I just returned from the 76th Annual Nevada Cattlemen’s Convention in Minden, Nevada. It was great to spend a few days with all of you who attended as we discussed issues and our plan to address those issues. While we were focusing on the current issues however, the challenges facing our industry continued to present themselves. In this technologically crazed world, there is never an end to the emails, phone calls and faxes that come to my phone, almost all of which announce a new issue facing our industry.
As an example, just this week, a hearing on the forest service travel plan and water rights was held in Washington and at the end of the week, Secretary Salazar released his report on, “BLM Lands Deserving Protection”. While NCA played a key role in developing testimony for the forest service hearing and it has submitted comments on the plan to place further restrictions on BLM lands, we need more involvement from everyone influenced by the actions of our government agencies. With so few of us engaged in production agriculture, it is imperative, now perhaps more than any time in history; that we stand united against the continued attacks on our way of life. The multiple special interest groups seeking to end public land grazing have a strong presence in our nation’s capitol. They seem to have an endless supply of time and money to devote to influencing lawmakers and administrators.
I hate the fact that the process by which our government makes decisions, has evolved into an email counting activity. So many times, when I call our state and national elected officials, I am told of how many letters, phone calls and emails they have received on each side of the current issue. I am sure most of you are aware of the fact that the count is rarely in our favor. I understand that a lot of us in agriculture don’t want to use email, we don’t want to forward on chain letters via fax, and we don’t always have time to call all the lawmakers connected with the various issues we face, but those lobbying against us are doing it every day. Simply put, we are losing the popularity contest. I know that sounds childish, but sound science is no longer enough to defend our actions, to protect our daily practices, and to influence lawmakers. If we don’t want to continue losing ground, we are going to have to change how we engage our state and national lawmakers.
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and other industry associations, devote hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars each month to writing comments, replying to requests for information, and educating government officials on all types of issues. While this is important and our industry associations serve as the contact point for many people in government, it is definitely not enough. We all, individually, must find a way to be more involved. Every one of us is busy in our daily lives, believe me I know that as well as anyone. I also know that if we want to continue our way of life, if we want to pass this on to the next generation, we need to find the time to be involved. We need to find a way to voice our opinions, to get the truth to those making the decisions affecting us.
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association serves as a source of information that can be used in communicating with government officials. A list of contact information is available for lawmakers at all levels, and the same is available for the various government agencies we deal with frequently. The staff and officers work every day to keep on top of the issues all of us are facing. I encourage you to call or email the office with any issues you may have. Someone will provide you with the information you need, or contact information for someone to talk to. I hope you can occasionally all take a few moments to address the issues most important to you and when a call for action from the industry comes out, you will take the time to act. A phone call, email, or a simple letter sent to a Congressman or agency administrator will help.
I want to close with a thank you the members of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association for the opportunity you have given me to serve as NCA President for the next two years. I promise to not only work for the members of our association, but for all of production agriculture. If there is ever any issue that you care to discuss, please feel free to call. (Those of you who know me best know that Sally will be passing along a lot of messages).
My family and I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.
J.J. Goicoechea, DVM