings the following day. Councils and committees both prepared resolutions and policy statements to present to the full membership later that afternoon. The entire process ended with a lively and extensive discussion on resolutions and policy statements.

   “The policy process can sometimes be long and heated,” said NC President Jay Wolf, “but it is vital that our policy reflects our members’ concerns and intent. The time is we spend developing our policy dictates our path for the rest of the year and is therefore crucial.”

   The impact of the rapidly growing ethanol industry on cattle production and prices was specifically addressed. “One challenge is that the dramatic growth of ethanol production has increased corn prices, but has raised costs for those who feed byproducts from ethanol plants to cattle and, in turn, put pressure on feeder cattle prices,” Wolf said.

   NC members heard from cattle, corn and ethanol industry experts and discussed the complex situation before adopting policy. Ultimately, NC adopted a resolution that addresses ethanol markets and mandates. It states that because the availability of affordable, high quality feedstuffs is crucial to beef industry profitability; and because the beef industry is competing with the ethanol industry for corn, that Nebraska Cattlemen supports a transition to a market-based approach for the usage and production of ethanol. Further, it says Nebraska Cattlemen is opposed to any additional federal or state mandates for ethanol usage and/or production.

   A full listing of all policy statements and resolutions from the 2006 Convention will be available to NC members soon.

Dignitaries

   Congressman Lee Terry emceed the Annual Banquet. Many elected officials, including Congressman Adrian Smith, Nebraska Governor Dave Heinemann and former Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter provided positive and uplifting presentations, which served to reinforce an optimistic environment for cattle production in the U.S.

   Yeutter explained his perspective on the ethanol issue. “While in the short run it will be painful,” he said, “over the long haul, supply and demand will even things out and it won’t make much difference.” He remarked that the industry will adapt and will find ways to keep production moving along, despite the changes.

   National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Mike Johns attended the convention, carrying the message that NCBA is a producer-driven organization that is at its strongest when members become involved.

   “I grew up thinking that if I worked hard, stayed home, shut up and kept out of everyone’s business, I would be successful,” Johns said. “But now I realize that’s not the case. You have to be involved.” It’s possible for a small group with access to the Internet and email to have a very loud voice, he explained. “It’s up to our industry to remain active so that our voice is heard, as well.”

Fun