Daily News Update, Feb. 15, 2008

NCBA members set policy priorities

The 2008 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show concluded Saturday, Feb. 9 in Reno, Nev., with the NCBA membership meeting.  During the week, NCBA producer-members discussed many issues important to the cattle and beef industries, including:

Beef Checkoff Program: Cattlemen directed NCBA to ask Congress to approve a process that will allow producers to vote on enhancements to the Beef Checkoff Program. NCBA policy doesn't ask for a specific increase in the checkoff rate, but requests that Congress ensure that the program is adequately funded.

Renewable Fuels: NCBA continues to favor a sunset of the 54-cent tariff on imported ethanol and the 51-cent per gallon fuel blending tax credit. These programs are set expire in early 2009 and late 2010, respectively. NCBA members adopted a policy last year requesting that Congress not extend these subsidies beyond their current time frame.

Animal Identification: NCBA still supports a voluntary, market-based approach to animal identification. Current member policy was updated to recognize the legitimate benefits premises registration numbers can provide in meeting animal health emergency requirements as long as they do not impede normal cattle movement.

Food Safety: NCBA members reaffirmed existing policy calling for NCBA to work with all segments of the beef industry, as well as government officials, to reduce the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7. This policy also calls for NCBA to seek the regulatory approvals necessary to implement industry wide sound safety practices.

Nutrition and Health: NCBA reaffirmed its statement of principles which supports providing factual information to consumers, continued research on beef's nutritional qualities, and a science-based approach to portion sizes, diet and exercise.

Animal Health: Cattlemen adopted policy expressing support for several educational and financial aid programs that will help address the nation's growing shortage of large animal veterinarians.

All policies adopted during last week's Membership meeting are now subject to approval by more than 30,000 NCBA members nationwide. Convention results become official at the conclusion of the mail-in ballot process concludes in March.