ICA to go virtual for policy meetings

     Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is wrapping up this year’s policy development process on Zoom. Members of the cattle industry are invited to attend the virtual Policy Committee Meetings and the Annual Meeting during the months of December and January.

     Producers across the state will dive deep into issues affecting Iowa’s cattle industry. Attendees will review expiring policies, hear updates on hot topics in the industry and debate new policies. Each meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

     “For many years, the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit has functioned as the culmination of the policy development process for our members. This year may look different than face-to-face opportunities of the past, but the business that needs to be accomplished is just as important,” said Cora Fox, ICA director of government relations.

     With changes in Washington, D.C. and in Iowa, the ICA needs input from cattlemen now more than ever to ensure the interests of the beef producers are protected and pursued. As the definitive voice of Iowa’s cattlemen, it’s important that it has policy on the books to support the beef cattle industry.

     Mark your calendars for the dates below. 

Business Issues Committee

     Some topics of interest in this committee might include: Regulation of Livestock Haulers, Land Acquisition, Soil Conservation, Tax Credits or Capital Gains.

     Meetings will be held:

     • Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. (review expiring policies).

     • Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. (new policy/discussion).

Cattle Production Committee

     Discussion during this committee could include: Foreign Animal Disease Response, Green/Gold Tag Preconditioned programs or Live Cattle Marketing.

     Meetings will be held:

     • Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. (review expiring policies).

     • Jan. 5, 2021 at 7 p.m. (new policy/discussion).

Beef Products Committee

     Country of Origin Labeling, World Trade, Iowa Beef Checkoff or Alternative Meats could be topics of conversation during one or both of these meetings.

     Meetings will be held:

     • Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. (review expiring policies).

     • Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. (new policy/discussion)

Annual Meeting

     The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will finalize the policy development process with ratification at the Annual Meeting, which will be Jan. 26 at noon.

     These meetings are for current producer members. To register for policy committee meetings and the ICA Annual Meeting, visit: https://www.iacattlemen.org.