News Update
December 5, 2014
House Passes Federal Lands Package
On Dec. 4, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 300-119. The NDAA included a lands package that was negotiated by the Senate and House Committees on Energy and Natural Resources during the past few weeks. The Public Lands Council (PLC) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applaud the House for including the positive provisions of the Grazing Improvement Act.
The provisions passed codify the ‘grazing rider’ and also allow for the application of environmental analysis to allotments rather than the permits, which will extend in some cases to multiple-allotment analysis. The language also provides for both grazing permit decisions and trailing and crossing decisions to be categorically excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Of particular importance is the removal of detrimental language regarding grazing permit retirement that was included during markup in the Senate process.
Tax Extenders Package Still a Possibility
for Lame-Duck Session
As we await what the lame-duck congressional session holds for cattle producers, the conversation surrounding tax continues to evolve. While momentum has slowed for a comprehensive tax reform, a tax extenders package is still a possibility by the end of 2014. The House passed their tax extenders package Dec. 3; it is expected the Senate will follow with their vote next week.
“Despite all the partisan wrangling we see in Washington,” Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) stated, “there seems to be bipartisan agreement on at least two salient points: tax reform is necessary; and tax reform is going to very, very difficult.”
The Senator said that while they were on the cusp of a deal on tax extenders that had bipartisan support, the President’s threat to veto has put Congress in a situation that will likely only allow them to pass a one-year retroactive extension of all tax extenders.
Kent Bacus, director of legislative affairs for NCBA, said the extension of Section 179, a provision that provides a higher deduction level for some capital expenditures, like machinery and equipment, and the extension of bonus depreciation are key for producers.
“Last year producers were able to expense up to $500,000 on capital investments, but this year that was lowered to $25,000,” said Bacus. “For large equipment purchases, cattle producers need certainty in order to properly plan for their business.”
Unfortunately, the retroactive extension means producers will be operating under an expired tax code in 2015, but it could add the needed pressure to complete a comprehensive tax reform deal in the new year.
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Passage of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014
“Farmers and ranchers rely on tax provisions that give them the flexibility they need to invest in their businesses and boost their local economies. Farm Bureau is pleased the House has acted to extend several key tax provisions this year. We urge Congress to bring a tax extender package to completion before the year’s end.
“Small business provisions like Section 179 and bonus depreciation increase cash flow, and that lets farmers and ranchers put their money back to work immediately, so they can care for their land and animals.
“Provisions that encourage the production and use of clean, renewable energy are especially important. Farmers and ranchers depend on affordable energy and recognize the importance of fuel and power tax incentives to boost its production and promote innovation.
“We are glad to have these temporary extensions, but we know these issues will come up again. We still need a long-term solution so small businesses can have the certainty they need to plan for the future.”
Canadian Angus Association Set to Launch New Video Broadcast to Share the Angus Story
The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) announced that on Dec. 12, 2014 it will launch Angus Central Television (AC-TV). AC-TV is a video broadcast that will share Angus news with members and other industry partners. Using this new platform allows for a story to be told and CAA wants to share the Canadian Angus story.
AC-TV will capture the great market prices that our industry is experiencing, upcoming Angus events and deadlines, what the Robert C. McHaffie junior ambassador is doing and other Angus activities. AC-TV will be broadcast four times per year through the website www.cdnangus.ca and all of the Association’s social media channels. A DVD copy will also be sent to those that wish to receive one to watch AC-TV in the comfort of their own home. Each episode will include different segments to ensure members are kept up-to-date on Angus news for that particular time period.
The first episode — to air Dec. 12 — will include CEO and president reports, market updates, foundation and junior reports and all of the award winners for the year; all things Canadian Angus will be delivered on AC-TV. The CAA has decided to try something new, meaning the primary source of Canadian Angus news will be offered online and in a DVD form. Watch the trailer today on the CAA YouTube channel.
For more information, visit the main page here.
Cintas & Carhartt Launch New Tough Crew Contest
For the past four years, Cintas & Carhartt have partnered to recognize individuals who withstand tough working conditions. This year, they’ve launched the Tough Crew Contest, a new program designed to pay tribute to hard-working crews throughout North America.
Contestants are encouraged to share how their teams “Outwork Them All®” and explain why they rely on Carhartt, a brand designed for hard-working people, to help them get the job done.
The Cintas & Carhartt Tough Crew Contest is accepting entries now, and the first four finalist crews will be selected and announced on Jan. 5, 2015. Four additional finalists will be selected bi-monthly in March and May, and the twelve will compete for public votes at the contest website in June 2015. All finalist crews will be eligible to win free Carhartt merchandise, and the grand prizewinner will receive $2,500 in credit to outfit their team in Carhartt workwear.
Please refer to the Cintas & Carhartt Tough Crew Rules & Regulations at www.cintas.com/toughcrew.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Missouri State Fair Foundation Youth in Agriculture Scholarship Application Now Available
The Missouri State Fair Foundation Youth in Agriculture scholarship application for current Missouri high school seniors is available online at Missouri State Fair and Missouri State Fair Foundation. Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by Feb. 2, 2015.
For the first time, one $5,000 platinum scholarship will be offered by Youth and Agriculture supporters. Additional scholarships being offered will include one $2,500 supreme scholarship sponsored by Sydenstricker John Deere of Missouri/Sydenstricker Angus Genetics, and 30 $1,500 scholarships sponsored by the Missouri State Fair Foundation and Youth in Agriculture supporters.
Applicants must be high school seniors and active members of 4-H or FFA. Eligible scholarship applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited Missouri college or university and pursue a degree in agriculture. Applicants must have participated as a 4-H or FFA exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair at least once; however, applicants cannot have sold livestock in a past Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions auction.
For more information please call the Missouri State Fair at 1-800-422-FAIR (3247) or email questions to mostatefair@mda.mo.gov.
For more information, please view the full release here.
National Western Livestock Show Media Internship
Are you a writer, photographer and social media pro with a passion for the livestock industry? If so, apply for the 2015 National Western Livestock Show (NWSS) Media Internship.
Two students will be selected for one five-day internship each week of the 2015 show — Jan. 14-18 or Jan. 21-25.
Interns will:
- Attend livestock shows and events
- Write human interest stories and press releases
- Manage social media channels
- Capture around the grounds and showring candids
A $500 scholarship will be awarded to each intern, plus lodging and some meals will be provided. To apply email your cover letter indicating intern week of preference, résumé and two work samples (including writing and photography) to Kylee Deniz at kylee@lessingflynn.com by Wednesday, Dec. 17. Selected interns will be notified no later than Dec. 26.
Applicants must be enrolled as a college undergraduate. Additionally, a personal laptop and digital camera are required.
Editor’s Note: The articles used within this site represent a mixture of copyrights. If you would like to reprint or repost an article, you must first request permission of Angus Productions Inc. (API) by contacting the editor at 816-383-5200; 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. API claims copyright to this web site as presented. We welcome educational venues and cattlemen to link to this site as a service to their audience.