PRESS RELEASE
FROM: INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN OF NEBRASKA, Box 241, Hyannis, NE 69350
Phone: 308-282-2826
Media Contact: Mary Mulligan (402) 967-3464; Email: hollopeter@gpcom.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 26, 2006
INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN OF NE ATTEND R-CALF CONVENTION
(Denver, CO) - Three Directors of the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska
(ICON) were in Denver last week for the 2006 national annual convention
of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America
(R-CALF USA). R-CALF, based in Billings, MT, represents US cattle producers
on trade and marketing issues.
ICON President Chris Abbott of Gordon, and Directors Jim Hanna of Brownlee,
and Dave Wright of Neligh represented ICON, which is the Nebraska affiliate
of R-CALF. Numerous ICON members also participated in the event.
"The convention provided a great opportunity for us to connect
with other cattle producers, discuss our common concerns, set policy,
and listen to excellent speakers," said Abbott.
Abbott represented ICON at the Affiliate Council meeting on Wednesday.
Thursday included a report on R-CALF's fact-finding mission to Central
America, and the changing of the presidential guard from Leo McDonnell
to Chuck Kiker of Beaumont, TX. Said
Abbott, from a typical Nebraskan point of view, "Leo's just stepping
down as quarterback; I think he's going to be coaching for a long time."
Friday included panel discussions and debate on issues ranging from
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), to national animal identification,
and the 2007 Farm Bill.
Robert Taylor, PhD, lead economist for the plaintiffs in the Pickett
vs. IBP lawsuit, gave an update on the pending appeal before the US
Supreme Court. Jim Hanna chaired the Checkoff Committee meeting while
Dave Wright, who is also a member of the NE Beef Council, offered valuable
input.
On Saturday, Regional Director nominations were announced. The nominees
for Region III (ND, SD, and NE) are Kenny Fox, Johnny Smith, and Danni
Beer.
Discussion lasted well into the afternoon as R-CALF members hashed
out final policy and bylaws to be submitted to producers across the
nation for a vote.
"Given the variety of speakers and the critical issues which were
discussed, this has been a very relevant and interesting convention,"
noted Abbott.