On a daily basis, the agriculture industry is bombarded by media images and statements from various groups such as PETA and HSUS that are propelled by celebrity spokespeople who support the groups’ agendas. When Miss America penned her op-ed and filmed her subsequent segment that aired on Fox and Friends, it was an affirmation that there are those out there who are willing to help and give a voice to the true face of agriculture. If you haven’t seen the op-ed or TV segment-click on the following links:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/04/15/miss-america-teresa-scanlon-americans-stake-success-farmers-ranchers/

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2011/04/15/miss-america-2011-teresa-scanlan-on-her-fight-against-childhood-obesity/

Needless to say, one can start to feel a little lonely when promoting the cattle industry out in Washington, D.C. when there are so many misconceptions held by the public when it comes to agriculture. I’ve begun to lose track of the number of times someone has commented on the pin that Jess and I wear on our suits- the pin is in the shape of a cow and filled in with the American flag. Once people see it, it is almost always an instant conversation starter. I always include my personal background when discussing what USCA is and am always met with surprise when explaining how my family’s ranch is currently in its 5th generation of operation. The general public has been bombarded by images of expansive feedlots with the attached explanation that these places are where our meat comes from. People often take that as point blank information and don’t often realize that the majority of beef produced in the U.S. today starts on a family farm.

This disconnect in understanding where the public perceives their food as coming from and the actual reality is becoming increasingly large as the images and press put out by animal-rights groups is heightened in visibility due to celebrity supporters. It is quite the boost in morale to have someone in the public spotlight, such as Miss America Teresa Scanlan, to come out in support of agriculture and all of the families who work day in and day out to ensure that the nation is provided with food!

In today’s society, it will likely continue to be an upward battle to promote the true story of the cattle industry. With that said, I am truly proud to be working out in Washington, D.C. Through the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association I know that I am representing my family’s operation and am able to advocate and attempt to bridge the gap between the misconceptions held by many on agriculture and instead try to bring a face to the industry and tell its story in a city where the decisions regarding the industry are made, yet the disconnect remains large.

I represented the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association at the festival.  We shared a booth with my good friends Bill Garrels, Tony Castellano and Mark Wentura.  It was the perfect package: a top cattlemen’s association teaming up with a must read magazine (American Cowboy Magazine), and newest and finest line of western jeans (Iron Horse Jeans)! 

During this event I also got a chance to meet a hero of mine and top western country music performer, Brenn Hill.  To my pleasant surprise and good fortune I spent a considerable amount of time with Brenn as we mapped out plans to create a linkage between his musical performances and the cattlemen’s outreach meetings that I am involved in.  More to come on this exciting endeavor. In the meantime-listen to his music and like me you’ll soon find out that good, country western music is alive in well with the songs Brenn produces!

Case in point, I am lucky enough to have my flight and hotel room paid for in Las Vegas, Nevada during the National Finals Rodeo.  I get to interact with great people and enjoy all the exciting action that Las Vegas has to offer; however, a recap of this day will probably discourage anyone from ever trading jobs with me.

I was up at the crack up dawn preparing for the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association’s annual meeting.  My first order of business was to get the latest scoop on the House passed H.R. 4154, the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Business Act, which passed the House by a vote of 224 – 199. According to a statement made by Representative Steve Rothman (D-NJ), “This legislation permanently extends the current exemption from the federal estate tax of $3.5 million per person as well as the maximum tax rate of 45 percent on estates.  Without the bill, the estate tax would be eliminated entirely in 2010, and in 2011, the exemption would drop down to $1 million per individual while the estate tax rate would increase to 55 percent (from 45 percent this year).”  This issue is of great importance to the membership of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association so I made some calls and finalized my talking points to ensure that I had the full scope of details.

Next up in my preparation involved finishing the project of uploading USCA’s policies into a power point presentation.  I looked at my watch and realized I better quickly wrap up my actual legislative update PowerPoint also. Plus the conclusion of my “laid back” Vegas day included a flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association annual convention. So quickly packing up my bags was the final stage of my morning preparation.

The morning business for the USCA meeting was enjoyable as it’s always great to see the pleasant faces of USCA supporters and friends.  This outfit has a top notch crew of the salt of the earth ranchers who feed the nation and world.  Each USCA committee chair provides specific updates on committee progress and tasks.  My position as Executive Vice President means that I provide assistance and service to each of these committees, so I was called upon several times to provide additional information and clarification.

USCA’s year in review has been filled with a mix of successful and motivational stories along with the valuable legislative and regulatory achievements. I enjoyed informing the membership about the success that this young association has achieved in a short period of time.

The afternoon session consisted of some excellent speakers including the Montana Department of Livestock’s Executive Director Christian Mackay, USDA RMA staff John Lockie and Tara Beley, and Tait Berlier with Silveus Insurance.  I caught parts of their speeches as I edited USCA’s draft Federal Register comments on the USDA’s plan to update Bovine Tuberculosis plans. I finalized and submitted the comments just in time to play a role in USCA’s policy-making session. My role during this session involved typing the suggested policies and amendments. As the session came to a close, I realized I had just enough time to bid folks adieu and race to catch my flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

When I arrived at the airport, I found out my flight was delayed. This turned out to be a good thing as there was yet one more round of Federal Register comments that still needed to be filed. Fortunately USCA Animal Health Committee Co-Chair Chuck Kiker had prepared an excellent draft set of comments on USDA’s proposed changes to its Bovine Brucellosis plan. I edited the comments and literally submitted the comments online 23 minutes before the deadline and 2 minutes before the doors of the plane were closed.

As I looked down over the lights of Las Vegas, I thought, “Yes this is a very exciting and action packed job.  It’s an honor and a privilege to work for America’s family farmers and ranchers…. but a laid day at the beach, it is not!”