The discussions, crowd, weather and food were all good for the NC Convention and Trade Show in Kearney. NC membership conducted the association’s business with over 500 attendees participating.

Members discussed and then approved policy from six committees (Brand, Animal Health & Nutrition, Education, Marketing & Commerce, Natural Resources & Environment, and Taxation).

Among topics drawing the most attention, an Animal Health & Nutrition Committee policy calls for a nation-wide 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-Assesment 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.

NC members 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. The proposal will be considered by the NC Board at its Jan. 30 meeting in Lincoln.

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 across the nation has lessened to land grant universities that give financial support to education, extension and research to strengthen agriculture, specifically the beef industry.

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 from marketing their services and property in ways that benefit them.

NC membership approved a resolution to support the COOL compromise language included in the current House and Senate ag committee versions of the 2007 Farm Bill. COOL is now federal law and NC urges all to become informed on this issue.

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.

A tax resolution adopted 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.
NC also approved policy seeking to modify the Beef Checkoff program and to develop regulations for importation of livestock into Nebraska to help control trichomoniasis.

Officers elected were President Larry Smith of Ashland, President-Elect Todd Schroeder of Wisner and Vice President Bill Rishel of North Platte. New NC Board and leadership include Region 5 Director Jerry Glaser of Spalding, Region 7 Director Dan Benes of Valparaiso, Region 9 Director Bill Weaver of Beaver City, Cow/Calf Council Vice Chairman Dale Spencer of Brewster, Feedlot Chairman Mike Briggs, Feedlot Council Vice Chairman Buck Wehrbein of Mead, Marketing & Commerce Committee Chairman Herb Rhodes of Omaha, Animal Health & Nutrition Vice Chairman Jeremy Van Boening and Education Vice Chairwoman Kristen Eggerling of Martell.

The Nebraska Cattlemen association serves as the representative for the state’s beef cattle industry and represents professional cattle breeders, ranchers and feeders, as well as 48 county and local cattlemen’s associations. Its headquarters are in Lincoln and a second office in Alliance serves cattlemen in western Nebraska. This and other Nebraska Cattlemen information is available at www.nebraskacattlemen.org.