Our 2012-13 Performance Review - Colorado Cattlemen`s Association

Get involved with CCA
today, YOU are needed!
Working collectively, as
stewards of natural resources,
to advance the viability of beef
production; while enhancing
the role of beef in a healthy
lifestyle.
2013 Priorities
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CCA at work for Colorado’s Beef Industry
The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) would like to take this opportunity to
recognize each and every Colorado beef producer for their time and commitment to
our industry. Over the past 145 years, it has been CCA’s goal to ensure the legacy of this
and future generations. CCA’s efforts would not be possible without the ownership and
investment of the association’s members. Below is an outline of CCA’s successes from 2012,
as well as our priorities and outlook for 2013.
Our Work on Capitol Hill
Stopping incremental
regulations and laws that would
chip away at our freedom to
operate, our property rights, and our
ability to be profitable.
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During the 2012 Colorado Legislative Session, CCA actively worked on over 50
bills and resolutions on behalf of Colorado beef producers.
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Secured a funding hold on the Administration’s Wildlands Order, ensuring
private and federal land’s grazing was not impacted through government
overreach of land acquisition.
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Securing generational transfer of
family farms and ranches by abolishing
or significantly reducing the burden of
the death tax. This is a top priority as on
December 31st, 2012, the estate tax reverts
to a million-dollar exemption and a 55% tax
rate.
Ensured legislative protection for Colorado’s ag property tax structure.
Changes in the tax code could have cost landowners thousands of dollars
per year.
CCA members recognize the critical impact
the drought has on Colorado’s beef industry, but
is mobilizing to adjust disaster assistance and tax
policies to soften the drought’s impact.
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Reinstated the agriculture sales tax exemption on pharmaceuticals,
pesticides and agricultural compounds saving producers 3% on every
dollar spent.
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Worked with Congress to introduce legislation stopping funding
to implement EPA’s regulation of Farm Dust. This legislation led
EPA to rescind this proposal.
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Consumer and thought leader engagement around
understanding and support of modern beef production
to ensure future trust and enhanced demand.
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While 2012 will likely not bring with it a Farm Bill, CCA
will continue our engagement in crafting a 2013 Farm Bill
that represents Colorado beef producer priorities.
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Regardless of what party maintains control of the state or
federal governments, CCA’s reputation will continue to
enable our meaningful access to elected and appointed
officials, in large part due to our members’ engagement
in non-partisan solution-orientated policies.
Member-Only Benefit Program
Pinnacol Assurance • Rocky Mountain Financial Group •
AutoSearch USA • Big R • Ag Journal • BRINK, Inc. • Greeley
Hat Works • High Plains Cattle Supply • Jack’s Ranch Supply
• J.C. Ramsdell Enviro Services, Inc. • Kaput • Lancaster’s
Western Wear • Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Provided direct assistance to Colorado’s Congressional
delegation in promoting passage of the South Korean,
Panama and Colombian free trade agreements.
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CCA supported Senate Bill 59, which raised the gross
combination rating for commercial vehicle standards, and
exempted motor vehicles with a gross weight rating of
less than 14,001 lbs if the trailer is primarily employed
to transport livestock. This bill has been signed into law
by the Governor.
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Senate Bill 97 was supported by CCA and was signed
by the Governor earlier this year. This bill allowed
simple changes in surface point diversion where there is
no intervening surface diversion point or inflow.
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House Bill 1317 contains legislation that would
determine the make-up of the Parks and Wildlife
Commission. CCA specifically worked to increase the
representation of agricultural producers from two seats to
three. This bill has been signed into law earlier this year.
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Our Commitment to You
Our Work on Ballot Initiatives
CCA is committed to enhancing
the investment of the beef
producer through the following
services:
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Legislative Representation
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CCA addresses legislation
which will impact a
producer’s bottom line
CCA’s staff and lobbyist
ensure the grassroots beef
producer’s voice is heard
in Colorado on issues
such as wildlife, water,
public lands, and private
property issues
Issue Management
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CCA helped keep Initiatives 3 and 45 off the November ballot, which would
have uprooted Colorado water law and divested water right owners of their
right to use water beneficially in raising food and fiber for our country and the
world. Additionally, the Initiatives would have vacated Colorado’s property rights
protection by allowing public access to private property via rivers and streams.
Initiatives 87 and 88 were also kept off the ballot due to CCA’s efforts. These
Initiatives would have imposed subdivision regulations on large plots of land.
Limiting the size of parcels would make purchasing or selling land tedious and timeconsuming, as landowners would have to follow numerous rules and regulations, as
well as attain the correct permits.
Our Work With Agencies
CCA members form
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committees that develop
policies for Colorado’s beef
industry
CCA represents the association’s
policies when lobbying at the
Colorado and U.S. Capitols on behalf
of beef producers
CCA addresses beef industry issues
on the governmental, agency, and
organizational levels
Engaged state and national agencies to change the Endangered Species
Act implementation to allow landowners more regulatory certainty and
conservation opportunities.
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Met with an average of two agencies per week throughout the year on
behalf of our members.
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Facilitated the association’s largest grassroots engagement to end the
Department of Labor’s child labor rules, which would have prevented
your children and grandchildren from working on the family ranch.
Research and Education
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CCA supports pertinent research and
education efforts that will benefit beef producers
CCA conducts educational seminars during
Annual Convention, Mid-Winter Conference and
affiliate meetings to help increase beef producer
viability
CCA offers Young Producer Programs to engage
young producers in all aspects of Colorado’s beef
industry
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Focused efforts of leadership and members to remove harmful
components of the GIPSA rule. While not complete,
USDA has chosen to remove many of the market-crippling
components.
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Ensured that animal rights activists did not amend
Colorado’s animal welfare rules in favor of their agendas
pertaining to animal agriculture production.
Our Work In The Courts
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Intervened and won a U.S. Supreme Court case to
protect property rights regarding stream bank and
canal ownership from public oversight and access.
Public Relations
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CCA is an informational source for media and thought
leaders - answering questions and providing educational
materials to consumers
CCA broadcasts frequent news releases, print, radio,
and television media interviews, weekly e-mail Bulletin,
quarterly publication (Cattle Guard), and issues briefings
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association
8833 Ralston Rd. • Arvada, CO 80002
(303) 431-6422 • [email protected]
www.coloradocattle.org
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Intervened in a lawsuit seeking to list the
Mountain Plover whereby securing agriculture
specific preservation efforts. The Plover was not
listed.
CCA worked with the Public Lands Council
to file suit against the Forest Planning Rule,
which violated multiple acts, and inserted vague
terminology which could be used to the advantage of
radical special interests groups.