N A T I O N A L CATTLEMEN
To be the trusted leader and definitive voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry. FEB 2021 • Vol. 37, No. 5 • NCBA.org
improve the business climate for U.S. cattle producers. It’s NCBA’s goal during the year ahead to protect the industry from government regulation and showcase our positive impact on the environment.” As a former president of the Kansas Livestock Association, and after serving many leadership roles at both state and national levels, Bohn brings a wealth of knowledge about the issues to his new role, but he also understands the importance of teamwork in tackling any job. Through his involvement in industry organizations over the years, Bohn said the goal and the purpose have often been the same. That’s the drive to protect the individual cattle producer’s ability to operate his or her business as they see fit and pass on a legacy to the next generation. The relationship between NCBA and its members and state affiliates is of the utmost importance to Bohn. “Local cattlemen and women provide the input that develops and directs NCBA policy work. That’s how it should be and that’s what makes our organization strong and unique.” Bohn knows that working together and keeping focused on the association’s goals will be paramount for success during his term in 2021. The association’s commitment to helping producers through the pandemic coupled with a list of policy wins last year and ambitious policy priorities for the year ahead mean it’s important to get to work quickly, especially during the first year of a new White House administration. “I’ve been part of the successful completion of these longterm, industry goals for many years. Last year, we were able to check important priorities off the list, from a replacement for WOTUS, to trade deals, to improvements to the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, and more, we accomplished a great deal. We also succeeded in ensuring much needed relief was available to producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s still a lot that we need to get done in the months ahead,” he said. Bohn points to the number one topic on the minds of cattlemen and cattlewomen: profitability. “NCBA is committed to improving the business climate for our members as a producer-driven organization with a focus on issues like price discovery and transparency in cattle markets along with bolstering the risk management tools available to producers. These were topics brought forward by our state affiliates last year and we’re focused on working toward solutions in the year ahead,” Bohn continued. “Ensuring that all alternative protein products are held to fair and equal standards while doing away with false marketing claims is also a top priority.” Another focus for NCBA in the year ahead is positioning the beef industry as a leader in sustainability with consumers and policy makers. “We need to be a leader in the sustainability conversation with a focus on science, the achievements of our industry, and a look at the day-to-day practices every cattleman and cattlewoman follow that protect our resources. We have an outstanding track-record when it comes to sustainable production in the U.S. and we know our industry is a positive A Kansas native and cattle feeder that shares an contributor to the environment. We need to show that appreciation, with many NCBA members, of a hard day’s our methods are the global model for sustainable beef work producing a quality protein, Jerry Bohn understands production,” he said. the pressures facing producers. As he takes the helm of the While the next four years will be an adventure in National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) this year, he Washington, D.C., Bohn is confident that NCBA will do what it will bring important perspective to the job and is committed to working together to achieve crucial goals. has always done - build relationships, educate administration “Like many of our members, I recall horrific winters in the officials, and fight for your right to raise cattle. early ’90s, a “We have a March blizzard lot to do as an in 2008 and association and as the cow that an industry, not This is a great industry and we have a great story to tell about what stole Christmas just during my in 2003. I we’re doing and why we’re doing it. It’s important for us to tell that term as president, experienced but in the years story and to do so not just for ourselves, but for the generations that the rise and fall ahead of us,” of prices and Bohn said. “This follow us. That’s what we’re trying to do at NCBA, so I hope folks will the drought is a great industry situation we join us and be a part of it. and we have a went through great story to tell from 2011 to about what we’re 2014. And, doing and why of course, all we’re doing it. It’s the challenges our industry has faced due to the pandemic important for us to tell that story and to do so not just for in 2020,” Bohn said. “Those tough times are a reminder of ourselves, but for the generations that follow us. That’s what the resolve of cattlemen and women. As NCBA president, we’re trying to do at NCBA, so I hope folks will join us and be I’m looking forward to the chance to forge a stronger bond a part of it.” between our state and national associations as we work to
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION 9110 E. NICHOLS AVENUE, SUITE 300 CENTENNIAL, CO 80112
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Jerry Bohn is Committed to the Future of Beef
MARKET SNAPSHOT WEEK ENDING 1/22/2021 (prices vs. year ago) $109.52
CHOICE BOXED BEEF $210.82
OMAHA CASH CORN $5.15
11.7%
0.8%
38.7%
SOUTH CENTRAL 500-600 LB. STEERS $156.96
LIVE FED STEERS
4.6% $164.28
$124.03
$212.58
$3.72
IN THIS ISSUE Leadership Comments
3
Federation 6 Governance 8 Market Matters
10
Checkoff 14