Leader’s Letter

Be a Member and Be Heard

By Jay Wolf

Why be a Nebraska Cattlemen Member? That is a fair question and one I am often asked. It is one that deserves an answer and I’ll give you my best shot. My first response is to look at what NC does for its members.

The Unicameral is in session now, so that is a place to start. Board members reviewed over 300 bills in early January to see which ones might affect our businesses. We then met as a group and discussed most of them. We took positions where necessary, decided which ones we would testify on and identified our priorities. Believe me, that was a long day, but an important one. Thirty-one of NC’s 35 leaders attended. How is that for dedication? That evening we hosted 31 senators and the Lieutenant Governor at a dinner where we discussed our positions. I believe it is a high complement to our association to have so many political leaders take time to meet with us.

We will be spending considerable time talking to our delegation in Washington D.C. We’ll also be involved in discussions with USDA, EPA and other regulatory agencies. Nebraska Cattlemen has built a high level of respect over many years and we will get a sincere hearing of our concerns.

Providing educational opportunities to members is also something that NC strives to do. We held six Cattle, Corn and Ethanol meetings around Nebraska in January. This summer we will have a series of meetings about the future of the beef checkoff. We constantly host Beef Quality Assurance meetings, held a series of cattle handling seminars, a Cattlemen’s College during Annual Convention and educational tours, among other informational and educational meetings.

NC is a spokesman for the industry. This is a role that should not be undervalued. Others with interests not helpful to cattle producers are always active or vocal about their story. We need to be sure we tell ours. NC strives to be proactive in this area as we constantly put out press releases on current happenings. Michael Kelsey, Mike Fitzgerald and volunteer leaders speak to the press often as we promote the positive aspects of the beef industry.

The Nebraska Cattleman magazine, the NC POST newsletter, and the Today’s News email are free to members and keep us informed about what is going on. Because we understand how busy people are, we make these sources concise and to the point. Please let us know if you are not receiving any of these and we’ll get you on the list.

NC’s many program services are another important value of membership. Many consider the Market Reporting Service to be the best source of cash market information around. Duane Gangwish is available to all members to answer questions about DEQ compliance. We keep Duane very busy “visiting” with DEQ and EPA about changes we need to regulations.

I believe NC’s most important role is to support the local affiliates by helping with sponsorships, organizing local meetings, doing mailings, assisting membership drives, and more. In short, we try to help in any way the local group asks, so ASK!

There are a number of ways we justify membership. Regardless, I’ll always find someone who says, “I won’t join because I don’t like your position on _________.” You can fill in the blank with one of many topics. I always tell people, “If you think NC doesn’t have a position that you strongly dislike, then you’re not paying attention.” Stop and think how diverse our group is. We represent ranchers, big feeders, small feeders and farmer stockmen. It is inevitable that NC will take positions that are divisive. But remember, NC policy is made by the members in a truly democratic way. So, join, come to convention and be part of the solution. You have to think of the greater good and not be a one-issue person. Nebraska Cattlemen is over 100 years old because our members understand this principal.

Another way to evaluate membership is by dollars and “sense.” For example, last year NC was a primary force in getting ag land valuations reduced from 80 percent to 75 percent. What was that worth to you? This year we will again be striving for property tax relief, repeal of the Nebraska estate tax and reductions in DEQ fines. The cost of an NC membership is 40¢ per head for a feeder and about 70¢ per head for a cowman. Don’t you think those kind of issues are worth that much to you? That is less that the cost of any vaccine. I believe that we have more at risk from regulations and legislation than we do blackleg.

When you join NC, join as a fair share member. Cattlemen have a proud tradition of independence and self-reliance, so don’t ask someone else to carry your water. Each producer shouldering their fair share makes the job easier to do.

There is one more reason to belong to NC. It’s fun. We have group tours, entertainment at Convention, golf days and more. I really enjoy being around other cattle people. That part of the business is the part I like the most.

So, encourage yours friends and neighbors to join. The Nebraska Cattlemen is a great organization, working hard for Nebraska’s producers. It is well worth belonging.  Y  Jay Wolf, Albion, is NC president.