Montana Ranchers to Support USCA Truthful Beef Labeling

The United States Cattlemen’s Association’s (USCA) efforts on truthful beef labeling will be supported this month with multiple fundraising events being organized by producers across the state on Montana.

Earlier this year, USCA filed a petition for rulemaking to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to define the terms “beef” and “meat” as used by alternative protein sources. These plant-based and lab-created products are using the terms “beef” and “meat” on their products, a highly misleading and incorrect use of those terms.  USCA’s petition requests USDA FSIS to limit the use of the terms “beef” and “meat” to products only derived from traditionally-raised livestock.

USCA is member-driven and member-funded. These fundraising events will raise money to continue efforts to ensure truthful, transparent, and honest labeling on U.S. beef products. 

Here's what a few folks had to say about the events: 

Maggie Nutter, USCA Director and rancher in Sweetgrass Hills: “I am so excited to see USCA taking action on strengthening the definition of “Meat” and “Beef.”   The Petition to the Food Safety Inspection Service is the first step to ensuring the any product labeled beef, really IS beef.  Now it is up to ranchers, consumers and agriculture organizations to take the time to send comments to the FSIS in support of the petition.  I was actually surprised by the push back from activist organizations that would like to eliminate all animal food production.  Ranchers and Farmers work well together and we are not trying to restrict the production of any of these alternative proteins.  What we are trying to do is ensure when you hear, ‘Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner’ that you know it came from a cow that was raised and harvested in the traditional manner. “

Alan Merrill, President, Montana Farmers Union: “Through our many legislative efforts Montana Farmers Union is a strong proponent of truth in labeling. We are proud of the products Montana ranchers and fully support the USCA petition regarding the labeling of alternative proteins.”

Trina Jo Bradley, President of the North Country Cattlewomen and rancher, Valier MT: “As cattle producers, we know that there is more to beef than just the great flavor. There are huge nutritional benefits when you make it part of your family’s diet.  Beef is naturally packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. Also, there is very little processing done to beef; alternative proteins that are plant or insect based undergo a lot of chemical and mechanical processes to become that burger-like patty.  As for the cultured cells that they are developing, that’s just weird. When your family has been involved in ranching for generations and you help care for the cattle and watch them graze, the idea of something that good or natural being grown in a laboratory is hard to swallow.”

Bob Thompson, President Marias River Livestock Association and rancher in Whitlash MT area: “The Marias River Livestock Association is proud to support the United States Cattlemen's Association on filing a petition to the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service pertaining to the labeling of alternative proteins. The USCA's efforts for “truthful and transparent labeling” are such an important issue for the consumer and the producer alike.   My family is also proud to support the cause through the donation of a steer for auction. We as cattle producers need to be strong in supporting the organizations that fight for cow-calf operations.”

Kelly Mothershead, Sweetgrass MT Rancher: “I’m not much of a speaker or writer, so giving a steer for the roll-over-auction is my way of supporting the ranching industry.  It’s hard to get to meetings and even if I do, I’m not one to stand up and talk.  I rather support organizations like USCA and ensure they are out there making noise for us. I’ll pay my dues and let Jess Peterson [USCA Senior Policy Analyst] do the talking.”

AUCTION SCHEDULE: 

Monday, March 26th at Headwaters Livestock Auction in Three Forks, Montana.

Tuesday, March 27th, right after lunchtime, at Lewistown Livestock Auction in Lewistown, Montana.
Steer donated by Kelly Mothershead, Certain Creek Ranch, Sweetgrass, Montana.

 Wednesday, March 28th at 1:00pm at Western Livestock Auction in Great Falls, Montana.
Animal donated by Apex Angus, Valier, Montana.

Friday, April 6th at 1:00pm at Bear Paw Livestock Auction in Chinook, Montana.
Steer donated by 3U Ranch, Bob and Diana Thompson, Whitlash, Montana.

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT: 

Please mail checks to:

            United States Cattlemen’s Association
            PO Box 339 
            San Lucas, CA 93954 

Or visit us online at www.uscattlemen.org.

For questions, please contact Maggie Nutter, USCA Director, at (406) 450-0104.