2014 IBA Legislative Day

The annual Legislative Reception hosted jointly by the Illinois Beef Association and the Illinois Pork Producers Association on March 25 met with a booming turnout of cattlemen and legislators alike. In addition to the evening’s reception, beef producers were able to congregate in the State Capitol earlier in the day for face-to-face meetings with their own senators and representatives as well as those legislators holding key leadership positions on committees overseeing agriculture and the environment. Other valuable points of contact included meetings with State Veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst and Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett, both of whom oversee regulatory programs affecting cattlemen in Illinois.

“Participation in our Legislative Reception and making visits with legislators in the Capitol are two invaluable actions our members can take to help represent the beef industry in Illinois. Plus, the chance to meet with agency heads and regulators in Springfield is another opportunity we’re glad to have our members take advantage of. IBA is a truly a member-led organization so having cattlemen here to speak for our industry is paramount,” said Reid Blossom, IBA executive vice president.

Some of the issues of highest concern for cattlemen during their conversations dealt with potentially harmful legislation like House Bill 5637 sponsored by Representative Naomi Jakobsson of Champaign. If passed, this bill would effectively halt any expansion of the state’s cattle feeding sector. By amending the Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA) and its definitions, prescribed setbacks, confidentiality, public hearing process, and oversight from the Dept of Ag, this bill would basically outlaw any new feedlots and stop any existing facilities from growing their capacity. Luckily, House Bill 5637 stalled out in the House Ag Committee and is not expected to move any farther in the legislative process this session.

“Bills like this show just how disconnected some environmental activists in the state are. We’re thankful to have friends in the General Assembly like Representative Pat Verschoore, chair of the House Ag & Conservations Committee, who can put the brakes on bad bills like this for the good of cattlemen and all of agriculture,” said IBA President Alan Adams.