The 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference is well underway here in Denver, CO. Cattlemen and women have gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting producers nationwide. I sat down with Philip Ellis, 2014 NCBA President Elect and he shed some light into what the cattlemen’s organization is doing to advocate and educate.
“We always have many issues at our summer conference. We address policy, resolutions so we can have a policy book ready for the new Congress in January. Our big issue right now is the EPA’s Clean Water Act. We think that rule has an overly broad definition. It could make the mud hole on my ranch regulated affecting my grazing and stewardship.”
Philip stresses the importance of all producers to comment. An extension was given on the comment period extending it to October 20. The goal is to generate enough comments to get the attention of the policy makers and inform them of the problems this rule will cause the entire agriculture community.
He also discussed County of Origin Labeling. NCBA is awaiting the WTO ruling which has yet to be announced. They are worried about retaliation from neighboring countries and are looking for a commonsense ruling. Philip said they want to address the issue now so if the ruling isn’t desirable producers aren’t affected and trade continues.
Listen to my interview with Philip here: Interview with Philip Ellis, NCBA President Elect
View and download photos from the event here :Cattle Industry Summer Conference Photo Album
