NCA November Update
I can’t believe it’s already November. Hopefully everyone is surviving a busy weaning and shipping season. There is definitely no shortage of work to be done here at NCA headquarters. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention is right around the corner. We have an engaging line up of speakers and events that will surely keep you informed and up to date with issues that impact our industry.
At Convention, in attendance will be members of NCA, Nevada Land Action Association, Nevada CattleWomen, Inc., Nevada Wool Growers, Nevada Central Grazing Committee, Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission, industry vendors and guest speakers to celebrate the Nevada Livestock Industry.
NCA staff and officers are working hard to provide a memorable and educational experience. Please come to the convention and learn more about how NCA is working to increase public awareness of the Nevada livestock industry and make sure your voice is heard. Registration for the convention is on our website at nevadacattlemen.org. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, call the office at 1-775-738-9214 or email convention@nevadacattlemen.org.
On the policy front, we saw a rather uneventful ending to the fiscal year in Congress. Congress once again failed to pass full appropriations bills for fiscal year 2025 and instead elected to kick the can down the road by approving a stopgap continuing resolution. The continuing resolution will fund the government until December 20th and tees up another tumultuous negotiation process. NCA will continue working to ensure that several critical provisions for livestock producers remain in place no matter the result of those negotiations. These priorities include wild horse and burro gather funding, funding to reinstate grazing on vacant allotments, and in some cases provisions that prevent the expenditure of funding on bad ideas. These include provisions that do not allow resources to be spent on listing the Greater Sage Grouse on the Endangered Species List and language that would prevent the Bureau of Land Management from allocating resources to implement their proposed “Public Lands Rule”.
On a similar note, the latest deadline to reauthorize a new Farm Bill also passes unceremoniously on September 30th without a push from lawmakers to pass a new bill or create an extension. Congress will have to scramble in the lame-duck session after elections to come up with some type of agreement before benefits run out at the end of the year. Several important programs related to disaster assistance, price protections, and animal disease preparedness will languish if a full authorization or extension is not completed before the end of the year. The NCA is working hard with our Congressional delegation to stress the importance of the Farm Bill to livestock producers in Nevada and maintain hope that an agreement can be reached in the near future.
Finally, if you have heifers and steers for sale this fall/winter and are looking to get the best bang for your buck, please consider consigning them to the upcoming Silver State Classic Feeder Sale. The special sale will start at noon on December 7th at Fallon Livestock LLC in Fallon, NV. Fallon Livestock LLC donates a portion of the sale commission back to the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association which helps us represent you on the issues that matter. We greatly appreciate Fallon Livestock LLC’s support over the years and hope to see you at the sale.
Till next time.
Martin Paris
NCA Executive Director
O: 775-738-9214