Press Release
From: Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska
For Immediate Release: July 5, 2010
Media Contact: ICON Executive Director Destry Brown: 308-458-2244, ICON Director Chris Abbott: 308-282-2826
ICON to Charter Bus to Ft. Collins for Packers & Stockyards Act Hearing
On June 24, the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) hosted a meeting for producers with the Organization of Competitive Markets (OCM) in Valentine, NE. ICON was encouraged to see close to 100 producers in attendance, eager to listen to the OCM representatives.
Presenters included OCM board members Mike Callicrate, Randy Stephenson, and Executive Director Fred Stokes. A question-and-answer session provided producers with valuable information that might otherwise not be available. ICON members learned about the lack of a competitive market and the recently proposed rule changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act.
McVain Trading was also present and gave a market forecast. The current forecast forced cattlemen to face hard facts about the condition of the calf market, which is predicted to be unsustainable.
ICON encourages producers to get involved and ensure that the proposed rules in the Packers and Stockyards Act are upheld. Producers today have a golden opportunity to have their voices heard. By visiting the Federal Registry site, producers can read the proposed rules and submit comments as individuals or as a group.
In addition to commenting, ICON also urges members and cattlemen across Nebraska to mark their calendars for August 27. At 8:00 a.m. in Fort Collins, CO, the Department of Justice and USDA will conduct a meeting to hear comments on the Packers and Stockyards Act.
"We as producers need to take this opportunity to help shape the future of our industry," said ICON Executive Director Destry Brown. "The time to be proactive and get involved is now."
Recognizing the importance of this meeting and the tremendous opportunity it provides for cattlemen to speak up, ICON is organizing a charter bus to take producers to Fort Collins. Details are being finalized, but more than one bus may be chartered and multiple routes planned. ICON is contacting sponsors to help reduce the cost of the bus. Producers will be responsible for their overnight stays and meals. ICON will reserve a block of rooms in advance.
Each charter bus holds 56 passengers, and ICON is requesting advance registration to determine the number of buses and routes needed. Registrations are being accepted by Destry Brown at 308-458-2244. The sign-up deadline is August 6. For additional information, contact ICON Communications Director Linda Wuebben at 402-357-3778.
It’s time for Nebraska cattlemen to take a stand and speak out. Don’t miss this opportunity to influence changes in the cattle industry.
Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska
"Solid as a windmill. Always working for the independent producer."