(MAY 7, 2021) – Due to the ongoing work-at-home orders in effect throughout the city, we elected to host our annual trip to Washington, DC in a virtual setting. BUT, that doesn’t mean our advocacy efforts are on pause! This year’s virtual Congressional Visits Day will be held June 24-25, 2021. Over the past year, we’ve learned how to best communicate our priorities …
USDA Announces Listening Session on Impacts of COVID-19 on New Farmers
(MAY 5, 2021) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a virtual listening session for beginning farmers and ranchers to learn how COVID-19 impacted their farming operations and to get their feedback on USDA assistance. The listening session will take place on May 6, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., ET. Registrants have the optional opportunity to provide written …
USCA Responds to USDA Request for Feedback on Coronavirus Response Programs
(APRIL 2, 2021) – In response to a request for feedback by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on the development of coronavirus response programs, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) submitted specific recommendations the Department could implement in a food purchase and distribution program to truly benefit American livestock producers and processors. Current beef and …
Senators Seek to Delay ELD Enforcement for Agricultural Transporters
(MARCH 31, 2021)- On Monday, U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) reintroduced the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Further, the bill would delay enforcement of the ELD rule until the required reforms are formally proposed by …
Senators Re-Introduce Spot Market Bill
(MARCH 24, 2021) – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill to require each U.S. meat processing facility that slaughters over 125,000 head of cattle each year to purchase fifty percent of their weekly volume of beef slaughter on the open or ‘spot’ market. Other co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Tina Smith (D-MN); Ron Wyden …
Beginning Rancher Research Survey
Custom Ag Solutions is conducting a survey to better understand the interests and needs of beginning farmers and ranchers. Collected responses will be used only at an aggregate level to guide the development and delivery of beginning rancher training opportunities. Responses will remain anonymous; your contact information will only be used for entry into the survey giveaway. The survey should take …
USCA Responds to Misrepresentation of Facts
(MARCH 5, 2021) – The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) was disappointed by a recent media statement which blatantly misrepresented the years of hard work undertaken by USCA and its members to secure truth in labeling on U.S. beef products and alternative proteins. In response, USCA President Brooke Miller issued this brief statement: “In a time when it is more important than ever …
Join us for #FactsOnlyFriday to Breakdown the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021
(MARCH 4) – This Friday, March 5 at 6:00 PM Mountain Standard Time, join USCA’s Lia Biondo, Justin Tupper, and Brett Crosby as we break down the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021 section-by-section. The legislation seeks to accomplish two main goals: ensuring regionally sufficient negotiated cash trade, and equipping producers with more information to aid marketing decisions. We’ll broadcast live …
U.S. Cattle Producers Rally Around the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021
(MARCH 2, 2021) – Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021. The legislation seeks to accomplish two main goals: ensuring regionally sufficient negotiated cash trade, and equipping producers with more information to aid marketing decisions. Other cosponsors of the bill include Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Mike Braun (R-IN). United …
Legislation Introduced to Expand & Strengthen Local Meat Processing Capabilities
(MARCH 1, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 23, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), joined by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support small meat and poultry processors. The Strengthening Local Processing Act will increase options for local livestock and poultry producers and assist smaller facilities as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic …
USCA Congratulates Incoming Secretary Tom Vilsack
(FEBRUARY 25, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 23, the Senate confirmed the 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Tom Vilsack. United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Brooke Miller issued the following statement: “USCA congratulates Secretary Vilsack on his confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His unique experience of having previously served in this position means that he will …
USCA Commends USDA On Establishment of Dealer Statutory Trust
(FEBRUARY 22, 2021) – On Wednesday, February 17, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the establishment of a new Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers. United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) Vice President and Marketing & Competition Committee Chair Justin Tupper issued the following statement: “USCA has worked hand-in-hand with the Livestock Marketing Association to help establish a Dealer …