For Immediate Release Oct. 28, 2000
Contact Burt Rutherford

HITCH ADDRESSES CATTLE FEEDERS
IN OKLAHOMA CITY

History, according to Paul Hitch, is a lot like cattle feeding. "It's an endlessly fascinating subject and it can teach you a great deal as well. And if history really does repeat itself, cattle feeders have a lot to look forward to."

Hitch, speaking at the "Partnering for Progress" Annual Convention of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association in Oklahoma City, said the 33-year history of TCFA is laced with victories. "If you need a textbook example of what can happen when a bunch of independent-minded entrepreneurs come together not only for their individual betterment, but for the betterment of their industry, you need look no further than your own association."

As historians look back, Hitch said, this year will likely be one of the most important in modern cattle feeding, thanks to the birth of Consolidated Beef Producers. "We're an industry that not only reacts to trends, we often set them. And our trends are driven by the consumer's need for convenience, the retailer's need to supply products to fit a new lifestyle, and the packer's need for reputable suppliers to provide consistent high yielding product." Hitch reminded cattle feeders that they're in the consumer business. "Our competition is pork and poultry, not the packer, not the retailer and certainly not each other."

That's why Hitch considers the creation of Consolidated Beef Producers, Inc. so exciting and historic.

"Consolidated Beef Producers is truly a win-win deal for the cattle industry. With 2.1 million head committed, we'll be able to achieve true value-based, negotiated prices for our cattle and we'll be able to provide packers with sufficient qualities of consistent cattle to help them meet the specs of their downstream partners."

While Consolidated Beef Producers is without a doubt the major accomplishment this year, it's not the only one, Hitch said. He told cattle feeders that TCFA has been active in a number of important areas.

One of those areas is the regulatory arena, particularly environmental regulations. Using the Arkansas River shiner as an example, Hitch told cattle feeders that quick and decisive action by TCFA kept that issue at a manageable level.

"TCFA, working with a coalition of groups, kept that bulldozer from rolling over us. I don't think that would have been the case had not TCFA acted quickly and helped pull together a coalition of groups that often have differing views on many issues."

Just as coalitions and quick action work when dealing with regulatory agencies, the same philosophy applies within the cattle industry, he said. "If our industry is to continue to flourish, if beef demand is to continue to grow, if legislative and regulatory battles are to continue to be fought and won, industry unity is essential."

Hitch said events at the NCBA Summer Meeting showed what can happen when everyone is willing to cooperate. "While we will certainly have plenty of discussion and disagreement, all cattlemen need to be a team players in order to maintain our industry strength. To do any less plays directory into the hands of the activists who are working ceaselessly to put us out of business."

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