8 CALF News • April | May 2022 • www.calfnews.net New administration proposals would repeal bipartisan exclusions for agriculture under the Navigable Waters Protection Rule set by the Trump administration and which existed under both Democratic and Republican administrations, NCBA Chief Environmental Counsel Scott Yager said in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency following the convention. “Without these critical exclusions, common features like stock ponds, agricultural ditches and drainage systems can fall under federal jurisdiction, preventing cattle producers from actively managing their land and caring for their cattle,” Yager wrote. Other issues addressed in Houston included: The exemplary hours declaration for truckers set during COVID to allow for longer hauls of livestock. The lack of enough truckers is already an issue, along with other supply chain stalls. Fake meat in various forms won’t go away. Danielle Beck, NCBA senior director of governmental affairs, is determined to make sure there is regulatory action to ensure only beef can be labeled “beef ” at the meat counter. Efforts to improve traceability of cattle with contagious diseases were discussed, along with antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and defense against foreign diseases. “Preharvest food safety is not a onesize-fits-all [situation],” said Dr. Cathy Simmons, NCBA veterinary policy leader, adding that NCBA is working to better educate veterinarians on different pathogens and preharvest food safety. NCBA contends Brazil’s BSE issues are a threat. TheWorld Organization for Animal Health requires that any case of BSE be reported within 24 hours. “[However] Brazil is knowingly holding back on [reporting] BSE cases,” said Kent Bacus, NCBA senior director of international trade.“For Brazil, it’s a matter of years [not days or weeks]. NCBA has asked the USDA to suspend trade with Brazil until they report [on BSE].” Lane and Dame Karen Pierce, UK ambassador to the United States, discussed U.S. beef sales to the United Kingdom.With Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU’s trade agreement with the U.S.“A free trade agreement [with the U.S.] is in our bests interests,” Pierce said while wearing a cowboy hat on the Texas stage.“We want to sell our products as well as buy yours. Our job as Brits is to stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. We are developing legislation to improve tariffs [which are high in the EU].” Sustainable beef production by U.S. producers is a key issue among domestic and foreign consumers. NCBA has set goals to “demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040.” Major buyers of U.S. beef want to know that cattle are produced humanely in Continued on page 13 order to satisfy consumer demands. The same applies to the UK and other countries. “[American ranchers and farmers practice] sustainable agriculture,” Ambassador Pierce said. “You understand the land and the earth. You curate America’s land for the next generation. That’s an important area where we can work together. Anything you can do to showcase stewardship [should attract positive coverage in UK media].” New NCBA Officers – Minnesotan Takes the Reins Don Schiefelbein, Minnesota seedstock breeder and cattle feeder, was elected new NCBA president during the convention. He replaces Jerry Bohn of Kansas, who will serve as past president. HOUSTON HOSTS CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION Continued from page 6 TOP LEFT: NCBA’s Kent Bacus discusses U.S. beef export successes. TOP RIGHT: Dame Karen Pierce, UK ambassador to the United States. BOTTOM LEFT: NCBA’s Cathy Simmons, DVM, says antimicrobial stewardships remains critical. BOTTOM RIGHT: NCBA Chief Environmental Counsel Scott Yager.
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