At the Livestock Market Association convention, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Intern Kate Munson spoke with LMA board member Jake Parnell about advocating for the agriculture industry and producer profitability. With an emphasis on producers telling their story, the Galt, California-native talked about how as a united front, cattle producers can come together to face the issues impacting the majority of ranchers rather than focusing on small disagreements.
As many groups within the cattle industry become caught up in disagreements on issues such as fed cattle marketing, animal disease traceability and more, Parnell emphasized the need for the industry to come together and fight for the issues that most can agree on, such as the death tax, for example.
“So many times in our industry, we spend all of our time arguing and fighting about the small percentage of things we disagree on,” Parnell said. “The one thing we all can agree on is that we want cattle producers to be profitable, to stay in business, and to continue to produce the purest, most wholesome-nutritious protein that they can for the United States food supply.”
During the panel, the passion for advocacy in the room was undeniable. Parnell challenged members to get out and tell their story. Along with other panel members, Parnell discussed topics such as estate planning, the beef checkoff, and the future of producer profitability.
“We face big battles that we can come together and fight,” Parnell said.
For more information on the LMA, or how you can join the conversation on producer profitability, click here.
