KCA Hosts Regional Meeting in Fredonia

Members of the Kansas Cattlemen's Association (KCA) and the public came together in Fredonia, KS at the Fredonia Livestock Auction for a presentation on Beef Checkoff and Veterinary Feed Directive. The free event was co-sponsored by Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed, who sponsored the USA BEEF meal served by The Stockyards Restaurant.

"The goal of the meeting was to bring independent cattlemen together to learn about industry information and discuss changes to regulations that directly affect their operations. With some attendees traveling in from over 200 miles away, we had a good mix of producers from across the state, and even some from other states," commented Tyler Dupy, KCA Executive Director.

Dr. Seth Fox of Wilco Veterinary Clinic gave a presentation on regulation regarding the Veterinary Feed Directive. With a goal to help ensure safe food and sustainable use of antibiotics for animals and humans, the FDA published the revised VFD to promote the responsible use of antibiotics for food-producing animals. This regulation will require a VFD for all medically important antibiotics (those important in human health) administered in feed, and a veterinary prescription for all medically important antibiotics used in water. The new rule is set to be effective January 1, 2017.

David Pfrang and Jim Dobbins, KCA members from Nemaha county, provided a presentation on the Beef Checkoff. The presentation reveals a lack of transparency and proper controls between the Kansas Beef Council and the Kansas Livestock Association. Pfrang and Dobbins argue in their presentation that without a proper firewall in place, the checkoff funds can be used to lobby against producer interests. The United States Department of Agriculture recently set forth a proposal to officially recognize the option of producers to redirect the current fifty-cents the Kansas Beef Council withholds up to the Cattlemen's Beef Board. Pfrang and Dobbins recommended independent ranchers elect for the redirection, and showed attendees a simple process for accomplishing the redirection of the funds.

Proud sponsors of the meeting included: Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed, Zoetis, LeRoy COOP, Peck Bros. Cattle Co., Advantage Livestock, LLC, Ranchland Feed, Woodson County COOP, Fredonia Livestock Auction, Kansas Cattlemen's Association, HydraBed by Triple C., Inc., Orscheln Farm & Home, AgChoice, Community National Bank & Trust, and B-W Meat Processing.