Cattlemen gather to hear facts about industry by Anne Denholm, NDFU
North Dakota ranchers recently had the opportunity to learn more about how federal regulations are affecting independent cattlemen across the country. Former administrator of the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), J. Dudley Butler, made two public appearances in Bismarck on May 16 and another in Fort Pierre, S.D. on May 18. Butler also met with North Dakota legislators and agricultural organizational officials on May 17. All meetings were sponsored by the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and R-Calf USA. “Cattle producers and the communities they support need to know what is going on behind the scenes to literally strip independent cattle producers of their economic independence,” Butler said. “I’m telling area cattle producers what I know about the current state of competition in their industry and suggest what they should do to reserve their independence before
J. Dudley Butler, Former Administrator of the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
it’s too late.” Butler is very concerned about the future competitiveness of the U.S. cattle industry. He says the playing field needs to be leveled between large agriculture corporations and family owned farms. “We need to keep our food supply in the United States. We have to keep these operations of independent family farmers and ranchers viable and sustainable.
They are the backbone of our country.” Vertical integration is a real threat to independent producers. Butler explained, “If the same company oversees every aspect of production, there is no open market. It manipulates and shrinks the market. We need to have a level playing field for small ranchers against the big box monopolies.” “We`ve got a choice, either we`re going to go with vertical integration and corporate agriculture, where the farmer and rancher is at the complete control of the packer, or we`re going to continue to try and grow the independent family farm.” He went on to say poultry and pork industries have gone through a similar scenario. “Now it`s hard to find independent producers of either animal.” Butler says enforcing part of the 1921 Act would help keep that from happening but admits it will be difficult. He concluded, “We need to bring awareness of the beef activities on a national level and we need to reform the GIPSA rule.” s
Another forum held on Measure 2
By Terri Lang, NDFU
On Friday, May 11, approximately 35 individuals gathered in Napoleon to learn about Measure No. 2. The forum had both sides offer their views on the measure and the remainder of the evening was left for a question and answer period from the audience. Morgan Schwartzenberger, NDFU Collegiate Chapter and SYAC member, moderated the session. Charles Tuttle, representing Empower the Taxpayer, suggested a vote yes on Measure No. 2. Greg Burns, executive director of North Dakota Education Association, Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
representing Keep It Local campaign, encouraged a vote no on Measure No. 2. Tuttle stated the purpose of this measure is to fix property taxes. “Property taxes are growing like weeds and they keep growing.” Burns indicated if property taxes were abolished, local control would be diminished. He said, “This is a plan without a plan.” He also stated that the measure is not clear and should not be in the constitution. He noted that property tax relief has not been felt, as it probably should be. Lang thanked all for attending and being concerned about
how this could affect their local community. She noted that NDFU has joined the Keep It Local coalition to oppose Measure 2. Logan County Farmers Union served coffee and cookies following the meeting as individuals continued to visit about the evening event. North Dakota Farmers Union Outreach Coordinator Terri Lang said, “Farmers Union knows how crucial it is to help educate all of you so that you can make a decision on how to vote based on what is best for you and your community.” s 3