“We asked our Federation people where they want to be housed,” said George, who is also a Wyoming dairy and beef producer. “The issue was whether or not the Federation should be separated from N.C.B.A. or stay with the national organization. They decided to stay under the N.C.B.A. umbrella but act in a more independent manner. As we move forward, we will be working to develop a structure that ensures greater independence, while still maintaining our 14-year successful working relationship with N.C.B.A.”
The driving factor behind the Federation’s vote was efficiency of resources, George said. He added that during the 14-year history with N.C.B.A., the Federation has been able to rapidly address issues that could potentially impact the beef industry.
“As we debate this issue, I cannot help but remember seven years ago when the first case of B.S.E. [bovine spongiform encephalopathy] was discovered in the United States,” he said. “It was because of this outstanding partnership that the discovery did not have a devastating impact on U.S. cattle producers.”