Raising The Steaks

You Gotta Fight for Your Rights…

By: Michelle

Well maybe not literally fight, but definitely speak up for what you believe in and let people know how passionate you really are about it. The annual Spring Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. gives cattlemen and cattlewomen the opportunity to learn about legislative issues being discussed on the Hill and what they can do get their voice heard.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to hear from various speakers that work in different parts of the government here in the nation’s capital, including the Secretary of Agriculture from the USDA, Ed Schafer. After speaking and answering a few questions, we as a team had the opportunity to meet up with him outside the hall we were in and get a couple quick pictures as well as talk with him for a minute or two about what we were up to as National Beef Ambassadors.

In the afternoon we made a couple of agency visits, including the Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS), Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here we got the “low-down” on what issues these agencies were dealing with that were directly affecting out industry. Experts from each agency talked with us and told what they were doing for us and we had an opportunity at the end of each session to ask questions, many of them focusing on issues affecting our respective states. So after yesterday’s full schedule of issues briefings, we were ready to take our case to the Hill and talk with our state legislators. Since each of us Beef Ambassadors come from different states, we said adieu and headed off with our fellow state cattlemen to talk to our local representatives.

I’m proud to say that California was well represented and had a strong delegation of about 25 people at the Capitol. We ended up spliting up into teams and each team visited 4-5 legislators to discuss the issues that were on our minds. I had the privelege of being with our California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) President Bruce Hafenfeld, CCA Executive Vice President Matt Byrne, NCBA Region 6 Representative Rachel Aja and Young California Cattlemen’s President Ryan Nelson.

We had a dynamic team and we had the opportunity to talk with House Representatives Jim Costa, Devin Nunes, and Dan Lungren as well as our Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Here we discussed 5 main issues that affected our state and our livelihoods: Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea & Colombia, the Clean Water Act/Reformation Act, 2007 Farm Bill, Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), and where we stand in the Hallmark/Westland Beef Recall issue. All of the legislators were receptive to what we had to say and for the most part supported where we stand on these issues. After our meetings, we had a reception in one of the House of Representatives buildings inviting all legislators and their staff to come and mingle, relax, and munch on some tasty beef.

So far the conference has been a huge success and I know I’ve certainly learned a lot. We’ve got another full day tomorrow so I will try to keep you all updated on what’s going on. I’m trying to update my photo album as I go, so keep checking back for new photos from the experience!

Concerns about Beef Recall

By: Leticia

So there I was yesterday, sitting in my World Agriculture and Food Problems class yesterday, and the teacher brought up for discussion the recent news about the beef recall of 143 million pounds of beef stemming from the findings of Humane Society of the United States undercover video.  Well, after hearing a few of my class mates’ pledges to never eat beef again, I raised my hand to give them our side of the story.

 As a person who is deeply rooted in the agriculture industry, I assure you that our primary concern is the well being of our animals.  At a young age, my parents instilled in me a love and respect for the animals that we raise.  Ultimately, I know that we are producing a product for you, the consumer.  The process to deliver you high quality American beef requires several steps and people.  It is a team effort, and everyone should be and IS held accountable for the actions they take in the process. Although it is very sickening to see even one case of abuse and cruelty, I ask you, do you think that this was the only video made by the HSUS?  Probably not.   So how many videos of packing plants that are following the regulations do you think they made to catch this one incident? I urge you not to lose hope or faith in the American beef industry.  For hundreds of years we have worked to deliver you a high quality product that is backed by our guarantee of safety.  The actions of the Hallmark/Westland Meat Company are very isolated.  When I look back at this previous week to see what happened, I can release a sigh of relief to know that the USDA has worked hard and proven itself once again as an organization that is dedicated to food safety.  They were efficient and diligent when they were called in to clean up a very dirty mess. 

So, when you go home tonight, be assured that the beef you serve your family is just as safe today as it ever has been.  The men and women who work to deliver you safe, wholesome products from pasture to plate work to serve you.