Bringing Young People Back to the Ranch
Robbie Baird LeValley is a fourth generation Colorado rancher whose ranch has been in the family for a long-time. She hopes it will continue to be in the family for many years to come and operates her business with this goal in mind. I had the chance to speak with her for a bit during the last day of the Cattle Industry Summer Conference and I asked her of all the things she had been following, what was most top of mind as it relates to her business.
“When we look at all the regulations that have been discussed this week, it’s the cumulative effect. Not only is it the dust and the water regulation from the EPA, it’s over-regulation,” said LeValley. “So we just ever need to be diligent at all levels and that’s why it takes good folks at the local, state and national level to make sure we’re all aware and make our voices heard.”
LeValley is making her voice heard at all levels and that’s why she is actively involved in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
I asked her what she was most concerned about short-term and she said she is worried about the over reach of the GIPSA regulations. Mid-term she believes the industry needs to keep their eye on the EPA and their work on water quality.
In terms of future challenges, LeValley said they have to continue to show consumers that they produce a safe, wholesome product. And in terms of opportunities, she is most excited about young people coming back to the ranches.
Listen to my interview with Robbie Baird LeValley here:Bringing Young People Back to the Ranch
Photos from the conference are posted to this photo album: 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference Photo Album.
In this week's program you can listen in to my conversation with Bill Howard, Fastline, about their new mobile game app, AgRacer.
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AgWired » Blog Archives » How Public Land Policies Affect the Cattle Industry
[...] Lyons is a cattle producer from Mountain Home, Idaho. Unlike most ranchers I spoke with during the Cattle Industry Summer Conference, Lyons is a first generation rancher who decided [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » GIPSA Likely Topic for Regulation Hearing
[...] Robbie, who is also part owner Homestead Meats, already testified about the impact the GIPSA rule would have on cattle producers before a House Small Business Committee hearing in July. “The proposed GIPSA rule will destroy our small business model, force us to lay off our employees, cripple our ability to market our cattle way we want to and limit consumer choice,” she said. Robbie also talked about how the threat of over-regulation is her biggest concern in an interview from the summer cattle industry meeting. [...]
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