02/13/07 NCBA develops policy

American Rancher February 13, 2007 Cattlemen gathered at the annual meeting of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Nashville recently addressed several policy issues. NCBA CEO Terry Stokes says renewable fuels was at the top of the list. Stokes: "Cattlemen support the nation's desire for less dependence on foreign oil and we support development of renewable fuels. But mechanisms like the 51-cent per gallon fuel blending tax credit and the 54-cent per gallon tariff on imported ethanol were created to jump start development of alternative fuel production and technology. But now that ethanol production is growing at an incredible pace cattlemen question whether these policies are still appropriate especially given their impact on grain prices. NCBA members approved a policy calling for a sunset on the tax credit and tariff when they expire at the end of this decade. The policy also calls for greater emphasis on cellulosic fuels." Stokes says NCBA members postponed discussion of changes to the Beef Checkoff until next year. Members did not reject USDA's 30 month and older proposed rule on Canadian cattle but did adopt a policy voicing concerns about its impact. I'm Bob Hoff.