May is Beef Month, so we?re taking an opportunity to highlight some of Iowa?s beef industry leaders. First up is Rob Medberry, Iowa Cattlemen?s Association (ICA) president-elect. He talked about how the ICA supports Iowa producers as a grassroots organization.
When most people think of Iowa, they think of our grain production first. However, Iowa also has a strong beef industry, shipping products across the country and around the world.
Medberry said the two industries go hand-in-hand since they both use each other?s byproducts.
As ICA president-elect, Medberry is in a unique position to represent Iowa?s beef producers. He said he looks forward to working with state legislators in an effort to support Iowa producers.
Among the bigger news for the beef industry is the updated version of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, which was introduced by Reps. Randy Feenstra and Cindy Axne on May 3rd. Medberry talked about what benefits the average Iowa beef producer will see from that legislation and how the ICA will continue to fight for fairness in the marketplace.
Of course, the ICA needs Iowa beef producers to make their voices heard to ensure that they are properly represented. The ICA holds several Beef Meets across the state, which provide a great opportunity for producers to gather, network, and talk policy.
Medberry said the Beef Meets often help to identify issues that may be coming along the line.
For more information on how the ICA works to represent and support Iowa beef producers, visit iacattlemen.org.
