"CICA is strictly a grassroots driven group,
as we represent private enterprise and the true
cattle
growers of Colorado."
CICA RESOLUTIONS
2006-PRESENT
Industry Pressures
2006
1. Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association (CICA) opposes outside industry pressures which burden livestock producers with regulations, taxes and encroachments detrimental to the Colorado livestock industry.
2. Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association (CICA) supports legislation to repeal the Endangered Species Act.
3. Whereas, there is not sufficient evidence to indicate that a mandatory national animal identification system would track livestock more efficiently or quickly than those identification systems already in place, and; Whereas, a cost/benefit analysis has not been conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing what the associated costs would be to individual producers, and; Whereas, oversight of livestock identification is a state's rights issue protected under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and only state, federal and tribal health officials who have statutory responsibility to maintain the health and welfare of the U.S. livestock industry should maintain proprietary information needed to carry out animal health-related responsibilities, and; Whereas, Colorado has an effective livestock identification program in place; Therefore, Be It Resolved: Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association opposes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed mandatory national identification system for livestock.
2007
1. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association supports the Colorado Coalition Opposing Mandatory 4-H and FFA Premises Registration in its effort to seek an injunction against Colorado State University's Cooperative Extension Service and the Colorado State Fair with regard to implementing mandatory 4-H premises registration.
2008
1. WHERE AS: The Colorado Department of Agriculture is considering merging the Colorado State Board of Stock Inspectors and the Colorado Division of Animal Industries,
AND WHERE AS: The proposed merger will result in no savings to the State of Colorado,
AND WHERE AS: The producer-generated revenues of the Colorado State Board of Stock Inspectors should remain separate from the revenue of the State of Colorado.
BE IT RESOLVED: That Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association opposes the merger of the Colorado State Board of Stock Inspectors and the Colorado Division of Animal Industries.
2. WHERE AS: The first lines of defense against animal disease are the borders of the United States and the borders of the state of Colorado,
AND WHERE AS: The United States Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have weakened the health importation standards required of livestock entering our borders,
AND WHERE AS: Stronger animal health importation standards at our border will result in less need for animal trace back,
BE IT RESOLVED: That Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association supports stronger animal health importation standards at the borders of the United States of America,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association supports stronger animal health importation standards at the borders of the State of Colorado.
2009
1. WHERE AS: The Colorado Department of Agriculture has restrictions regarding the placement of livestock imported from states that no longer have "free status" for program diseases including those transmissible to humans,
WHERE AS: the Colorado Department of Agriculture is currently allowing exemptions to these restrictions for the importation of livestock from these states that have lost their "free status",
AND WHERE AS: this importation of livestock from these states has the potential to expose native Colorado livestock herds and Colorado Wildlife herds,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association opposes relaxing these imports standards by allowing exemptions to Colorado Department of Agriculture Livestock Import Rules.
2. WHERE AS: The Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association cannot support "cap and trade", Waxman-Markey HR2454, unless and until an analysis can be completed regarding the impact on CICA members.
2010
1. WHEREAS, Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association sees the need to expand a positive image of agriculture to the general public; THEREFORE, the Industry Pressures Working Group proposes that Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association develop a budget and marketing alliance with various media to develop a more accurate image, identifying and promoting diverse career opportunities for youth, and to produce and publish a regularly scheduled column in independent papers and other media.
Marketing and Trade
2006
1. Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association (CICA) believes the U.S. domestic cattle market is the most lucrative in the world; Therefore, CICA supports strong and appropriate defense and preservation of US cattle markets through: Implementation of mandatory country of origin labeling; packer ownership of cattle ban; elimination of forward contracting for cattle without negotiated or settled prices; meaningful and transparent price reporting; enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act; education of domestic consumers; education of legislators at the state and national levels.
2. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) strongly supports the inclusion of the following in international trade agreements to protect U.S. and Colorado cattle producers: A perishable and cyclical classification of cattle; and rules of origin. CICA strongly supports a delisting of cattle from the "J" List.
3. Whereas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has submitted a Final Rule to the Office of Management and Budget to begin accepting over 30 month age of cattle and beef derived from over 30 month of age cattle from Canada, and; Whereas, CICA opposes this rule, and; Whereas, Canada has a total of nine confirmed cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), four of those confirmed in 2006 alone, with four of these cases born well after Canada implemented its 1997 feed bans, and; Whereas, lucrative international export markets have refused to accept beef from the U.S. unless it is EXCLUSIVELY U.S. beef and not a product co-mingled with foreign imported beef, particularly Canadian, and; Whereas, USDA refuses to reconsider its import policies with regard to Canada; Therefore Be It Resolved, that CICA encourages the R-CALF USA Board of Directors to pursue whatever means necessary to halt the implementation of USDA's rule to accept Canadian imports of over 30 month cattle and beef derived from over 30 month cattle.
2008
1. CICA supports any bill that prohibits the importation of ruminants and swine, or any fresh, chilled or frozen meat or product of any ruminant, or swine born, raised or slaughtered in any country until the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture certifies to Congress that the countries are free of disease that are on the reportable foreign animal disease list.
2. CICA opposed movement of infectious disease research facility from Plum Island, New York, to any continental U.S. location.
3. CICA opposes the use of NAIS to implement COOL.
4. CICA adamantly opposes JBS Swift acquisition of National Beef, Smithfield Beef Group, and 5 Rivers Feeding Operations.
2009
1. Be it resolved that the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association recognizes that captive supplies, open-ended non-priced forward contracts are detrimental to the profitability of our industry and therefore seek enforcement of the Packers and Stockyard Act for the benefit of producers and consumers.
2. Be it resolved that the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association request the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to investigate the farm to retail spread of all commodities; to stand up for agriculture in regard to EPA rule making; and repeal the proposed mandatory NAIS based on producer/citizens testimony of recent listening sessions.
3. Be it resolved that Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association urge Congress to halt the relocation of the infectious disease research facility and the facility should stay at Plum Island, New York.
2010
1. WHEREAS, the Marketing & Trade Working Group recommends that Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association supports proposed Grain Inspection, Packers Stockyards Administration rule changes and clarifications of definitions to the Packers & Stockyards Act that were announced on June 22, 2010.
2. WHEREAS, the Marketing & Trade Working Group recommends pursuing action with the United States Department of Justice and the Colorado State Attorney General to object to the JBS acquisition of the McElhaney Cattle Company of Arizona.
Other
2006
1. Whereas, CICA is Colorado's state affiliate to R-CALF USA, and; Whereas, the R-CALF
Board of Directors largely consists of directors elected from various regions throughout the nation, and; Whereas, the success of R -CALF is directly related to grassroots representation and development and implementation of policy upwardly from the grassroots to enhance the voice of producers; Therefore Be It Resolved, that CICA encourages R-CALF USA directors from each region to engage their respective affiliates in policy decisions for more effective representation within their national organization.
2. CICA urges the R-CALF USA Board of Directors to have a Fall Stampede to Washington D.C., similar to the first Stampede in February 2006.
2007
1. By-law change Article III: Directors, Section 2. Terms be amended to read: "The directors shall be nominated and elected by the majority vote of the membership in their district by mail-in ballot as described in Section 3. Director terms shall be for two years. No director may serve more than three consecutive terms. Directors elected by mail-in ballot shall assume office at the first meeting of the board following completion of the mail-in election process. The terms of the directors from each district will be staggered to ensure continuity in the Association's work."
2008
1. Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association is opposed to the formation of the North American Union where the United States, Canada and Mexico are one. We are Americans and we want to remain so.
2009
1. By-law change Article IV: Officers, Section 3. Terms be amended to read: "Each officer, with the exception of Treasurer, shall hold office for one year, with a limit of two consecutive years, or until a successor is elected and qualified. Following the two consecutive year limit, an individual will not be eligible for re-election to an officer's position until one year has passed.
2010
1. WHEREAS, the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association acknowledges that specie habitat has declined because of development and population growth. BE IT RESOLVED, that Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association strongly recommends that Colorado Division of Wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service correlate target specie population to current available habitat in lieu of historical numbers and habitat when developing their 5 year game management strategy.
2. WHEREAS, Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association supports legislation to add language to the Endangered Species Act and require peer reviewed science with supporting documentation to propose listing or delisting a species.
3. WHEREAS, Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association would consider participation in a model project on foot-and-mouth disease at Colorado State University on a voluntary basis with individual producer confidentiality.
4. WHEREAS, Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association recommends state animal health officials maintain a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank in the event of a United States of America outbreak with the vaccine being furnished by the United States Department of Agriculture free to producers.
5. WHEREAS, Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association resolves that in case of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that a fair economic value be placed on all animals, prior to animals being destroyed.
6. WHEREAS, it is mandatory that all cattle producers participate in mandatory check-off dollars; and WHEREAS, it is detrimental for one policy agricultural organization to control check-off dollars; Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association supports a transparent check-off program controlled by all producers promoting United States of America beef production.
Private Property Rights and Environment
2006
1. Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association (CICA) supports efforts and legislation to protect individual property rights.
2. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) supports future legislation to prohibit the use of eminent domain (governmental taking of private property from an unwilling owner) for the benefit of private use, government revenue enhancement, or government control.
3. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) opposes the conversion of ownership or management of property acquired through eminent domain to ownership or management other than private taxpaying entities.
4. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) supports Congressman Ron Paul and House Bill 1146 to urge the United States government to get us out of the United Nations.
5. Whereas, the membership of R-CALF USA voted overwhelmingly in 2006 to establish a Property Rights Committee, and; Whereas, expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) is a clear and present danger to individual property owners in Southeastern Colorado; Therefore Be It Resolved, that CICA urges the R-CALF USA Board of Directors to immediately implement policy opposing the PCMS expansion and to devote appropriate resources to engagement of this policy, and; Whereas cattle producers across America face significant property rights challenges; Be It Further Resolved, that CICA urges the R-CALF USA Board of Directors to support the overall efforts of its Property Rights Committee by devoting appropriate resources to the committee's goals.
2007
1. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) views premises registration as a private property rights issue. CICA opposes any national mandatory privatized animal identification system, and any movement from the voluntary system in place towards a mandatory system. Furthermore, CICA adamantly opposes any move by the state or state agencies to force 4-H and FFA members to register their premise to be able to show their livestock.
2. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) supports existing animal traceback systems, including but not limited to brands, bangs tags, TB, and Johne's disease. CICA supports efforts to protect 4-H and FFA member's rights. Therefore, CICA supports the Colorado Coalition Opposing Mandatory 4-H and FFA Premises Registration.
3. Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) opposes increased Endangered Species Act regulations and guidelines. CICA opposes the use of Army Compatible Use Buffer Zones (ACUB's) to protect wildlife and private land around military bases, as private property owners are the best stewards of the land.
2008
1. CICA opposes the proposed Pre-Draft Oil and Gas Rules and Regulations from the passing of HB 1298 and HB 1341 and any wildlife takings by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Division of Wildlife on private property rights. Cause No. lR Docket No. 0803-RM-02.
2. While CICA endorses clean water and sound management practices, CICA opposes the proposed current Clean Water Restoration Act.
3. CICA opposes the building of a new proposed railroad, Eastern Colorado Railroad
Relocation, in Eastern Colorado to move coal to Texas as proposed by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Colorado Department of Transportation has proposed two plans (Plan A and Plan B). CICA considers this a taking and are therefore against the proposed new railroad.
4. CICA opposes the Colorado 2008 Severance Tax Initiative 113 as filed.
5. CICA understands that there are climate changes occurring naturally. However, CICA opposes using the concept of global climate change for funding action plans.
2009
1. Whereas, National scenic by-ways and scenic landscapes, which are promoted by economic development, governmental agencies and non-governmental agencies, create any and all adverse takings of private property. Therefore, be it resolved that the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association oppose all national scenic by-ways, scenic landscapes and acquisitions without due process and appraisal at highest and best use under the uniform appraisal standards for federal land acquisition.
2. Be it resolved that the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association opposes the use of condemnation and eminent domain for benefits to others, such as governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, private entities and entities of the proposed North American Union. And, be it further resolved that land acquired by eminent domain cannot be sold or re- dedicated, unless it is to the original owner, heirs, or assigns entity.
3. WHERE AS: the United Nations has proposed and passed Agenda 21, which is a collectivist planning document,
WHERE AS: Agenda 21 alienates you from your owner rights in private property stated in the United States Constitution,
WHERE AS: the USA is a constitutional republic and neither debated or voted in favor of Agenda 21,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association oppose Agenda 21.
4. WHERE AS: the Colorado State Land Board of Commissioners has a publicly stated policy of consolidating their holding through "non-simultaneous land exchanges,"
WHERE AS: the Colorado State Land Board of Commissioners is not transparent nor fully disclosing of their intention when communicating with their current lessees,
WHERE AS: the Colorado State Land Board of Commissioners policy of consolidating their holdings results in a small number of lessee's bearing the financial burden of these "non- simultaneous land exchanges,"
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That CICA work with our legislative leaders and the
Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners to craft and enforce policy(s) upon the state land board to fully disclose to the public and especially the current Colorado School State trust lands property lessee(s) within the affected taxing entities, their anticipated actions, the obligation of the public if they proceed, and the environmental and financial impacts on the public and especially their lessees if they complete their anticipated actions.
2010
1. WHEREAS, The Private Property Rights and Environment Working Group directs the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association Board of Directors to actively pursue clarification as to who may access CLSS COIN (Colorado Livestock Security System Identification Number) numbers and how CLSS COIN numbers will be used. Additionally the Board should actively pursue obtaining absolute assurance that no one has access to this information except in the event of a disease outbreak.