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Lobbyist updates rural Americans and Washington politicians
TORRINGTON, Wyo. - After the dust settled Thursday morning, it seemed that Jess Peterson, a fifth generation rancher in the Red Lodge, Mont., area, turned lobbyist, could see into the future. During Tuesday's customer appreciation program for Torrington Livestock Markets, Peterson said the health care bill now before Congress would be dealt with before the climate change bill. He was correct. Official word on Thursday was that the climate change legislation would wait until the new year, so the focus could be on the health care proposals.
On Tuesday, Peterson said that "sometimes a good old fashioned log jam is a good thing," when referring to the hold up on climate change legislation. Now it will be up to constituents and the organizations they belong to to make their wishes known in the nation's capitol.
On other issues, Peterson said a big fight is on to pass a bill that prohibits increased meat imports from Argentina, as the United States attempts to keep Foot and Mouth Disease outside its borders. "We need to keep the U.S. cattle herd healthy and competitive," Peterson said. That can only be done if all necessary precautions are taken to prevent such devastating diseases from entering the country.
Another issue that might be resolved to some extent through state legislation in Montana is that of horse meat processing. The state is studying the possibility of locating a horse processing facility there. Peterson said that for it to have a chance of success, a horse meat market is necessary, and transportation issues need to be settled.
Also on the U.S.C.A. agenda is source verification and the use of pharmaceuticals in the livestock industry. He said the Wyoming Congressional delegation deserves a gold star for the work they do to keep the Clean Water Act from taking control of water puddles in your driveway or other issues that do not pertain to the national interest of insuring safe water for humans and animals.
Peterson also challenged the U.S. Humane Society's methodology of luring memberships that think they are helping poor dogs in an animal shelter, and of releasing videos of mistreatment of animals. "Consumers are misinformed by the droves," Peterson said. He said events are being planned in New York City and Los Angeles to inform the public and the media "to make sure our industry survives. We need to be the best public relations representatives we can be," he said.
Other issues include Country of Origin Labeling, National Animal Identification System, world trade, tuberculosis and brucellosis, and the relocation of the animal disease lab to Kansas, the heartland of livestock country.
"Now is no time to slow down," Peterson told the group. "Get involved in multiple associations, and call your congressmen."
By Sandra Hansen, The Scottsbluff Star-Herald
TORRINGTON, Wyo. - After the dust settled Thursday morning, it seemed that Jess Peterson, a fifth generation rancher in the Red Lodge, Mont., area, turned lobbyist, could see into the future. During Tuesday's customer appreciation program for Torrington Livestock Markets, Peterson said the health care bill now before Congress would be dealt with before the climate change bill. He was correct. Official word on Thursday was that the climate change legislation would wait until the new year, so the focus could be on the health care proposals.
On Tuesday, Peterson said that "sometimes a good old fashioned log jam is a good thing," when referring to the hold up on climate change legislation. Now it will be up to constituents and the organizations they belong to to make their wishes known in the nation's capitol.
On other issues, Peterson said a big fight is on to pass a bill that prohibits increased meat imports from Argentina, as the United States attempts to keep Foot and Mouth Disease outside its borders. "We need to keep the U.S. cattle herd healthy and competitive," Peterson said. That can only be done if all necessary precautions are taken to prevent such devastating diseases from entering the country.
Another issue that might be resolved to some extent through state legislation in Montana is that of horse meat processing. The state is studying the possibility of locating a horse processing facility there. Peterson said that for it to have a chance of success, a horse meat market is necessary, and transportation issues need to be settled.
Also on the U.S.C.A. agenda is source verification and the use of pharmaceuticals in the livestock industry. He said the Wyoming Congressional delegation deserves a gold star for the work they do to keep the Clean Water Act from taking control of water puddles in your driveway or other issues that do not pertain to the national interest of insuring safe water for humans and animals.
Peterson also challenged the U.S. Humane Society's methodology of luring memberships that think they are helping poor dogs in an animal shelter, and of releasing videos of mistreatment of animals. "Consumers are misinformed by the droves," Peterson said. He said events are being planned in New York City and Los Angeles to inform the public and the media "to make sure our industry survives. We need to be the best public relations representatives we can be," he said.
Other issues include Country of Origin Labeling, National Animal Identification System, world trade, tuberculosis and brucellosis, and the relocation of the animal disease lab to Kansas, the heartland of livestock country.
"Now is no time to slow down," Peterson told the group. "Get involved in multiple associations, and call your congressmen."
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