It often appears that a major role of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is to play “defense” against all the bad policy, press and public opinion that exists. While this is a role of the organization, it is not its only function. I also learned during the Cattle Industry Summer Conference that they also focus on “offensive” tactics like …
NCBA PAC Fundraising Campaign Underway
The political needs of cattle producers across the country may seem like a no brainer for many, but they are not well known or well supported by enough current senators. That is why it is so important for the beef industry to have representation on the Hill. And that’s why the Political Action Committee (PAC) plays such an important role …
Allied Industry Council Focuses on Market Research
The Cattle Industry Summer Conference 2011 might have officially ended last Thursday afternoon, but the work for most is just ramping up. I had a chance to speak with Rod Nulik, who is the chair of the Allied Industry Council group, to discuss some of the issues they would be focused on in the coming months. Nulik explained that the …
Amanda Radke – Chidren’s Book Author
Former AgWired contributor and current daily blog editor for BEEF Magazine Amanda Radke is now a published author of a new book for kids. “I’m pleased to announce the release of “Levi’s Lost Calf” (ISBN 1463514425), an illustrated children’s book that offers young readers a glimpse of life on a working cattle ranch,” Amanda said in an email to friends …
USFRA Prepares for Public Launch of Ag Movement
There was a great panel discussion during the General Session of the Cattle Industry Summer Conference 2011 in Kissimmee, Florida that focused on the movement being developed by the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). The ultimate goal of the USFRA is to educate people about where their food comes from. During a brief presentation by the National Cattlemen’s Beef …
CSU Students Win Coveted W.D. Farr Scholarships
Two Colorado State Univeristy (CSU) Ph.D. students have won the coveted W.D. Farr Scholarship. Plainview, Texas native Jessica Igo and Pontette, Wisconsin native Scott Howard received the award during the General Session at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference in its second day in Kissimmee, Florida. The $12,000 scholarships are given by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF). Both Igo and Howard …
NCBA Committee Researches Cattle Diseases
A lot of discussion in the cattle industry today is about issues relating to widespread drought. Bill Nutt, Chair of the Emerging Cattle Health Research and Issues Working Group that met during the Cattle Industry Summer Conference, is a producer from Georgia who has not escaped the consequences of the drought. While drought can cause problems with your herd, there …
The Successes of the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Board staff is publishing a weekly six-part series featuring 25 years of beef checkoff successes. This is an excerpt from the first part titled, “Turning your $1-per-head assessments into opportunities.” You can read the full article by clicking on this link. It was 1986: A gallon of gas cost 89 cents; a pound of ground beef cost about …
NCBA’s Farm Bill Policies Beginning to Take Shape
Our leaders in Washington might be on a month-long recess during August, but upon their return discussion about the 2012 Farm Bill will be in full swing. Therefore a priority during the Cattle Industry Summer Conference 2011 is to create the policy directives that best represent its National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) members – cattle producers. Colin Woodall, vice president, …
American National Cattlewomen Working at Summer Conference
This afternoon as I was leaving one of the committee meetings at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference I ran in to two people I had hoped to find and interview. How coincidental is that and convenient too! So I spoke with Sarah Bohnenkamp (left) Program Manager, American National Cattlewomen (ANCW) and Tammi Didlot, President-Elect, ANCW. I spoke first with Tammi. …