On May 17, 2023, prominent leaders from the national livestock industry presented their testimonies before the House Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. During the hearing, representatives from the cattle and sheep industries updated Congress on the current state of their respective sectors and highlighted key areas where legislative action will be crucial in the months ahead.
Todd Wilkinson, South Dakota rancher and President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, urged Congress to provide support and funding for the livestock industry's "Three-Legged Stool" approach. This comprehensive strategy focuses on bolstering disease outbreak preparedness and response in not only the cattle industry but also other animal agricultural sectors.
Wilkinson emphasized the vital role of cattle producers as conservationists and stewards of vast acres of land across the nation. When questioned about conservation efforts in the western region, Wilkinson stressed the importance of allowing experienced conservationists to fulfill their responsibilities. He pointed out that they prioritize both production and the sustainability of rangelands, stating, "You've got to let the best conservationists in the world do their job. They'll get the production because they want their rangeland to produce."
Testifying on behalf of the American sheep industry, a representative raised concerns regarding price inflation, labor challenges, the impact of lamb imports, and ongoing economic uncertainty. The need for a risk management program to address disaster coverage and efforts to boost wool exports were emphasized.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Poultry, Sustainable Agriculture