From their efforts to provide representation for beef producers in Washington, to their role as a resource for industry professionals to receive continuing education on valuable subjects related to all aspects of production, the importance of the The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is undeniable within the beef industry. NCBA was a key player in several wins for the beef industry in 2015, from Congress’ decision to repeal of the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) act to the reform of the country’s dietary guidelines.
A new president, Tracey Brunner, will take the reins of NCBA next week, and he sat down for an interview during the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention.
Brunner highlighted some of the association’s priorities for 2016, most notably the industry-wide push to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as soon as possible.
“Trade is very important to the cattle industry, and the TPP is the best opportunity to level the playing field with many of our trade competitors around the world and in the Pacific Rim,” he said. “95% of our potential customers lay outside of our borders, and the TPP would include 40% of the world’s economies, so that’s why its our number one priority moving forward.”
Brunner also touched on the important role that organizations like NCBA play within the industry, as well as his reasons for getting involved, and why he’d like to see more cattlemen join in this year.
“There are so many consumers that are generations removed from the farm, and that heightens the importance of cattlemen taking part in efforts that allow them to share their story with the urban consumer,” Brunner said. “NCBA is working to help us combat that, by helping producers use social media as an outlet to tell their story, and working on our behalf through programs like the United States Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), which work to position agriculture and the beef industry honestly and openly to our consumers.”
Listen to Jamie’s full interview with Tracey here:
Interview with Tracey Brunner, NCBA President Elect
Photos from the Convention: 2016 2016 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album
