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MO Cattlemen’s set 2021 priorities

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association ag policy chairman says two key priorities for the organization in 2020 are the same this year.  

Jimmie Long said the organization remains focused on preventing the misuse of eminent domain by private companies to acquire private land and continues to support robust price discovery in cattle markets. 

Long tells Brownfield the organization’s legislative progress was halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It kind of killed everything, we didn’t get really, hardly anything accomplished so we’re going to have to really start over,” he said. “And hopefully with COVID the way it is and the way they’re going to allow hearings and stuff it’s, still going to be pretty challenging this year but we’re going to try to get some stuff moved forward in Jeff City.”

Despite the slowdowns, he says Missouri Cattlemen’s is ready to push for producer needs like increased cash trade in the cattle market.  

“If you’re a small feeder that feeds out one hundred or two [hundred] cattle, you’re kind of at the mercy of the packer,” Long said. “We need more price discovery where they come out and bid cash in the country, so much every week, so much of a volume to get a better price discovery. That’s what we’re working towards.”

Long said Missouri Cattlemen’s is looking to build off last years limited progress.