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Peterson gives Washington roundup to area cattlemen

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Wilson County News
November 3, 2009 | Comment on this article

FALLS CITY -- “Democracy is not a spectator sport.” These words, from a Libby, Mont., logger, were used by Jess Peterson, a fifth-generation rancher, to describe the unity and actions of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) and other organizations, such as the Independent Cattlemen’s Association. Peterson, executive vice president of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, addressed cattlemen during a town hall meeting Oct. 14, sponsored by the South Texas Independent Cattlemen’s Association.

As the U.S. Congress discusses health-care reform, Peterson and other advocates are speaking to congressmen on behalf of cattlemen across the nation with their views on important issues that could impact their future.

Topics ranged from international to environmental issues as Peterson delivered his Washington roundup of the issues he and other members of the USCA are following currently. He also outlined the impact these may have, not only on cattlemen, but on rural America as well.

Peterson addressed the issue of foot-and-mouth disease on the international level, then revisited the disease on the national level.

Two years ago, Argentina increased its meat imports to the United States. The cattlemen’s association has endorsed a congressional bill that will stop the import of fresh and frozen meat from Argentina until the country is free of foot-and-mouth disease without the use of vaccines. Peterson said the Obama administration “intends not to regionalize the districts in Argentina.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to open the market (including live animals) to select regions or districts in Argentina. Foot-and-mouth disease is an airborne disease, thus the opposition from U.S. cattlemen.

On the national level, Peterson said the Department of Homeland Security intends to relocate the National Bio-Security and Agro-Defense Facility from Plum Island, N.Y., to Kansas.

Peterson questioned the wisdom of moving the facility to the “heart of cattle country … and tornado alley.” The cattlemen’s association is asking for an independent risk assessment to be completed for the security of the operation. Cattlemen are concerned about potential disease outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease, that could threaten the cattle industry.

The USCA opposes the relocation of this facility to a mainland site.

Another international issue Peterson addressed was the Canadian dispute overcountry-of-origin labeling, or COOL. This labeling identifies where produce and meat products originate. Some advocates say it helps track food-borne illnesses. It also helps to identify and promote U.S. products to consumers.

Canada is challenging the international trade legalities of the law, he said. It has requested the World Trade Organization panel to review the COOL law, this after formal consultations under the World Trade Organization were not resolved.

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association is planning a fourth Washington, D.C., fly-in in November. (See “COOL issues being challenged,” Oct. 21 Wilson County News.) They hope to focus the attention of the Obama administration’s trade and agriculture officials on labeling issues.

Cattlemen have again requested tighter anti-trust laws, Peterson said, since Brazilian-based JBS S.A. has announced plans to expand.

Cattlemen are requesting the packers to report their numbers, since single packers in regions of the United States control 100 percent of the local market. This eliminates any competitive marketplace.

Peterson also discussed the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), the actions of the U.S. Humane Society, and environmental issues. Read next week’s Wilson County News for more from Peterson’s visit.
 


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