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Leadership speaks out for MSGA members in D.C.Montana Montana Stockgrowers Association officers and staff were in Washington , D.C., in early April to discuss livestock industry priorities with members of the Montana congressional delegation and federal regulators. The group was among 250 beef producers in the nation's capital for the NCBA Spring Legislative Conference. During a series of agency visits, MSGA members heard from Douglas Ross of the U.S. Department of Justice Special Counsel for Agriculture. He explained factors that will shape the department's examination of the proposed acquisitions of Smithfield Beef, Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding and National Beef by JBS-Swift. Members also heard from Bruce Knight, USDA Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs. During his update, Knight stated that trade is of increasing importance for all producers, the key to increased trade is that protocols must rely on sound science. Another significant meeting featured dialogue with U.S. secretary of agriculture Ed Schafer. He told beef producers if Congress can't agree on a new farm bill before April 18, President Bush likely would approve at least a one-year extension of current farm policy. Schafer also expressed optimism about greater access to beef export markets, including Russia and South Korea. In addition to their discussions with officials at several agencies within USDA, cattlemen also held meetings at the Office of U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Land Management, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Brucellosis, the Interagency Bison Management Plan, the Clean Water Restoration Act, and the farm bill were among topics covered when the MSGA group met with the Montana congressional delegation. Officers and staff presented MSGA input on these very important issues. "Our recent trip to D.C. is one of the many opportunities MSGA takes in an effort to work on issues that affect our members," said MSGA President Steve Roth. "Being able to meet face to face with Bruce Knight USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Burton Eller, Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; and Lloyd Day, Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service to discuss issues such as brucellosis, provides a unique opportunity to present them with an 'on the ground reality' perspective they don't get from existing in the Beltway. MSGA's influence on issues affecting Montana cattle producers is invaluable." 4/21/08 Date: 4/15/08
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