Good Neighbor Law


Breaking News: December 22, 2007
Good Neighbor Law takes no position on the following matter between R-Calf and whomever. We welcome and will post your input un-edited. To read more on the Cattle Industry - go to www.GoodNeighborLaw.com - click on "Issues" - then - "Cattle Industry." Editor GNL

MCA NEWS RELEASE \ Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA)
Dec 20, 2007 R-CALF is attempting to force a distinguished and widely known ag journalist to testify in the lawsuit they brought against former directors and founders of the organization. Leesa Kiewel is the target of R-CALF's wrath. For years she has been writing for the Western Livestock Reporter and the Agri-News. She has assisted in writing more than one ag related book and has been a champion of grassroots family cattle producers. In her capacity as a journalist Leesa wrote and gathered facts relating to the implosion of R-CALF in February, the expulsion of Chuck Kiker as R-CALF president, and the resulting removal of Leo McDonnell from the Board of Directors. During this process, Leesa was guided only by a desire to have producers around the country know the facts regarding the hostile takeover at R-CALF. She is determined to exercise her journalistic independence and protect her sources. The court hearing will take place tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 21, before Judge Todd Baugh at the Yellowstone County Courthouse in Billings. Producers and members of the press are encouraged to attend to show our support for Leesa. montanacattlemen.org PARANOIA REIGNS AT R-CALF R-CALF has recently issued a “you’re for us or against us” member alert. The member alert followed R-CALF’s Board of Directors passing a resolution allowing R-CALF to disaffiliate with a state or county cattle organization if they disagree with them and can do so at any time and for any reason. In their explanatory note they conclude that any organization supporting United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) or NCBA are no longer welcome at R-CALF. The same irrational paranoia that resulted in R-CALF expelling Leo McDonnell and Chuck Kiker (former presidents) has resulted in setting the stage for R-CALF to expel any organization that may disagree with some of their policies. R-CALF has become an organization that will not tolerate disagreement, debate, or independent thought. They are demanding that all members, directors and affiliates walk in lockstep with their policies. This policy adopted by R-CALF shows how disconnected they are from grassroots producers. As a group we’re the most independent, cantankerous group in the world and we’re very proud. To walk in lockstep to anyone’s tune is contrary to what cattle producers are all about. The R-CALF press release also suggests that USCA supported NCBA and the opening of the Canadian border to over 30-month cattle. This, of course, is a boldface lie and represents just how desperate R-CALF has become. They are losing members, affiliates, and money. They remain deeply in debt due to mismanagement. Now folks should know that Leo McDonnell is a director of USCA and, in large part, wrote the testimony delivered by Doug Zalesky (also a USCA director) before the International Trade Commission recently. We all know that Leo and Doug, as well as USCA, opposed opening the border to older Canadian cattle. No one in USCA wants to see the U.S. marketplace become a dumping ground for Canadian cattle and beef that the rest of the world won’t accept because of their BSE problem. Nevertheless, R-CALF in a fit of paranoia alleged that USCA joined with others supporting opening of the border. This is shameful conduct on behalf of R-CALF. Hugh Broadus Forsyth, MT


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