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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 3, 2007

BEEF PRODUCERS FORM POLICY ON BUSINESS ISSUES

            ( WICHITA ) – Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) members approved policy addressing enhancements to the beef checkoff program, free market principles and water regulation during the group’s annual business meeting November 30 in Wichita . Resolutions on these and other livestock industry issues originated from member-driven discussions in KLA committee and council meetings, with final approval coming from the general membership.

            Producers amended a resolution to support an immediate increase in the beef checkoff assessment rate. It also supports amendments to the Beef Promotion and Research Act that would enable the industry to pursue future changes in the assessment rate. This policy addresses the loss of buying power due to inflation since the $1.00-per-head beef checkoff was approved in a producer referendum 20 years ago.

            Several resolutions reflect the KLA membership’s support for free market economics. Policy directing KLA to protect the producer’s freedom of choice in how he or she chooses to market livestock was retained. KLA members are opposed to government interference that would narrow the business options of producers or limit their ability to innovate in management and marketing. These resolutions reinforce KLA’s opposition to language in the proposed U.S. Senate Farm Bill.

            Agricultural labor was the point of a resolution reaffirmed by KLA members. Producers support immigration policy that allows for an efficient and adequate guest worker program and oppose penalties for businesses unknowingly hiring illegal workers. KLA supports legislation that would reduce the burden on employers of verifying a worker’s legal status.

            KLA supports clarification of federal law specifying that transporting ag products to and from markets within a state does not constitute interstate commerce. Members are concerned that additional regulatory measures currently under consideration would create an extensive economic burden on livestock operations and impede the movement of ag products.

            Members approved policy encouraging the Kansas Division of Water Resources to administer Intensive Groundwater Use Control Areas in a manner consistent with principles contained in the Prior Appropriation Act. Another resolution opposes legislation that would expand federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, including proposals to redefine “waters of the United States .”

            KLA members support state legislation creating a conservation easement funding source in Kansas . Landowners have shown an interest in conservation easements by enrolling more than 20,000 acres in the USDA Grassland Reserve Program. At least 19 states provide funding or tax incentives for voluntary conservation easements that preserve working farms and ranches.

            The membership supports legislation that would protect the rights of surface interest owners from property destruction caused by oil and gas operations. Language in this policy suggests surface rights should be respected, with compensation provided for damages.

            Two new resolutions deal with damage inflicted by burdensome wildlife populations. KLA members support legislation to financially compensate farmers and ranchers experiencing significant crop damage from deer and other wildlife. Another resolution opposes state legislation that would prevent local government officials from controlling prairie dogs. In addition, KLA urges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not to re-introduce the ferret in Kansas .

            KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used to benefit KLA members through legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, timely communications and the advancement of young people in agriculture.

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