The National Milk Producers Federation voted Tuesday to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The organization is now urging Congress to pass the agreement this year, even as it also registered concerns with another major trade pact being negotiated with Europe. In addition to adopting a resolution of support for TPP, the NMPF board expressed its opposition to moving forward … Read More
NPPC Highlights Policy Priorities for 2016
Some of the greatest minds in the swine community gathered in New Orleans this weekend to discuss key issues and research impacting pork producers across the country. During the Ceva Swine Launch event, National Pork Producers Council’s CEO Neil Dierks talked about some of their top issues in 2016. Food security is at the top of that list. “The world … Read More
IDFA Praises Senate Ag Bill on Uniform GMO Labeling
The International Dairy Foods Association has praised legislation proposed by Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts that would create a national uniform standard on biotechnology labeling, and called for urgent action to take up and pass the legislation. “The bill proposed by Chairman Roberts provides a common-sense, national food labeling standard that brings consistency and transparency to the marketplace, and will … Read More
Nebraska Makes Beef Agreement With Israel
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that a new agreement has been made with Israel to lift the ban on U.S. beef imports for the first time since 2003. The Middle Eastern country will receive beef shipments from Nebraska’s WR Reserve plant in Hastings. “Nebraska beef producers are the best in the world. This historic agreement with Israel … Read More
Members Recognized at ASI Convention
The efforts of three individuals were recognized last week during the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) annual convention. Two longtime sheep producers and a relative newcomer to the industry walked away with an engraved plaque presented by ASI President Burton Pfliger, as well as recognition for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Cindy Siddoway, who was elected as the first … Read More
ASI Convention Spotlights Industry Challenges
The discussion during last month’s 2016 American Sheep Industry Association Convention spotlighted several major issues brought forward by the large attendance of sheep producers from across the country. “The focus of our meeting this year was current events and current issues,” said ASI President Burton Pfliger. “Agriculture and the sheep industry in particular are facing the new veterinary feed directive, … Read More
NCBA and PLC Internships Available
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council’s (PLC) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., are accepting applications for two summer 2016 internships. Both the public policy internship and summer law clerk positions are wonderful opportunities for students with an interest in the beef industry and public policy. The NCBA and PLC work closely on many policy … Read More
Pork Industry Forum Headed to Indianapolis
Delegates from across the United States will gather for the National Pork Industry Forum on March 3-5 in Indianapolis. Each year the Pork Act Delegates confer to vote on resolutions and advisements and provide direction on some of the issues facing pork producers and the industry. Fifteen producers who serve as members of the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff … Read More
DC Policy Update From #BeefMeet
Colin Woodall, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs, was on hand during the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention to discuss several pieces of legislation related to policy and trade that the association will focus on in 2016. A major policy issue of importance to NCBA is the conflict that has formed related to USDA’s interest … Read More
Global Beef Report from Rabobank
According to a new report from the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group, U.S. beef producers are seeing the nature of beef trade evolving as other countries have begun to produce beef under favorable export agreements. The new trade dynamics have resulted in the gaining value of the U.S. dollar, and domestic markets are making demands producers haven’t … Read More