5 minute read
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
YOUR VOICE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Don Schiefelbein
Volatility in the cattle markets has been a challenge for all of us over the past few years. Cow-calf producers, stockers, backgrounders and feeders alike all benefit when the market is transparent, and all participants play by the rules. The challenges in our markets have also captured the attention of Congress.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to testify before the House Agriculture Committee at a hearing on meatpackers and market conditions. Currently, we face a shortage of beef processing capacity at a level not seen in several decades. I emphasized the importance of financial support for small, regional processing facilities to increase hook space and return leverage to the side of the producer. I also urged Congress to press the Department of Justice to complete their investigation into the four major meatpackers that was first launched in 2020. After two years, we have yet to hear the results of the investigation, but we need answers before considering new regulations. In the meantime, our industry is facing new challenges from inflation, rising input costs and labor shortages, and I asked Congress to focus on these concerns too.
One of things that stood out to me when I visited Washington, D.C., is how NCBA commands the attention of lawmakers and their staff. There is an organization ready to lobby Congress on every imaginable issue, but NCBA is different — not only because people enjoy seeing our hats — but because of our time-honored policy process rooted in a diverse membership.
Since 1898, NCBA has been a forum for cattle producers in every sector and region to discuss issues and build consensus. In my family’s operation, we all come with different perspectives, but we talk together, debate and move forward with a united front. NCBA policy is set the same way. We each have vastly different business practices and we face different regional conditions, but we all come together to drive policy forward. Through collaboration, we send a powerful message to policymakers.
As a member, I’m honored that you invested in NCBA, and I thank you for trusting us to represent your interests. Testifying before Congress is only one example of how NCBA works to improve conditions for cattle producers, but every day we are notching victories on policies that keep the government out of our way or make our jobs a little easier. I know that being a cattle producer is not an easy life, but it’s a rewarding one steeped in heritage and tradition. That is why NCBA fights for you.
You have important work to do running your farm or ranch, which is why we have a dedicated team in Washington to advocate for you. Every day, NCBA monitors hours of debate on Capitol Hill, meets with agency staff, and reviews the hundreds of rules churned out by regulators each week. It’s an overwhelming workload for one person, but your membership in NCBA supports this crucial work that protects the entire cattle industry.
Next month you will have an opportunity to add your voice to the policy process at NCBA’s Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada. I am always encouraged when members have thoughtful conversations about our future policy priorities, and I look forward to connecting with you in Reno. Thank you for your continued involvement in NCBA!
BORN AND RAISED IN THE FOOTHILLS OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — OUR BULLS WILL CLIMB MOUNTAINS FOR YOU —
OUR 2022 SALE BULLS CHECK ALL THE RIGHT BOXES, FIND US AT A CONSIGNMENT SALE NEAR YOU!
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SF MAGNIFY 0044
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SF PEYTON 1025
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THESE BULLS AND MORE LIKE THEM BY:
BAR R JET BLACK LINZ SHIFTING GEARS 6152 BUBS SOUTHERN CHARM BLACKSTONE MOMENTUM VAR RAMPAGE 6315 GAR METHOD 0058G “performance is our stock in trade”
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AAA REG: 20042648
COMMON SENSE
Cattle breeding is really not that difficult if you just use
some good, old common sense. It has been proven over time that the functional ability of livestock is tied very closely to how they are designed from a phenotypic stand point. In our herds, the cattle must have an adequate amount of body depth or volume, an adequate degree of muscle, and they must be structurally sound. If they don’t meet these basic criteria they are culled regardless of how good they are in terms
A Special Thank You
We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the buyers and bidders in our annual Internet-based Private Treaty Bull Sale as well as the other ranches and individuals who have supported our program during the past year!
FRESNO STATE
AGRICULTURAL FOUNDATION
of their EPD or genomic profile.
We also place emphasis on the basic traits of eyes, udder, feet and disposition. These traits are described by many as “convenience traits” and again if our cattle are not problem free in these areas, we limit their genetic influence in our herds.
Our opinion is that the most profitable beef cattle in any production system are those that can function with very little need for additional labor or supplemental feeding. Our ultimate goal is to create a small framed, low maintenance cow that can wean a big stout calf and do it without any other inputs from us. That goal is the same in both our Charolais and Angus herds.
2021-2022Student Assistants
Jon Buttrey Blake Gobeli Makaila Hall Dallin King Grace Miller Regina Schneider Will Seghesio
Our bulls and developed and cared for with the help of Fresno State students who put into practice the applicable, real world production methods that they learn in the classroom. Not only do we produce outstanding bulls, we also turn out top quality students who are ready to enter the agriculture industry, better for the experience they’ve gained in our program!
RANDY PERRY (559) 287-0723 RYAN PERSON (559) 326-8354 JON BUTTREY, STUDENT MANAGER (209) 761-1823 WWW.FRESNOSTATE.EDU/JCAST/BEEF
As Good As The Best Better Than The Rest MAKE THE EASY CHOICE THIS YEAR BY USING MCPHEE RED ANGUS GENETICS
ALL THE WORK HAS BEEN DONE FOR YOU!
Cattlebackedby51+yearsintheRedAngusbusiness.Ourcowherdwasraisedrighthereontheranch,and workforaliving.Theyareunpamperedandmanagedjustasourcustomerswouldtheirherds.Thecowsarerequiredtoraiseacalfeveryyearwithminimalinputs.IftheyworkinCaliforniatheywillworkanywhere.
Thisfallcalfcropcontinuestoimpress,bullcalvesweaningofthecowatanaverageof813lbs,the heifersaveragedaimpressive716lbs!
AnnualBull&FemaleSale•September24,2022 GuestConsignorsBianchiRanches Thank You to All Our Customers who Support our Program!
Nellie,Mike,Mary,Rita&Families•14298N.AtkinsRd•Lodi,CA95240•Ranch(209)727-3335•Rita(209)607-9719•info@mcpheeredangus.com
