The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) concluded its annual membership meeting Oct. 3 in Bismarck, North Dakota. The meeting, held in conjunction with USCA state affiliate, Independent Beef Association of North Dakota (I-BAND), brought producers from across the country, including California, Indiana, Virginia, South Dakota, Nevada and Montana.
The meeting consisted of a full-day ranch tour of local producers’ operations followed by a second day of policy discussions and speaker presentations. Presenting were Jerry Hagstrom, The Hagstrom Report; Terry Stewart, Managing Partner, Stewart & Stewart Law, USCA’s legal counsel on COOL at the World Trade Organization (WTO); Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND); South Dakota State University Professor and Extension Risk/Business Management Specialist Matt Diersen; North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring; North Dakota State Veterinarian Susan Keller, DVM. Speaker topics and presentations focused on: COOL, TPP, proposed trade agreements with Brazil and Argentina, Mandatory Price Reporting, EPA Waters of the U.S. rule, Greater-Sage Grouse listing decision and industry trends.
USCA President Danni Beer commented on the meeting, “This year’s annual meeting highlighted a number of issues in which USCA remains engaged in D.C. Of particular note, several speakers included updates regarding the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule implementation and served as a precursor to the eventual stay ordered across the nation this past week. USCA will continue to be active on this issue and others as the year draws to a close. Action on COOL, trade with Argentina and Brazil and listing decisions under the ESA remain of utmost concern to the USCA membership and our team in D.C. will continue to represent the best interests of producers as they unfold.” Beer concluded, “USCA appreciates all of our members who made the trip out to North Dakota this year. As we continue to build on policy successes in DC, the need for a strong and active membership base is as important as ever. The meeting also served as a platform for elections to the USCA Officers team and nominations to the Board of Directors. The slate of Directors to be voted on by the membership in the coming months will serve our members and the U.S. cattle industry well.”
USCA members will receive a mail-in ballot to vote on regional Director nominations, and policy statements and revisions that were introduced and addressed in Bismarck. The slate of Executive Officers, as voted on by the membership at the annual meeting, for 2016 is as follows:
President: Danni Beer, Vice-President: Kenny Graner, Secretary: Whitney Klasna, Treasurer: Jane Wooster, Parliamentarian: Chuck Kiker.
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