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Board of Directors

Why ICI?

Existing beef organizations claim to represent the entire beef industry from the calf to the dinner plate. Independent Cattlemen of Iowa (ICI) recognizes the importance of the other segments involved, our focus is cattle production and the Future of independent cattle producers.

What are the current issues?

- Mandatory Animal ID
- Increasing the checkoff fee
- Market competition issues/vertical integration
- Country of Origin Labeling
- Removing cattle from the "J" list
- Free trade agreements
- Exports & Imports of cattle and beef
- Environmental regulations

These are just some of the issues facing independent cattlemen. As a member we will want your input on these issues. We will be your voice and see that it is not squelched by others who think they know what you want.

What are ICI's position on these issues?

ICI supports voluntary animal ID.
ICI does not support raising the beef checkoff without a vote by cattlemen
ICI supports open and competitive markets and price discovery
ICI supports mandatory country of origin labeling (M-COOL)
ICI supports removing cattle from the "J" list
ICI supports fair trade
ICI supports reasonable (common sense) environmental laws

ICI is an R-CALF affiliate, so why join both?

R-CALF needs local and state affiliates in every state to solidify and further the work it does in Washington D.C. Iowa is very heavily tied to livestock production and has needed an R-CALF affiliate to assure that your voice will be heard. Additionally, ICI will be an effective voice on state and local issues which are beyond the scope and ability of R-CALF. Our goal is to preserve and enhance our rural lifestyle. We must reverse the declining standard of living on the farm and in our rural communities. We need your involvement to accomplish our goal.

What does "independent" in Independent Cattlemen of Iowa mean?

We call ourselves Independent Cattlemen because we believe that the spirit of independence that once epitomized the cattle business and all of agriculture has been lost in the power shift from producer to packer/integrator. It is time that this is acknowledged and openly discussed. We are all aware that the goals of the meat industry are not the same as ours. At ICI, our goal is to restore a more balanced division of power across our industry. Independent minds and independent voices must be heard at the state and federal levels.

We will be those voices.

What are the dues for ICI and how will they be used?

Active memberships in ICI are $35 per calendar year with a first year only charter membership for $100. Associate memberships are also welcomed at $35 and for county cattlemen organizations wanting to be Affiliate members, those dues are $100 per year. Your dues will support the organization in the following ways:

1. We will create materials and host events to further educate the producer, consumers, elected officials, media members and others in the industry about ICI and what we stand for and believe

2. We will develop and maintain our website [ www.independentcattlemofiowa.com ]

3. We will develop effective communication across the organization.

4. We will pursue avenues of effective lobbying in Des Moines on behalf of ICI

5. We will pursue opening an office and hiring staff

Why do we need this - and why now?

Because there is great need! We have all watched as the swine industry in Iowa became integrated in the last 10 years. Now only one hog in ten fed in Iowa is owned by its caretaker! We want cattle to be kept in independent hands. Farming and cattle raising have become more and more complex and without a strong grassroots organization to speak for us, we can not allow other meat industry sectors to claim that they represent us. Trade and health issues being decided today will influence every aspect of our lives, from who buys our cattle to what our land is going to be worth. ICI wants to amplify your voice, Making it heard across Iowa and the nation.

Is this just about cattle producers?

No. This is about the future of the state of Iowa. Our blossoming Ethanol industry will never be as successful if the by-product of that industry is not fully put to use here, being fed to livestock, primarily to cattle. We encourage you to visit the counties in Iowa with the most cattle production and feeding. There you will find vibrant, forward moving communities.