Beef Buzz News
NCBA Brings New Congressional Members Up to Speed on Beef Issues
Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:16:23 CST
With the new Congressional session underway, lobbyist Kristina Butts with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says "Job 1" for her organization is to bring the 98 new members, 14 in the Senate and 84 in the House, up to speed on the issues important to cattle producers.
"I think what it's going to go back to is trying to get those new members comfortable with the farm bill and how that not only impacts those of us in agriculture, but everybody the farm bill does impact-whether it's on the consumer side, whether it's on the production side, whether it's on the trade front, food safety, you name it-all those capacities are touched by the farm bill.
"So, the NCBA, we're really kind of beefing up our efforts on Capitol Hill to make sure that we're introducing ourselves to the new members on the ag committee. We have quite a few on the Democratic side. A lot of them are there because of their interest in nutrition. So, we're trying to make sure they can relate to those of us in the beef world and understand our priorities on the farm bill.
"Obviously, disaster assistance continues to be a hot topic. NCBA was very supportive in 2008 for a permanent disaster program to be included in the farm bill. We support the versions that are in both the House and the Senate "older versions" of the farm bill. But, regardless, we really are pushing for that five-year bill. If not, we'll look for other venues on the disaster front to get producers some type of assistance that are being affected by this drought."
Butts says that the Democrats' plan to avoid sequestration does include some disaster assistance, but it comes at a high price. She says the NCBA will leave no stone unturned.
"We're engaged in multiple conversations in both the House and the Senate to try to find that vehicle to move things forward."
Another issue that has hit the front burner for the NCBA is the food safety and the mechanical tenderization of meat.
"USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service has been talking more about this. We do know, they have told us, they're working on a proposed rule that might require labeling, that might require additional interventions. We're not quite sure what the requirements of that proposal are. Even though this is dealing with the red meat product, it impacts all of us from the cow-calf producer to the feedyard owners and operators all the way through our food chain to the consumers. So, when it comes to safety, it's all connected and we all need to be engaged."
Butts also says the NCBA is keeping very close tabs on lawmakers who would limit the use of antibiotics in raising beef cattle as well as keeping an eye on the immigration debate.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network- but is also a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show- and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
Kristina Butts speaks with Ron Hays about educating new members of Congress about beef issues.
right-click to download mp3
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