01/02/07 R-CALF conventiion later this month

American Rancher January 2, 2007 The 8th Annual R-Calf USA convention is coming up January the 17th through the 20th in Denver. R-CALF President Chuck Kiker says there is a special guest speaker at this year's event. Kiker: "The greatest hilight is the Secretary of Agriculture attending this year. It will be the first time and we are excited about it. It's kind of a sign the door is opening a little bit and we are getting more input and definitely getting a voice for U.S. cattle producers." Kiker says there will be several USDA agencies represented at the convention and there will be a meeting with representatives of the 17 brand states to discuss how to incorporate the use of hot-iron brands into various animal ID programs. USDA's Chief Veterinarian John Clifford will be on hand for a panel discussion on animal ID. Kiker: "John Clifford has pretty much been in charge of NAIS since the beginning so we are looking forward to having him on the panel and asking him some questions and see if the voluntary course is for real for animal ID." Kiker says another issue weighing heavily on the minds of cattle producers this year is property rights. He says that's why the R-CALF membership voted to create a Property Rights Committee and why the convention has been expanded this year by a day for a special Property Rights Seminar. The R-CALF convention also features a Trade Show and the important business session. I'm Bob Hoff.