125 Years of the “Association of Associations”

By Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO

As you look south out of the windows of NCBA’s headquarters office in Centennial, Colorado, you see a lot of rooftops. Those rooftops, however, sit on land that was once the ranch of John W. Springer. In the late 1800s, Springer was a rancher and member of the Livestock Committee of the Denver Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade who was keenly aware of the challenges facing livestock producers across the United States. He understood the importance of a national voice to address issues such as range wars, cattle diseases, railroad monopolies, the packer trust, and the U.S. Government. As a result, he and the Denver Chamber envisioned a permanent national association that would be an “association of associations” in its representation of livestock of all types. From January 25th through the 27th of 1898, 1,185 delegates came to attend the National Stock Growers Convention in Denver.

At the opening session of the convention, J.G. McCoy of Kansas exclaimed, “Organize or perish!” The hook was set – and the National Live Stock Association of the United States was formed, with John Springer selected as president. The first state to join was the Colorado Stock Growers Association, now the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, followed by the Cattle Raisers Association of Texas, now the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The association has had many names over the years. In 1906, the name was changed to the American National Live Stock Association. From 1952 to 1977, we were known as the American National Cattlemen’s Association before the name evolved to the National Cattlemen’s Association. After the merger with the Beef Industry Council of the National Live Stock and Meat Board, we became known as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in 1996.

While the name of the association has changed over the years, the issues remain familiar. In his inaugural address, Springer talked about the need to improve the way cattle were raised by stating, “Under our new methods of raising live-stock we can lay down as our chief axiom, take care of your live-stock and your live-stock will take care of you.” NCBA’s work in managing and implementing the Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is a direct result of that commitment made in 1898. Springer went on to state that the second axiom would be, “Breed the best in every class and you will own better farms, better barns, better homes....” Once again, the association set the stage for the decades of work that has been done to improve the quality of cattle and the beef eating experience. Springer referred to the association as being a “new regime” that would allow the industry to prosper as never before.

When it came to the federal government, Springer’s comments on laws meant to provide “…the least amount of governmental interference compatible with the public good” and that “we need to be largely left alone, from a legislative standpoint…” resonate with NCBA’s position today of working to keep the government out of your business. In Springer’s day, the association talked of “the stamping out of contagious diseases” – much like we are talking about our Farm Bill priority of continued funding for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank. They talked of rail transportation issues – much like we are working on maintaining our ELD exemption, expanding hours-of-service, and trying to increase truck weights and lengths. They mentioned the need for trade and our ability in “feeding millions of consumers beyond the seas.” Even in 1898, our work to protect livestock access to federal lands was at the forefront of the issues discussed.

As I have read the transcripts of the early National Live Stock Association’s meetings and the history of our association in Charles Ball’s book Building The Beef Industry, I remain amazed at the ability of cattle producers to come together and build an organization that has stood the test of time. It was no easy feat, and the issues that we have confronted throughout the past 125 years have tested every seam of this association. I believe that the issues we must confront over the next 125 years will be even more challenging. Can we make it 250 years? The foundation is solid, but we will have to fight every day to stay on the land and keep beef in the center of the plate.

John W. Springer said, “The men, or set of men, who are continually looking backward for inspiration; who are chock full of calamity forebodings; who thrive on opposition to any and all measures; who are constantly quoting ancient history, are not fit to lead progressive, enterprising, 20th-century Americans.”

I believe that his words are as applicable today as they were in 1898 – and that keeping them in mind will help ensure that those attending the 2148 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will equally admire what we are doing today.

Total

Total price of $65 includes book, sales tax, postage, shipping and handling.

To order your copy: visit www.georgiacattlemen.org, complete and mail in this form with your payment or call 478-474-6560

To order your copy: visit www.georgiacattlemen.org, complete and mail in this form with your payment or call 478-474-6560

Herds and Heritage: The History of Georgia’s Cattle Industry is possibly the most noteworthy project undertaken by this organization and its members to document the history of cattle in our great state. Noted historical writer Jackie Kennedy has spent the past two years extensively researching the project while conducting over 140 interviews with breeders, academics and industry leaders to accurately record the many notable contributions that Georgia cattle and its people have made within the cattle industry on a state, regional and national level. The result is an extraordinary, one-of-a kind book that traces the arrival of the first cattle to enter the state to the present-day, modern beef and dairy industries of the 21st century. It’s a book about the pioneers who centuries ago brought into existence a livelihood and way of life that defines us and our heritage today. It’s a book about cattle and cattle people, chronicled in 304 pages and captured forever by over 300 photos and images. We are confident this history book will be one that you and your family will cherish for generations to come.

Herds and Heritage: The History of Georgia’s Cattle Industry is possibly the most noteworthy project undertaken by this organization and its members to document the history of cattle in our great state. Noted historical writer Jackie Kennedy has spent the past two years extensively researching the project while conducting over 140 interviews with breeders, academics and industry leaders to accurately record the many notable contributions that Georgia cattle and its people have made within the cattle industry on a state, regional and national level. The result is an extraordinary, one-of-a kind book that traces the arrival of the first cattle to enter the state to the present-day, modern beef and dairy industries of the 21st century. It’s a book about the pioneers who centuries ago brought into existence a livelihood and way of life that defines us and our heritage today. It’s a book about cattle and cattle people, chronicled in 304 pages and captured forever by over 300 photos and images. We are confident this history book will be one that you and your family will cherish for generations to come.

Make your check payable and mail to: Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation | P.O. Box 27990 | Macon, GA 31221 and

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Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course

The 2023 Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course was held in Athens on Feb. 8, 2023. The event provided attendees with an opportunity to listen in on a variety of cattle industry topics pertaining to animal health and well-being, cattle markets, value-added programs, and more! The group heard from university faculty and industry experts as they discussed tangible ways to increase profitability in a beef cattle operation. The event turned out to be a resounding success and hosted 100-plus farmers and ranchers from across Georgia.

Gca And Gbb Attend Ncba Convention In New Orleans

Representatives from both the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Beef Board were present at the annual NCBA Convention in New Orleans Feb. 1-3. All attendees were engaged in training sessions, policy committees and other meetings, including the Region II meeting, with the rest of the southeastern states. During the Board of Directors meeting, a dues increase for NCBA members was passed.

GBB STAFF ATTENDS ABAC CATTLEMEN’S MEETING

GBB staff traveled to ABAC last month for a very special chapter meeting. Taylor Evans spoke with students about enrolling in the Masters of Beef Advocacy program and how to become better advocates for the beef industry as a whole. The MBA program recently celebrated 20,000 graduates nationwide in 2022 – and we are looking forward to adding more students to these ranks.

GCA’S EVP TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE AG COMMITTEE

During the first hearing for HB 33, GCA’s EVP Dale Sandlin testified before the House Agriculture Committee. Sandlin shared the concerns with legislators regarding moving the certifications for veterinarians from the Secretary of State’s office over to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The bill initially passed through the committee and will be heard before the rules committee.

Tractor Donated To Emmanuel College Agriculture

Students in the Agriculture Department at Emmanuel College now have the opportunity to gain experience and skills in tractor operation and maintenance – thanks to the donation of an 80-horsepower, four-wheel-drive tractor by Deutz-Fahr Corporation and Shoemakers Equipment. The tractor will become part of the school farm operation and will help support the 40-acre operation that includes beef, fruit, vegetable and forage production. Students will be able to perform more operations in a safe manner as a result of the donation.