USMEF´s news line with an article about Past WCA President's recent visit to Mexico

Washington Cattlemen Support LPO

At a recent meeting of the Washington Cattlemen's Association (WCA) Executive Committee members unanimously voted to financially support the lawsuit against the Little Pend Oreille (LPO) National Wildlife Refuge.

The Washington Cattlemen's Association’s adopted policy is to support both the state and federal constitutions. For instance, we as an association will vigorously work to ensure that the individual’s that have historically grazed the cattle on the LPO in accordance with their permits will be allowed to do so into the future.

The following are WCA policies that support multiple use of Public Lands and Livestock Grazing on Federal Lands.

Multiple Use of Lands PL 2005-3

WHEREAS, county, state and national public lands should be managed under a balanced multiple use concept; and

WHEREAS, both state and national public lands have recently been withdrawn from multiple use and used as specific preserves,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Washington Cattlemen's Association is against further withdrawal of public lands, county, state or national, for the purpose of being set aside for wilderness areas, buffer zones, parks, Dept. of Wildlife use, Natural Resources Conservation areas, natural area preserves, heritage preservation areas, and/or any other plan that removes this land from multiple use by the general public.

Priority Grazing on Government Lands PL 2005-7

WHEREAS, the federal, state, and local governments own over one-half of the land in the State of Washington; and

WHEREAS, expanding urban areas have decreased the amount of grazing lands for livestock and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, proper livestock grazing is necessary and beneficial to fire control, weed control, and wildlife habitat; and

WHEREAS, non-use of government lands tends to increase wildlife pressure on private lands,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that livestock grazing be considered a primary use on all lands managed by governmental agencies.

The WCA is concerned that the plaintiff rancher’s Constitutional Rights of due process have been violated. The Washington Cattlemen's Association strongly supports the merits of this case and will remain engaged in this process until there is an acceptable resolution for the ranchers that are involved.

Interseted in information about Washington Livestock?
We have put together some statistical information for you to look at.

County breakdowns and cattle numbers
State Profile
Inventory and Sales
Cattle and Calves by County
Agriculture Summary Brochure
WDFW sign MOU at the Washington Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention

At the Washington Cattlemen's Association (WCA) 80th Annual Convention and Tradeshow in front of over 200 WCA members, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) signed the Memorandum of Understanding that will start a series of managed grazing pilot programs that have a goal of using managed grazing to achieve the management goals and objectives of the WDFW thus expanding grazing on WDFW controlled lands. more...

WCA Meets with Secretary Johanns

Cheney, November 3, 2005 – Thursday, November 3, 2005 Washington Cattlemen's Association (WCA) representatives met with United States Secretary Mike Johanns. Pete Guglielmino, WCA President and Jack Field, WCA Executive Vice President, had the opportunity to attend a Farm Bill Listening session in Cheney, WA. The US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns was there to listen and ask questions of those that commented. Pete and Jack both took the opportunity to comment. Pete commented on the need for the USDA to work harder in eliminating non-scientifically based trade barriers with our trading partners, and spoke about increasing efforts to get into the Chinese market. Jack had a chance to talk about emergency CRP grazing in times of natural disaster and spoke commented about funding for the USDA’s Wildlife Services Department.

The Secretary ended his speech at the reception by stating his confidence in US beef and urged everyone to join him in eating beef. The secretary appeared very sincere throughout the listening session and reception. The conversation that the Secretary, Pete, and Jack had gave the WCA some valuable insight on a few issues. The WCA had a chance to discuss the diversity of Ag in Washington and the fact that a one-sized plan will not fit all. Also the WCA had a chance to talk more in depth about emergency grazing on CRP and the potential benefits it could offer. We also discussed the importance of continuing to educate consumers about beef safety and quality. The Secretary appeared to be committed to working for Agriculture and meeting its needs.

WCA Postion Statement Regarding Live Cattle Imports from Canada - April 25, 2005

The announcement from the USDA on December 29th has caused much discussion in the cattle industry. The Washington Cattlemen's Association (WCA) has confidence in the United States BSE surveillance system and beef quality. The WCA feels that the ban on live cattle imports should not be lifted until the United States can resume normal trade with our export markets and address economic issues facing livestock producers in the United States. This decision while preserving food safety is based on fair trade, equal marketing, economics, and animal health. The WCA also strongly opposes allowing any imported products from cattle slaughtered over 30 months of age.

The Washington Cattlemen's Association has additional concerns with the following issues:

1. The WCA insists that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identifies and traces all Canadian Live Cattle once they enter the USA until they are harvested.

2. The WCA strongly opposes allowing sexually intact female feeder cattle into the United States. The WCA believes that all imported feeder females should be spayed.

3. The WCA wants all imports to arrive in orderly controlled manner, so cattle may be properly inspected and paperwork verified. The WCA would also like to have clarification on the quantity of Canadian cattle entering the United States. This information is imperative to reduce the impact imported live cattle will have on domestic markets.

4. The WCA demands that the USDA verify that all imported Canadian feeder cattle are 30 months of age or younger at time of harvest.

5. The WCA would like individual states to have to ability to designate restricted and quarantined feedlots.

6. The WCA has concerns regarding Canadian compliance with the 1997 feed ban. This has become a major concern regarding cattle over 30 months of age. With the recently confirmed positive case of BSE in a seven year old Canadian beef cow.

7. The WCA believes that no trading should resume with Canada until the following cattle health issues are resolved; bluetongue, anaplasmosis, tuberculosis, and brucellosis.

Animal Handling Guidelines

In May the Washington Cattlemen's Association Board of Directors approved Guidelines for Care and Handling of Beef Cattle. Please click the link to read the guidelines.