Leader’s Letter

Looking Back Down the Trail Before Moving On

By: Jay Wolf

    Before we begin the whirlwind that will be 2007, I’d like to take a moment to look back on 2006. NC had a great year. With NC Membership Chairman Scott Reynolds leading the charge, we achieved our goal of 500 new members. However, he will be the first to tell you that it took many to make it happen. Our membership has grown steadily the past few years and we are grateful to all the beef producers who feel NC is worth their time, effort and dues dollars. Financially, your organization is in the strongest position in its history – a tribute to years of careful management by past boards and staff. The current crew pledges to honor that tradition so we can pass it forward.

   NC addressed many issues in 2006 and we’ve had our share of successes. Fortunately, there are too many to list so I’ll just mention a couple.

   On the environmental front, we successfully passed LB 975, which was one of our priority bills. LB 975 helps producers in some tangible ways, but more important, we hope it begins a process that will lead to risk-based (i.e. common sense) CAFO regulations in Nebraska. Michael Kelsey and Duane Gangwish have had dozens of meetings with the NDEQ and the EPA, and they’ve gotten results on several fronts. I’ll let them update you on the specifics. Let me just summarize NC’s environmental efforts this way – we really need NC working these issues and these guys are doing a great job for us.

   NC hired Drew Gaffney to staff the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and he has hit the ground running. Anne Burkholder, Animal Health and Nutrition Committee chair, convinced us to make Drew’s position full time. We are impressed by the commitment that Drew, Anne and the BQA Committee have. NC will continue to be a national leader in this important area.

   Looking forward, the explosive growth in the ethanol industry has been a shock. It is affecting every aspect of Nebraska agriculture. NC has a crucial role to play here. We must inform cattlemen about what is going on and help them find ways to adapt to the new economics that the expanding ethanol market has created. We will put on a series of educational meetings during January. Please bring a neighbor with you to one of these meetings. NC will also be seeking federal research dollars to help the beef industry with issues arising from ethanol’s growth. Additionally, NC will carry out member-developed policy regarding this issue. We’ll look at issues including the renewable fuels standards, the 51¢ ethanol blender’s tax credit, mandated usage of ethanol and ethanol import tariffs.

   Environmental issues will continue to be one of NC’s top priorities. They are numerous and far reaching and affect every rancher, feeder and farmer. Over the long term, when it comes to the work we do on behalf of our members in Lincoln and D.C., environmental issues are the number-one time commitment for staff and NC member leaders.

   Taxes are another top priority. This year, we will be pushing for repeal of the Nebraska Estate Tax, seeking ways to combat high property taxes and looking critically at every bill in the Unicameral that includes the word “tax.” The Education Committee will continue aggressively to address the cattle industry’s needs for research, Extension and teaching from UNL. There will be other issues such as COOL, animal ID, the future of the checkoff, beef export restrictions and Canadian border rules.

   There are too many priorities for one person to deal with. Fortunately, we have volunteer leaders who grab each issue and pursue it with passion. They are supported by a knowledgeable and capable staff. I assure you, NC will continue to be out in front of all things “cattle.”

   All the above priorities are very important, but I want to talk about PRIORITY NUMBER ONE – the local affiliates. They are the first thing Michael told me about when I met him and every NC employee feels the same way. NC is about the local affiliates, not the other way around. We want to help the local groups grow. NC wants to assist by providing educational speakers and sponsors. We want better communication and to help develop leadership. We promise to remember what priority number one is.

   I want to thank each of you for giving me this opportunity to serve you as NC president. This association has meant a great deal to me. During my 20-plus years of involvement, I’ve learned a great deal, my business has benefited from what others have shared, NC has represented me and defended me, I’ve made many close friendships, and I’ve had a lot of fun along the way. Now, you have provided me with a chance to give something back and I appreciate it.