Cattle Industry News
Country of Origin Labeling Remains Elusive
Congress Fails to Include Labeling Fix in Spending Bill
Washington, D.C. (November 22, 2004) – A bipartisan and widely supported bill which would have created an alternative approach to country of origin labeling failed to get attached to the 2005 omnibus spending bill as Congress wrapped up their debate on Nov. 20.
The Food Promotion Act of 2004 passed out of the House Agriculture Committee in July with bipartisan support and the backing of 347 food and agriculture groups including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “The bill introduced by House Ag Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Minority Member Charles Stenholm (D-Texas) represents an effort to move country-of-origin labeling forward in a reasonable and cost-effective manner,” says Bryan Dierlam, acting executive director of legislative affairs at NCBA.
“We are very disappointed that in the closing days of this session, Congress was unable to include in its omnibus package the bill which would have put in place a producer-driven and consumer-friendly labeling program,” says Dierlam. “It is unfortunate that some members of Congress continue to support a law that will cost America’s family ranchers billions of dollars in compliance costs that will eventually be passed back to consumers.”
The General Accounting Office (GAO), the independent Congressional watchdog agency, has testified that there are going to be significant costs associated with compliance and enforcement of the current country of origin labeling law. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated that there are no quantifiable benefits associated with the current labeling law. The proposition of zero return on such a huge investment attests to the inefficiencies associated with a government-led program.
“Despite the claims that this program will provide consumers with a choice, the current law actually exempts the vast majority of imported meats,” explains Dierlam, “which means the majority of the meat imported to the U.S. will never see a label, thus denying the consumer the very choice this law set out to provide.”
The NCBA has long understood the value of country of origin labeling as a potential marketing tool for cattle producers to showcase the high quality of American beef. NCBA members have adopted policy supporting a labeling program which is market-driven and producer-led. Cattlemen remain dedicated to working with Congress, producers, retailers, and consumers to develop a beneficial country-of-origin labeling program that adds true value and avoids excessive cost to producers and consumers.
- National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News
Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show – December 9-12, 2004
Schedule, Registration Form Now Available Online
Make plans now to attend the 2004 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, held December 9-12 at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO. In addition to the annual meetings of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri CattleWomen, convention attendees can participate in a wide range of activities. Some of this year’s highlights include:
- Cattlemen’s College - featuring the Sire Selection Game, an Animal ID Forum, and more!
- Trade Show – a record number of exhibits, including over 15 new companies, featuring a wide variety of products and services.
- Cattlemen’s Dinner and Foundation Auction – two of your favorite events in a new format!
- 100th birthday of the hamburger celebration and lunch – enjoy the Ultimate Burger Bar.
- Awards Dinner – celebrate the achievements of the past year with special guest Jim McAdams, Vice President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
- New Junior Activities – including a scavenger hunt, beef quiz bowl, and a junior game night.
In addition to the great activities planned, Tan-Tar-A has several amenities for your enjoyment including a spa, bowling alley, arcade, pool and fitness center, and the Timber Falls Indoor Water Park. Tan-Tar-A is also very affordable, with room rates of only $72 per night (plus tax) for four people. Tan-Tar-A offers convention-goers a special discount pass to the indoor water park for only $12 per person for a day pass. For a complete schedule and registration information, please call (888) 499-9162 or visit http://mocattle.com/Missouri%20Cattle%20Industry%20Convention%20&%20Trade%20Show.htm
Holiday Appetizers Solve Entertaining Dilemmas
Preparation for any holiday party can be stressful and time consuming. Although little can be done to solve the age-old issues of eccentric cousins, Missouri beef producers offer some advice for simple, yet elegant menu options. When attending a holiday party, appetizers are always a big hit. If you are the host, a beef roast offers a nutritious, delicious alternative to other proteins.
The Mini Holiday Beef Crescents can be made ahead and frozen, or simply baked the day of the event. Either way, this flavorful mix of beef, cranberries and pepper jack cheese is a hand-held party favorite. Another appetizer that has proved itself worthy of a family favorite is the Pecan-Crusted Beef and Cheese Spread. With only four ingredients, this cheese-ball style appetizer can be served with a variety of crackers and is a welcome twist on the traditional pecan log.
For roast recipes, such as the elegant prime rib or slow cooker favorites, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com, a website funded by beef producers through their checkoff program.
