you down, or the myriad of ways your property rights could evaporate— all of it is a real threat and something NCBA works hard every day to address,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein.“ As a farmer or rancher, you should never face a situation like this, and NCBA will always fight for you, the cattle producer.”
According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, there are roughly 951,309 cattle producers in the U. S., making them just 0.28 % of the total U. S. population. To make sure farmers and ranchers are always protected, uniting and partnering on shared goals is critical.
“ The work we do every day in the cattle business is so important, and when you’ re less than three-tenths of a percent of the population, it’ s all too easy for our government to ignore us or have our voice drowned out by others,” Wehrbein said.“ NCBA partners with the Public Lands Council to make sure the livestock industry approaches our government with a united front, and this association was a partner to the Maude family
to help stand up for their rights. We will always stand up for cattlemen and women and be your partner.”
Thankfully, the Maude family can now return to normal life and know that the federal government is no longer trying to slap handcuffs on innocent farmers and ranchers. To prevent this issue from arising in the future, NCBA and PLC are both working with members of Congress to pass the Fence Line Fairness Act— a bill introduced by Senator Rounds to help resolve these types of boundary disputes without resorting to criminal charges.
Agriculture Secretary Rollins also announced a new online portal for farmers and ranchers who faced unfair persecution from USDA or any of its sub-agencies( U. S. Forest Service, etc.) to file a report. These reports will help USDA hold government bureaucrats accountable and prevent the judicial targeting of innocent cattle producers. You can file a report online at www. USDA. gov / lawfare. For all the latest developments in Washington, D. C., visit www. ncba. org.
HOW CAN ONE DETECT HEAT STRESS IN CATTLE?
Detecting heat stress in cattle is crucial for maintaining their health and productivity, especially during hot and humid conditions. Signs of heat stress include increased respiratory rate( panting), excessive salivation, open-mouth breathing, reduced feed intake, lethargy, and crowding around water sources or shade. In severe cases, cattle may exhibit uncoordinated movements or collapse. Monitoring the Temperature-Humidity Index( THI) is a useful tool; a THI above 80 often indicates a risk of heat stress.
To alleviate heat stress:
1. Provide Shade: Natural or artificial shade structures help reduce direct solar radiation. Trees, shade cloths or roofed shelters are effective.
2. Ensure Adequate Water: Cattle need constant access to clean, cool water. Water intake can double during hot weather, so supply must be sufficient and accessible.
3. Improve Ventilation: In barns or feedlots, use fans or ventilation systems to enhance airflow. Misting or sprinkling systems can also help cool cattle.
4. Adjust Feeding Times: Offer feed during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to encourage intake and reduce metabolic heat production.
5. Reduce Handling: Avoid moving or working cattle during the hottest parts of the day to minimize stress and heat load. By recognizing early signs and implementing these mitigation strategies, producers can protect cattle from the harmful effects of heat stress and maintain herd productivity. www. NCBA. org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 9