Cattlemen on Government Watch

By Sara Brown

At the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention, cattlemen flocked to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Cattlemen's College. Colin Woodall, NCBA executive director of legislative affairs, headlined an early producer session about government issues that will be affecting cattlemen this year.

One of the most important issues Woodall informed producers about was the Clean Water Restoration Act, which could change the way water is classified in the U.S. "We're fighting tooth and nail [against the bill],” Woodall said. "It's a huge land grab by the EPA.”

The bill actually passed the Senate Environment and Public Works committee, when a hold was put on the bill. Woodall said this legislation would put all water ways, even water bodies that are not considered navigable, under EPA governance. This could affect water management on the ranch, cattle watering activities and water availability, such as watering cattle with earth stock tanks.

Many producers came to ask questions about the upcoming USDA and Department of Justice meetings coming this year. Woodall said beef producers should pay special attention to the Department of Justice meeting on Aug. 26, where livestock and the beef industry will have special emphasis.

Other topics Woodall discussed include dust regulations, repeal and reinstating of the death tax, World Trade Organization claims as a result of country-of-origin labeling, and activities by Humane Society of the U.S. Watch this video of Woodall's suggestions for cattle producers.

Woodall said beef producers should pay special attention to the Department of Justice meeting on Aug. 26, where livestock and the beef industry will have special emphasis.

See more coverage from 2010 Cattle Industry Convention.