News Update
June 13, 2014
House Passes Tax Extenders Legislation
The U.S. House voted 274 to 144 June 12 to pass a handful of tax extenders, including the expiring section 179 expensing provisions for small business. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Victoria, Texas cattleman Bob McCan says this is a victory for rural America.
“The passage of these tax extenders is a good move for cattlemen and women,” said McCan. “America’s ranching families are primarily family-owned small businesses who need a stable tax code that encourages rural economic growth. That is what this package is, and we urge the Senate in turn to pass their tax extender legislation to provide greater certainty in the tax code.”
Specifically for agriculture, this legislation includes an extension of Section 179 expensing for capital investments. On January 1, 2014, expensing levels under Section 179 were reduced from $500,000 to $25,000. This, and other important tax extenders, still awaits action in the Senate.
“These and many other provisions in the tax code give our producers the certainty they need to make sound financial decisions,” according to McCan. “In turn, they spur forward economic growth by encouraging the purchase of and investment in machinery and equipment. Failure to act will only prolong the effects of a weak economy for producers and the businesses that rely on them.”
Cattlemen and women should urge Congress to send a tax extenders package to the president’s desk as soon as possible. Greater certainty in the tax code supports small business and supports rural America.
Dozen Missouri Agricultural Groups
Urge Governor to Sign Farm Bills
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA), along with 11 other agricultural organizations, penned a letter to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon on June 12 urging him to sign H.B. 1326 and S.B. 506 into law. The two omnibus bills, referred to as farm bills, passed the Missouri General Assembly with what agricultural organizations call “tremendous bipartisan support.”
“While we understand that there are many bills awaiting your review, as representatives of the majority of Missouri agribusinesses and farm and ranch families, we ask that you sign both H.B. 1326 and S.B. 506 into law. These bills passed the legislature with tremendous bipartisan support,” penned the dozen agricultural organizations.
H.B. 1326 and S.B. 506 are similar and combine many of the same bills previously filed separately. Issues important to cattlemen include increasing hauling limits for livestock on Missouri highways; extending the equine liability waiver to all livestock; enabling Missouri cattle producers the opportunity to vote whether or not to increase their investment in the Missouri beef checkoff; continuing the large animal veterinarian student loan program; and enacting the Missouri Dairy Revitalization Act.
According to MCA President Jim McCann, the groups clearly demonstrated that agriculture is united in their support of these bills.
“We stand together in requesting your signature on H.B. 1326 and S.B. 506,” the groups stated in the letter to Nixon.
McCann said Nixon has an opportunity to bolster Missouri agriculture.
“We encourage the governor to support cattlemen and all of agriculture by swiftly signing into law both H.B. 1306 and S.B. 506,” said McCann. “Agriculture is the steam engine of this state’s economy and the governor needs to do everything possible to keep family farmers and ranchers in business.”
Along with MCA, the letter was authored by FCS Financial; Missouri Agribusiness Association; Missouri Corn Growers Association; Missouri Dairy Association; Missouri Deer Association; Missouri Egg Council; Missouri Farm Bureau; Missouri Federation of Animal Owners; Missouri Pork Producers Association; Missouri Poultry Federation; and Missouri Soybean Association.
Canadian Angus Association Announces New Board Members, Executive and 50- and 75-Year Long-Term Recognition Awards
The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) is pleased to announce its new board members who joined the board during the Canadian Angus National Convention in Moose Jaw, Sask., this weekend, as well as the new executive. CAA also honored 300 years of membership at the national convention banquet Saturday, June 7, presenting three 50-year and two 75-year long-term recognition awards. The awards recognize breeders who have been a member of the Association for 50 and 75 consecutive years. The long dedication of these producers to the Angus breed is essential to the overall success of the beef industry.
Doug Reid and Brett Wildman replace retiring directors Gary Latimer and Dawn Wilson in Alberta. Shawn Birmingham replaces retiring director Lois McRae in Manitoba; Ryan Currie replaces retiring director Jérôme Richard in Quebec; and Trevor Welch replaces retiring director Jim Colodey in the Maritimes. All five new directors will serve a three-year term and will be eligible for re-election for a second term.
Corinne Gibson of Fir Mountain, Sask., was elevated from the position of president-elect to president. Kevin Blair of Lanigan, Sask., moved into the past president position and Tammi Ribey of Paisley, Ont., was chosen president-elect.
Doug Henderson, Alta.; Willms family, Sask.; and Peak Dot Ranch, Sask., were honored for 50 years of continuous membership. Isla Bank Angus/Stables Family, Sask., and the Harold Spady family, Alta., were recognized for 75 years of continuous membership and commitment to the agriculture industry.
The CAA is Canada's largest purebred beef breed organization. The Association represents 3,000 members across Canada for the purposes of registering and recording the pedigrees of purebred Angus cattle in the closed herdbook and promoting the breed across Canada. The member-approved mandate is to maintain breed registry, breed purity and provide services that enhance the growth and position of the Angus breed.
Brown County Range and Brush Program
Slated for July 1 in Brownwood
The annual Brown County Range and Brush Program is set for 4:30 p.m. July 1 at the Brown County Fairgrounds located on U.S. Highway 377 South in Brownwood.
Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units — one general, two integrated pest management and two laws and regulations — will be available.
“This program will provide a prime opportunity for producers and landowners to find out the most up-to-date information and strategies from some of the top AgriLife Extension and industry experts in our region relating to brush management and coyote and feral hog control,” said Scott Anderson, AgriLife Extension agent in Brown County.
A fee of $25 is due upon arrival for individuals who RSVP by June 27 and $30 for those who do not. A catered evening meal is included in the registration fee. For more information and to RSVP, contact Anderson at 325-646-0386, sa-anderson@tamu.edu .
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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