Members are active leaders . The partnership of member leadership and staff management has been an effective model that solidifies our credibility .
From the CEO
Colin Woodall
THANK YOU !
As we finish our 125th anniversary celebration year , I simply want to thank each of you for being a member of the National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association . This association would not have stood the test of time without cattle producers who see the value in coming together , talking through the issues and advocating for our way of life . NCBA ’ s power comes from all of you who invest your money , time and knowledge in keeping the association robust and effective .
NCBA exists to be the trusted leader and definitive voice of the U . S . cattle and beef industry . Our job is to be your advocate and fight to protect your operations , but the guidance must come from you . As your staff , our job is to implement your policy , not set it . With members in all 50 states , we are the one place where all voices can be heard . Our policy setting process reflects the power of the membership . NCBA ’ s seven policy committees meet each year to discuss the hot topics we are facing . These committees are led by cattle producers , and each of our policy affiliated organizations appoint cattle producers to hold seats on the committees . For example , the Ag and Food Policy Committee is chaired by Ken Herz from Nebraska and the vice chair is Jeff Schafer from North Dakota . Both are cattle producers and were willing to step up to lead that committee . Ag and Food Policy is responsible for the policy detailing how we want to engage on the Farm Bill , so their actions have a tremendous impact on all of us in the cattle business . The cattle producers who sit on that committee debate the issues and vote on the position they want us to take .
Once the committee has voted , the NCBA Board of Directors has the chance to debate and vote on the policy . Just like the committees , the board is made up of cattle producers . If the board approves of the committee ’ s work , then it ultimately goes out in a ballot like the one you found in last September ’ s National Cattlemen . This is intended to allow every NCBA member the chance to vote whether they serve on a committee or not .
The member-led work NCBA does is not limited to our policy process . Our Executive Committee is made up of cattle producers representing the seven NCBA regions across the U . S .
Members are active leaders . The partnership of member leadership and staff management has been an effective model that solidifies our credibility .
They meet in person four times a year and have calls each month between those meetings . The Executive Committee holds the staff accountable for our policy implementation , budgeting , legal action and overall association effectiveness . Executive Committee meetings and calls allow for questions , debate and votes regarding the management of NCBA .
Yet another level is the NCBA officer team . This team consists of the eight officers elected by the Board of Directors and the treasurer who is appointed by the president . The officer team meets every Tuesday morning with myself and other staff to discuss the latest topics , set strategy , review legal matters and hold me accountable for the work NCBA is , or is not , doing .
Members are more than just figureheads at NCBA . Members are active leaders . The partnership of member leadership and staff management has been an effective model that solidifies our credibility . One of the reasons NCBA wins on Capitol Hill is because Members of Congress and their staff know we speak for the members of NCBA , not for the staff .
It ’ s not too late to engage in our process . CattleCon24 is coming up at the end of the month in Orlando . Go to convention . ncba . org to get registered . Unlike everything else in life today , the price of convention registration has not gone up in more than five years . Come see the biggest trade show in the cattle industry , hear from great speakers , have a lot of fun , and help set the direction of this association .
I will end where I began by thanking you for your membership . When we come together and tackle our challenges , we know we can be successful in protecting your operation and your family . As we start the new year , I ask each of you to ask just one person if they are a NCBA member . If they are not , tell them why you are and encourage them to join . Our influence will only get stronger with the more members we have . Here ’ s to a prosperous and profitable 2024 !
6 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN www . NCBA . org