|
Something for Everyone – NC-NCW Convention Draws Crowds, Activity, Business
By Mike Fitzgerald
The discussions, crowd, weather and food were all good for the Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show in Kearney Nov. 28-29. NC membership conducted the association’s business with over 500 attendees participating.
The following are key resolutions and policy statements members adopted.
Checkoff Policy - NC members adopted policy intended to give beef producers the ability to modify the Beef Checkoff program. The NC policy calls for four modifications, which will be discussed at the NCBA Convention in Reno in February.
1. Allow more non-profit producer groups to contract to provide beef checkoff programs or services.
2. Allow beef producers to more easily petition for a referendum on continuing the Beef Checkoff program.
3. Provide beef producers the opportunity to petition for a referendum on increasing the Beef Checkoff.
4. Allow checkoff dollars be used to promote U.S. beef; currently no country can be specified in the promotion efforts.
Regulation to help maintain reproduction in herds - Trichomoniasis in cattle herds was one of the topics most discussed at the convention. Trichomoniasis (trich) is a subtle disease that can sneak into a herd without obvious signs until pregnancy checking time. NC believes Nebraska needs new import regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of this devastating disease. NC is currently working with the state veterinarian office and other interested parties to develop import regulations to help control trichomoniasis.
Nationwide Beef Safety, Quality Assurance Program - The NC Animal Health & Nutrition Committee policy approved calls for a nationwide beef safety, quality assurance program that supports the cattle industry’s guidelines for the care and handling of cattle. NC supports the efforts of the Feedyard Self-Assessment Working Group that is furthering efforts in the area of beef quality assurance. NC has been and continues to be a leader in beef quality assurance in the United States.
Brand Committee Name Change - Membership approved a Brand Committee proposal to change its name to Brand and Property Rights Committee. The proposal was made because the NC Brand Committee looks at policy wider in scope than only brand issues; and most of these other issues are property related, for example, fence and eminent domain.
Support for Land Grant Universities - A resolution from the Education Committee directs NC to work with NCBA to form a coalition of commodity groups and land grant universities to continue federal funding for land grant universities. State funding for land grant university education, Extension and research to strengthen agriculture – specifically the beef industry – has been decreasing.
Post I-300 - Marketing and Commerce Committee debate focused on what NC policy should be now that I-300 is unconstitutional. Adopted policy directs NC to study and actively oppose any legislative bills introduced that would restrict the free enterprise system and the ability of NC members to market their services and property in ways that benefit them.
COOL - NC membership approved a resolution to support the COOL compromise language included in the current House and Senate ag committees versions of the 2007 Farm Bill. COOL is now federal law and NC urges all to become informed about this issue.
State Water Law - The Natural Resources & Environment Committee Water Policy Sub-Committee suggested changes to the state water Law. NC believes water policy should support a proactive, science-based approach to water management, consistent funding sources dedicated to supporting existing NRD water resource programs, and consistent funding for research responding to new challenges in managing inter-related surface and groundwater interests in all basins.
Tax Increment Financing - One resolution adopted by membership states that NC supports a constitutional amendment to give the Nebraska Legislature oversight that would allow TIF to return to the original intended use. Another resolution adopted would allow landowners to maintain the right to free hold, continue support of public school education with local control while also keeping property taxes within the defined mil levy limits. Y By Mike Fitzgerald, NC’s vice president of communications.
SIDEBAR
Sponsors Helped Make Convention Possible
The 2007 Nebraska Cattlemen/Nebraska CattleWomen Annual Convention and Trade Show benefited from outstanding sponsors in support of the event.
Platinum Sponsors: Farm Credit Services of America and Grace Mayer Insurance Agency, Inc.
Gold Sponsors: NMC (Nebraska Machinery) and Pfizer Animal Health
Silver Sponsors: Elanco Animal Health and U.S. Bank
Bronze Sponsors: AgInfoLink, AgriLabs, Bank of the West, Bill’s Volume Sales, Inc., First National Bank of Omaha, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Intervet, Nebraska Soybean Board & United Soybean Board, Omaha Steaks, Schering-Plough Animal Health, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., and Zinpro Performance Minerals
Other contributors: First Bank & Trust Company, Murphy Tractor and Nebraska Corn Board |