5/24/2006

R-CALF: McDonnell, Co-Founder and Past President, Speaks in Kansas

Gas, Kan. – R-CALF USA Co-Founder and Past President Leo McDonnell recently spoke at a rollover calf sale at Allen County Livestock Auction that raised more than $6,000 for R-CALF USA and the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association (KCA), an affiliate organization of R-CALF USA.

“The Beef Checkoff was started in part to fund an effort to reach the consumer and then develop research that would allow industry representatives to sit down with consumer groups and dispel any myths they might have about our industry,” said McDonnell. “Who would have thought that cow/calf producers were inadvertently funding a major contractor for the Beef Checkoff program that would use its activist media publications to initiate a campaign against consumer groups that represent literally millions of U.S. beef consumers?

When asked about R-CALF working with U.S. consumers and their organizations, McDonnell said he is worried about the damage done to U.S. ranchers from some of their own industry groups that first opposed the investigations R-CALF USA filed to address the potentially damaging trade practices of Canada and Mexico.

“Those industry groups later joined with the largest packer groups to hire a law firm to lobby against Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (M-COOL), and they’re the same groups now opposing safeguards in trade agreements that would prevent harm to U.S. cattle producers from damaging trade practices,” said McDonnell. “These same groups also opposed allowing U.S. packers to voluntarily test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to gain access to the Japanese market, and the same groups that filed court documents in favor of USDA lowering our BSE import standards to below internationally practiced standards. These harmful actions will have a huge impact on producers’ livelihoods.”

R-CALF USA Kansas Region 3 Membership Chair Casey Kimberlin, who also is a KCA director, organized the fund-raiser. Kimberlin, of Buffalo, said McDonnell emphasized fair trade issues and was well received by the crowd.

“About 10 to 12 years ago, we had a surplus in agricultural trade, and now we’re at a deficit of $4.5 billion, which I believe to be the result of our liberal free trade agreements (FTAs),” Kimberlin said. “Our current U.S. policy on free trade agreements benefits only the big corporations, not the smaller producer.”

McDonnell also spoke to independent cattle producers at Larson’s Acres, in McPherson. Owner Daryl Larson sponsored the lunch and meeting. Dort Goodman, R-CALF USA Kansas Membership Co-Chair, of Sabetha, helped organize the meetings and fund-raiser. She said McDonnell noted the importance of rural areas staying profitable so rural towns can survive.

“We can all respond to the disappearance of our rural communities, and not just those of us who own cattle,” Goodman said. “After the meeting, people were saying R-CALF is an organization that isn’t controlled by anyone other than themselves. Getting involved is the most important action a cattle producer can take – just like Leo McDonnell did.”

David Pfrang, the other R-CALF USA Kansas Membership Co-Chair, also coordinated the events. Pfrang, of Goff, said nothing is beyond the reach of U.S. cattle producers who work hard, make a solid commitment and use common sense.

“Leo didn’t paint a gloom-and-doom picture, but instead was optimistic and gave examples of opportunities,” noted Pfrang. “He said even though those who work in agriculture make up only 2 percent of the population, R-CALF has accomplished a lot. R-CALF put together the largest coalition in history and got M-COOL on the law books.”

Contributors to the fund-raiser included: Peck Brothers; Kimberlin Cattle Co.; Justin Petterson; Hal Luthi; Edwards Land and Cattle; Kenny Wernli; Lee Robbins; Grisier Farms; Steve Kimberlin; Rife Land and Cattle; Nancy Boyda; Steve Johnson; C Bar C Ranch; Blender Ranch; D.J. Edwards; and Tommy Tuggle.

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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. R-CALF USA, a national, non-profit organization, is dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA's membership consists primarily of cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and feedlot owners. Its members - over 18,000 strong - are located in 47 states, and the organization has over 60 local and state association affiliates, from both cattle and farm organizations. Various main street businesses are associate members of R-CALF USA. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com  or, call 406-252-2516.