The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) creates influence by placing the right leaders in the right place at the right time. On Feb. 23, there was great participation from the association’s grassroots membership as board members, county leaders, cattle producers from all sectors and students showed their loyalty and commitment to Iowa’s cattle industry by attending Cattlemen at the Capitol.
Thousands of Iowa cattlemen and women have found camaraderie through shared values and ICA’s mission: “To grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” During Cattlemen at the Capitol, elected officials heard about the need to protect and promote Iowa’s beef business, while limiting government involvement.
“Cattlemen at the Capitol gives the most foundational component of Iowa’s beef business—the producer sector—an additional opportunity to send home priority action regarding the future of our business,” Matt Deppe, ICA CEO, said.
While the pull of beef on the menu brought state legislators to the Capitol rotunda, the open dialogue with ICA members captured their attention and created meaningful discussions regarding state priorities. Among those priorities were ICA’s commitment to:
• Protecting its legacy from foreign animal disease.
• Growing Iowa’s beef business through processing capacity.
• Preventing additional government ownership of land.
The ICA annually hosts Cattlemen at the Capitol and many other engagements to ensure it has the right leader in the right place at the right time. This specific event provides cattle producers the opportunity to take local relationships and build impact through one-on-one interactions that will ultimately make a difference in the industry.
While ICA represents the interests of 8,000 beef-producing families and associated businesses at the state level through its staff and leaders, it is important for state legislators to hear directly from their constituents.
If you missed Cattlemen at the Capitol, it is encouraged for you to engage with your state legislators in other ways, including emails, phone calls, meetings or town halls. — ICA
