Cattle Industry News

Food Producer Groups Applaud Passage of Food Promotion Act 
Ag Committee Passage Helps Move Country-of-Origin Labeling Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A market-driven, producer-friendly country-of-origin labeling program is one step closer to reality thanks to action last week by the House Agriculture Committee.  The Food Promotion Act of 2004 (H.R. 4576), which calls for the implementation of a voluntary country-of-origin labeling program, passed July 22^nd by voice vote.

The legislation, introduced June 15 by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Ranking Minority Member Charles Stenholm (D-TX), has broad bipartisan support along with the backing of 347 food and agriculture groups including cattle ranchers, pork producers, seafood producers and growers and shippers of fruits and vegetables.

The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFFVA), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Produce Marketing Association (PMA), and National Fisheries Institute (NFI) applaud today’s action and urge continued support as the bill moves through the House.

“The committee members who voted for this bill today have helped give consumers and producers a country-of-origin labeling program that works,” says UFFVA President Tom Stenzel. “Produce growers and shippers want consumers to have information about where their food comes from, and this bill broadens our ability to do that.”

“The Food Promotion Act meets both producers and consumers objectives to provide origin information to consumers, and to promote American agriculture products in a way that is beneficial – not burdensome – to producers,” says NPPC Vice President Joy Philippi, a pork producer from Bruning, Neb. “Pork producers in the U.S. have wanted a program like this for years, and we’re excited that this effort is moving forward.”

 “The legislation approved today puts country-of-origin information in the grocery stores and in restaurants too – if they choose to participate,” says Justin LeBlanc, vice president of government relations at NFI.  “This voluntary program achieves a marketing advantage for seafood producers in a way that encourages participation.” 

“Hundreds of existing voluntary programs have already proven their value for producers and consumers alike, especially in the fruit and vegetable industry,” says Kathy Means, vice president of government relations at PMA. “This bill builds on those successes and moves us forward with a beneficial, producer-friendly country-of-origin labeling program.”

The Food Promotion Act of 2004 amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the voluntary labeling of produce, meat (including beef, pork, veal, lamb) and seafood with country-of-origin information. The labels are aimed at encouraging consumers to choose American products at their supermarkets. 

“Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Minority Member Stenholm are moving forward with country-of-origin labeling legislation that finally makes sense,” says NCBA President Jan Lyons, a Kansas cattle producer. “After years of political debate, producers and consumers finally have a chance to have a labeling system that is market-driven and beneficial to whoever chooses to participate.”                                                                                                 - National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Cattle- Fax Market Update
Fed cattle trade was moderate on the week at $2 to $3 higher prices. Cattle sold at $84 to mainly $85 and $132 to $135. Offerings are expected to be slightly smaller next week. Feeder cattle and calf prices were softer early week, but closed with a firmer undertone. Available supplies remain tight and buyer interest remains strong. The beef complex was lower on the week, although good movement was noted and a firmer undertone was noted late.                                                                                                                -To join Cattle-Fax, call (800) 825-7525 

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News 

Missouri Cattlemen's Association Reaches 3000 Member Milestone
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) is one of the fastest growing cattlemen’s organizations in the United States.  To date, over 1100 new members have been joined MCA during the 2004 membership drive, which runs through the end of September.  This pushes overall membership past the 3,000 mark.  With over 2 months left in the membership drive, MCA plans to finish with more than 3,500 members. 

 “Our county cattlemen’s associations have stepped up and done an incredible job of recruiting cattlemen and women to our association this year,” said David Moore, MCA Second Vice President.  “The growth in membership is occurring state-wide; all but three of our affiliated county cattlemen’s associations have increased their membership over last year.” 

“We have a new dues structure, a new attitude and great faith in the positive future of Missouri’s cattle industry,” said Pettis County cattle producer and MCA President, Rusty Kahrs.  “Missouri’s cattle farmers and ranchers are excited about the future of our association and our industry.  Our members know how important it is to get involved in the Missouri Cattlemen's Association to protect our industry.  They realize the value of the work done by county associations, MCA, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on issues critical to the cattle industry.” 

Calendar of Events 

July 29             Ray Co. Cattlemen – Richmond, 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 1              Monroe Co. Cattlemen – Monroe Co. Fairgrounds, Paris, 6:00 p.m.
                        Warren Co. Cattlemen – Warren Co. Fairgrounds, 5:00 p.m.
Aug 2               Macon Co. Cattlemen – Lolli Livestock Market, 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 3              Boone Co. Cattlemen – Cattle Industry Headquarters, Columbia, 7:00 p.m.
Aug. 12-22       Missouri State Fair, Sedalia
Aug. 28            American Hereford Association Breed Improvement 101, Litton Hall, University of Missouri –                        Columbia
Sept. 16           MCA Board of Directors Meeting - Columbia 

Membership Quick Fact
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association has members in 109 of Missouri’s 115 counties (114 counties plus one independent city).   

The Fine Print
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