ICA sets industry leadership summit

     As part of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s mission to grow Iowa’s beef business through leadership, advocacy and education, ICA will host the second annual Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit.

     The summit, which will be held Dec. 7-8 in Ames, will have sessions devoted to leadership development for cattle producers and ICA county cattlemen’s associations. The event will also feature policy committee meetings and the ICA annual meeting.

     The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has three policy committees: Beef Products, Business Issues and Cattle Production. The committee meetings are open to any ICA members, and will generate policy related to important topics in the cattle industry. These policies drive the efforts of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and are used by staff and leaders in discussions with local and national elected officials and regulatory agencies.

     Policy discussions on Thursday are expected to revolve around animal health challenges like Trichomoniasis, live cattle marketing, local control of environmental regulations, and rules regarding the hauling of livestock.

     The ICA Trichomoniasis task force recently met and developed recommendations aimed at decreasing the incidence of trich in Iowa. The recommendations will be presented to the policy committees for discussion.

     Environmental regulation of livestock production is also likely to be discussed. There have been increased efforts from various groups to give counties more power in determining whether or not a construction permit should be granted for large animal feeding operations and to raise the requirements of those operations.

     Attendees will also hear an update with recent news regarding the looming Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. The ELD rule, in conjunction with Hours of Service requirements, restricts livestock haulers’ ability to get animals to their destination in a timely manner. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced a 90-day extension for ag commodity haulers to comply with the rule, but more work and input is needed to find a longer-term solution for the livestock industry.

     The committees will determine what, if any, action should be taken on these issues and more. Then, on Friday, ICA members will have a chance to ratify the policy developed in the committee meetings at the ICA annual meeting, after the Iowa Beef Industry Council annual meeting.

     The event will also include the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation dinner and auction, and complimentary lunch featuring the 2017 Iowa’s Best Burger from the Smokin’ Hereford in Storm Lake. Dr. Keith Belk will discuss beef exports in his keynote presentation on Thursday and Drs. Dan Loy and Lee Schulz will share information about the economic impact of the Iowa beef industry. On Friday morning, Matt Rush will help us bridge the consumer/farmer divide with his inspirational and entertaining presentation.

     There is no cost to attend the Leadership Summit, but RSVPs are requested. Visit www.iacattlemen.org or call 515-296-2266 for more info.