W hy was ICON formed ?

We'll see to it that your voice is not squelched by others who think they know what you want.

The existing beef organizations served the entire cattle industry, from calving lot to dinner plate. Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) recognizes the important services they provide, but feels that an industry-wide organization cannot fully represent, promote, and protect the specific interests and needs of Nebraska’s cow-calf producer, feeder, and packer equally.

What are the current issues?

• Premises ID
• BSE
• The Canadian Border
• The U.S. Export Markets
• Box Beef imports from Canada
• Country-of-Origin Labeling
• Ban on Packer Ownership of Cattle (Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921)
• International Free Trade Agreements
• The Beef Checkoff
• Mandatory Animal ID
  

These are some of the issues which are currently in debate within our industry, several of which will come to a head in the near future. As a member, we'll want your input on these issues. We'll advocate for you, and speak out for you. We'll see to it that your voice is not squelched by others who think they know what you want.

ICON is an R-Calf affiliate, so why join both organizations?

We must reverse the declining standard of living on the ranch, the farm, and in our rural communities.

R-Calf needs local and state affiliates in every state to solidify and further the work it does in Washington. Nebraska is more heavily tied to the livestock industry than any other state, yet lacks an R-Calf affiliate made up of producers. A membership in ICON will assure that your voice will be heard, by your representatives, in Washington. Additionally, ICON will be an effective voice on state and local issues which are beyond the scope and ability of R-Calf. Our goal is to preserve and enhance our rural lifestyle. We must reverse the declining standard of living on the ranch, the farm, and in our rural communities. We need your involvement to accomplish our goal.

What does the "independent" in Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska mean?

Our goal is to restore a more equal division of power across our industry.

We call ourselves Independent Cattlemen because we believe that the spirit of Independence that once epitomized our industry has been lost in the power-shift from cattlemen to packer. We’re all aware that the goals of the meat industry are not the same as ours. It is time that this was acknowledged and openly discussed. Our goal is to restore a more equal division of power across our industry. Independent minds and independent voices must be heard at state and federal levels. We will be those voices.

What are the dues for ICON and how will they be used?

Active memberships in ICON are $50 per calendar year. Your dues will support the organization in the following ways:

• We will open, equip, and staff an office in Hyannis, NE.
• We will develop effective communication across the organization.
• We will create materials and host events to educate the consumer, elected officials, media, members, and others in the industry about ICON and what we stand for and believe.
• We will maintain and develop our website, www.independentcattlemen.com.

Why do we need this---- and why now?

Trade and health issues being decided today will influence every aspect of our lives, from who buys our cattle to what our land is going to be worth.

Why now? Because there is a need! Nebraska's unique ranching and farming industry is in jeopardy. Complex issues have arisen around us while we’ve been working our farms and ranches. Without a strong grass-roots organization to speak for us, we've allowed the other meat industry sectors to claim that they represent us. Trade and health issues being decided today will influence every aspect of our lives, rom who buys our cattle to what our land is going to be worth. ICON wants to amplify your voice, making it heard across Nebraska and the nation.

Is this just about ranchers?

No. This is about the economy of the state of Nebraska and the survival of rural America. Agriculture is the number one industry in the state of Nebraska, and cattle production is the largest sector in that industry. Cattle and grain production go hand in hand. We want our rural communities to thrive and grow. Everyone gains from thriving farms and ranches. Let's never forget that.