News Update
December 06, 2011
National Beef Packing Company, LLC
Owners Reach Agreement to Sell Ownership Interest
U.S. Premium Beef LLC (USPB) and National Beef Packing Company LLC (National Beef) today announced that the owners of National Beef have entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Leucadia National Corp. (Leucadia) under which Leucadia will acquire approximately 79% of the outstanding ownership interests in National Beef. The operations and management structure of National Beef will remain unchanged.
“This transaction will enable us to address the liquidity desires of USPB’s diverse producer ownership base while maintaining our highly successful cattle supply system and a sizable investment in beef processing,” Steve Hunt, CEO of USPB, said in making the announcement. “Leucadia is a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses; its broad and deep experience will enhance our partnership. Our goals for the future of National Beef are aligned and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Tim Klein, president and CEO of National Beef, will continue in that role upon completion of the transaction. “I look forward to Leucadia joining our ownership group and bringing its unique perspective to our industry. The addition of Leucadia will widen the scope of opportunities available to us and will further strengthen our ability to expand our business and solidify our position as the premier global beef processor.”
The transaction is subject to certain conditions and will require customary regulatory approvals. It is expected to close by the end of calendar year 2011.
Ag Communications Symposium Coming in February
Is it possible to find common ground among colliding beliefs surrounding food and agriculture? Food security is one of the most pressing issues facing world leaders today, and despite the technological tools available to help more of the world’s population reach self-sufficiency, an epic communications challenge remains.
Business leaders, media, nonprofit organizations, and academia will meet in Champaign, Ill., Feb. 17 for a first-of-its-kind international agricultural communications symposium open to anyone interested in strengthening communications about food, fiber, feed, renewable energy, rural-urban relations, natural resources, rural development and other dimensions of agriculture.
“Effective communications is vital to feeding a hungry planet. This forum is a great opportunity to explore how communications talent and tools can — and must help meet that challenge,” said Paul Schickler, symposium chair and president of DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred.
“Food & Agricultural Communications: The Next Frontier” brings together leading voices in food, agriculture and communications. Speakers will define and explore critical issues facing food and agriculture including:
- Seven revolutions and the world in 2030
- Communicating better about what science can deliver
- Food and ag — colliding beliefs and common ground
- Bringing nutrition and rural development to the farthest reaches
- Communications leaders — creating the next generation
“The forum will give communications professionals, faculty and students a glimpse into the future of global communication and social networking needs and opportunities,” said Ken Rinkenberger, chair of the symposium agenda committee and owner of KWR Consulting LLC.
The symposium marks the 50th year of the agricultural communications program at the University of Illinois. The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and College of Media, with farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson of WGN, Chicago, will host a gala celebration following the symposium. Participants will toast the past 50 years with alumni reflections from each decade and highlight the progression and changes in communications.
Space is limited for the symposium and gala. For more information and to register, go to www.agcommevent.com. Early bird registration is available until Jan. 17. Final registration is due by Feb. 1.
AFBF Urges House to Bite the Dust
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging congressional members to pass H.R. 1633, the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, when it comes before the full House later this week. The bill prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing strict federal dust standards.
In a letter to House members, AFBF said the legislation would limit the EPA’s ability to regulate naturally occurring dust, or “nuisance dust.”
“Naturally occurring dust is a fact of life in rural areas,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “It is raised by such normal activities as driving on unpaved roads and is composed of soil and organic material. The amount of dust in the air depends on wind and rainfall, two conditions that EPA cannot regulate.”
AFBF went further to say that EPA has admitted that it cannot conclusively establish a link between “nuisance dust” and adverse human health effects.
“EPA admits there are limitations to the studies it cites, which casts doubt on its validity to support additional regulation,” said Stallman. “Should such a link be established, the bill would allow EPA to regulate.”
While EPA has said it does not intend to propose stricter regulations on dust, AFBF said that still does not provide much needed assurance for farmers and ranchers, especially when final rules often differ from proposed rules and lawsuits are a dime a dozen.
“Legislation is the best way to provide certainty to farmers, ranchers and rural America that their activities will not be unduly regulated by conditions beyond their control and for substances for which adverse health effects cannot be truly established,” said Stallman.
NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen
Examines the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
An organization of cattlemen and women, working together to defend their interests and way of life, has endured for more than a century. The concept began back in 1898 and is embodied today by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). On Tues., Dec. 6, 2011, NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen gets to know the people who make sure that NCBA remains a viable and powerful voice for the cattle industry.
The program will look at NCBA’s history and speak with its elected leadership about the organization, its goals and long-range plans. Panelists will include NCBA President and Montana rancher Bill Donald; NCBA President-Elect J.D. Alexander, a Nebraska feedyard operator; NCBA Vice President Scott George, a cattleman from Wyoming; and NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts.
In addition, viewers will visit with Bob McCan, chairman of NCBA’s Policy Division and David Dick, chairman of the Federation of State Beef Councils, at home on their operations in Texas and Missouri, respectively.
Viewers will also hear from some of the hardworking staff who help keep NCBA going on a day-to-day basis from offices in Denver and Washington, D.C., as well as from farms and ranches across the United States.
“I’m proud of the diverse, passionate and committed people who make up NCBA’s membership, leadership and staff,” said Roberts. “This edition of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen will give viewers a real sense of who we are and why people from all over the country are active participants in NCBA supporting an industry we all love and work so hard to make successful.”
Expanded coverage of this topic can be found in the December issue of National Cattlemen, the official membership publication of NCBA.
Viewers are also encouraged to join NCBA by calling 1-866-BEEF-USA or visiting NCBA’s website. The program will broadcast again on RFD-TV Wed., Dec. 7, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. EDT and Sat., Dec. 10, 2011, at 9 a.m. EDT. In addition, all episodes of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen are available on the program’s website at www.cattlementocattlemen.org. The program is also on Facebook and can be followed on Twitter.
Premiering in February 2007, NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen is an award-winning program providing information on the U.S. beef cattle industry. Sponsors of the program include Purina Mills; John Deere; Igenity; Pfizer Animal Health; Merck Animal Health; and Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica Inc.
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