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When President George W. Bush showed up to speak at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association meeting on Saturday, Feb. 9, his actions spoke as loud as his words: He believes in the American cattleman. "This guy (the President) gets invited to all kinds of stuff and he chose to speak here," said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Don Ament. American cattlemen and Ament weren't alone in knowing that President Bush values them and their product, as President Bush's speech to nearly 5,500 NCBA members was broadcast across America and was peppered with praise for the American cattleman and their product. "I appreciate being with people who love the land and open space," Bush said. "I realize there's nobody more central to the American experience than the cowboy. "But cattle-raising is not only a big part of America's past. I view it as an incredibly important part of America's future. This nation has got to eat. It's in our national security interests that we be able to feed ourselves. . .Thanks to the American cattlemen, we do not need to rely on others to be well fed." During his visit, President Bush outlined his commitment to a $73.5 billion U.S. Farm Bill. He said he wanted farm policy that is generous in its appropriation and is affordable. He stressed "we don't want to over-promise to farmers, then under-perform." Noting that U.S. farmers and ranchers are "the best around the world at what they do - we can grow beef better," Bush said he also wanted a farm bill that promotes independence and supports fair and expanded international trade. "We want people in China eating U.S. beef," he stated. "We want to open markets in Europe for U.S.'s healthy beef." President Bush outlined the importance of farm savings accounts, stating that "a good farm bill established farm savings accounts." He explained that farm savings accounts would help ranchers manage their economic risk over time and keep America's food industry in good financial health. "Farm savings accounts are an additional tool so you can help yourselves," he interjected. President Bush recognized the American cattlemen for their conservation practices, calling them good stewards of the land. He noted that the best conservation practices happen when people realize these practices help their land - and those people are the American cattle producer. "Every day is earth day for people who rely on the land to make a living," he said. He then added that "better environment policy is better dictated by those on the land than by those who have never been on the land." In addition to addressing the need for a strong U.S. Farm Bill and praising U.S. cattle producers for being good stewards of the land, President Bush spoke on terrorism and the strength of the country. He maintained that there are no shades of gray in the war on terrorism - "Either you're with us or you're against us," he said. President Bush recognized convention attendees and ranchers across the country for their determined attitude and values of hard work, faith and family. He then asked attendees to show compassion to a neighbor in need, take time to mentor a child, serve on a school board, be active in their church and the like. "My call to Americans is to help someone in need," President Bush stated. "When you do, you're fighting evil with good." "The momentum of million of acts of kindness - that's how we stand up to evil. And, if any country can do it, we can do it." Bush spoke to NCBA convention attendees for nearly 40 minutes, and he had the crowd in his hand throughout his presentation. More than a dozen times, convention attendees rose to their feet and acknowledged the President for his concern and remarks. Lynn Cornwell, NCBA president for 2001 and a Montana beef producer, called the president's remarks "a great tribute to the one million men and women who work our nation's cattle ranches and make up the largest segment of America's food and fiber industry." NCBA members heartily agreed with Cornwell. Individuals like Forest Roberts of Pharmacia Animal Health, Larry Oltjen of Kansas and Jan Lyons, NCBA's new vice president, were among the many who were privileged to shake hands with the President and were aglow about their experience. "This visit from the president is icing on the cake for our industry's national convention," Cornwell summarized.
President Bush's message was met with much enthusiasm at the NCBA Convention. During his speech, Bush said he wanted a farm bill that promotes independence and supports fair and expanded trade. He is also a proponent of farm savings accounts. |
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