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. SEP 2020 • Vol. 36, No. 11 • NCBA.org
Photo submitted by NCBA Member Jaclyn Wilson from Lakeside, NE
NCBA Wraps Up Successful Dietary Guidelines Campaign
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The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) released its
Scientific Report in July and opened a public comment period on the report, which helps the committee finalize the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). NCBA was able to garner significant producer comments using social media, television appearances, radio interviews and news articles before the comment period closed in midAugust. DGAs are influential guidelines used by government officials to shape federal nutrition programs, which is why it is vital for producers to make their voices heard on this issue. While NCBA is supportive of many of the Committee’s findings, a few opportunities to reinforce beef’s role in a healthy diet were missed. They include educating Americans that beef is a lean meat option and clearly recommending beef as a practical source of critical nutrients throughout the lifespan, especially in the early years. The committee’s recommendation on saturated fat was also outdated and inconsistent with the scientific evidence and future work should re-evaluate this. NCBA President Marty Smith kicked off the campaign to drive comments to tell the DGAC about these misses,
saying: “Study after study shows that beef plays an important role in a balanced, healthy diet across the lifespan. NCBA has made it a priority to protect the scientific credibility of Dietary Guidelines and promote accurate information about the nutritional advantages of beef as part of a balanced diet.” Due to widespread grassroots support from cattle producers across the country, this was one of NCBA’s most successful comment campaigns ever. Over 700 producers submitted letters to help DGAC recognize where they can improve their work when they release the Dietary Guidelines for 2020-2025. Sixth-generation California rancher Kiah Twisselman testified on behalf of NCBA at a public meeting on the Scientific Report. She told officials with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) about her first-hand experience with the benefits of beef in her diet and urged them to do more to encourage beef as part of a healthy diet as they finalize new federal dietary guidelines. Twisselman promoted the #BenefitsOfBeef in her testimony: “I
know firsthand how important it is for dietary guidance to be practical, flexible, and clear… Two years ago, I began my journey to better health. I’ve lost over 125 pounds through small life changes, regular exercise, and a healthy diet… Lean beef is a versatile, affordable, nutrient-dense, and delicious protein source for a healthy and balanced diet. From my herd to yours, thank you for guiding Americans toward healthier diets with beef.” NCBA wants to thank everyone who took the time to submit letters, tell their friends and family to comment, and promote beef as part of a healthy diet. This campaign would not have been possible without members on the ground working hard to produce highquality American beef. The Dietary Guidelines campaign caps off years of NCBA engagement and NCBA is not done yet. The finalized 2020-2025 DGAs will likely be published in midto-late December of this year. Be on the lookout for an update this winter with more information on how you can get involved.
MARKET SNAPSHOT WEEK ENDING 8/21/2020 (prices vs. year ago) $104.49
CHOICE BOXED BEEF $209.91
OMAHA CASH CORN $3.13
6%
2%
9%
13%
$148.21
$106.68
$230.43
$3.59
SOUTH CENTRAL 500-600 LB. STEERS $157.38
LIVE FED STEERS
IN THIS ISSUE Leadership Comments
3
Federation News
6
Market Matters
8&9
Governance 10 Checkoff 15