WTAS: Support for Livestock Risk Management & Education Act

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, Representatives Frank Lucas (R-OK), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), and Liz Cheney (R-WY) introduced H.R. 4773, the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act. Ranchers and stakeholders across the country continue to show their support for the legislation which would provide grants to certain state land-grant universities to better equip livestock producers with risk management training. Here’s what they’re saying:

American Farm Bureau Federation, Scott VanderWal, Vice President:

“Livestock producers are not immune from a tough farm economy. Producers need every tool at their disposal to manage risk and have the market intel available to optimize their ability to weather economic volatility. The Livestock Risk Management and Education Act will help land-grant universities partner with producer associations to make sure more producers have market and risk management information they can trust to make vital business decisions.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Todd Wilkinson, Policy Division Vice Chairman:

“In a market environment that continues to challenge even the most experienced multi-generational operations, NCBA believes that it is critical for producers to understand their options for managing risk. The Livestock Risk Management and Education Act policy will provide the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture the authority and flexibility to collaborate with industry to ensure that cattle farmers and ranchers have access to those options and the knowledge base to determine which ones are right for their operations.”

Oklahoma State University, Thomas G. Coon, Vice President & Dean, Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources:

“Oklahoma cattle producers are facing a great deal of uncertainty in market conditions and production constraints. In these times, farmers and ranchers can benefit from risk management tools that rely on futures markets to offset those conditions. Oklahoma State University Extension assists crop producers in using futures markets to manage risks, and would benefit from resources to extend that expertise to livestock producers as well.”

Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Rodd Moesel, President:

“Today’s livestock producers face a variety of unique challenges day in and day out, especially in Oklahoma where weather creates an additional element of uncertainty. The Livestock Risk Management and Education Act will bring much-needed risk management tools and resources to our state’s livestock producers. We appreciate Rep. Frank Lucas and his work to help provide stability and certainty to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.”

Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Mike Weeks, President:

“With so much uncertainty and market volatility, managing risk is becoming more and more important to be successful in agriculture.  OCA is very appreciative of Representative Lucas’ leadership to introduce the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act which will provide needed funding for educational opportunities for Oklahoma ranchers.  OCA strongly supports education strategies aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of risk management opportunities.  OCA looks forward to supporting this bill and helping roll out the strategies once it becomes law.”

American Farmers & Ranchers, Scott Blubaugh, President:

“We applaud Congressman Lucas and his support of the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act. In today’s agriculture economy, it is imperative that producers across Oklahoma have access to educational opportunities such as the one outlined in this Act. Continuing educational outreach to farmers and ranchers across Oklahoma from our land grant institutions has always been important but maybe now as important as ever. We fully support this effort to get our producers accurate data and training for risk management on their livestock operations. Congressman Lucas has always been a staunch advocate for Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers, and we appreciate his continued support.”

South Dakota State University, Daniel Scholl, VP Research and Economic Development:

“This bill strengthens the ability of South Dakota State University and other Land-Grant Universities to provide unbiased third-party research and expertise on livestock market risk management to one of the nation’s high-risk food sectors. We look forward to the possibility to develop and deliver cutting edge risk management tools and education programs to livestock producers in partnership with key industry organizations.  This should be a win for U.S. livestock growers and for consumers.”

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