As 2005 comes to a close, I think it's important to take a look back at what's happened this part year, review some of the issues we've addressed and maybe make a few predictions for the coming year.

One of the most debated issues of 2005 has been mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL). This was not a new issue at the beginning of the year, but one that has been around a number of years. However, in 2005 we saw as much or more resistance to MCOOL as we have ever witnessed. Whether it was the defeat of the Rehberg Amendment, not getting funding in various committees, or the latest attack, leaders of the House and Senate, we have continued to stand strong against one of the most powerful lobbying forces in Washington, DC. I have been told by a number of individuals that we have created enough debate that we will not lose on this issue. We have also been successful in getting a beef labeling law passed in the State of Montana. 

What we have accomplished on this issue alone serves as a strong reminder that we can, and are, getting things changed. We're making a difference. We've thwarted every attempt to kill MCOOL. 

Now that we have a bit of breathing time between these attempts, we must switch from being on the defensive to going on the offensive. My prediction is that by the end of 2006 we will have funding for MCOOL and the program will be underway.

The Canadian border issue is yet another area garnering a lot of attention this year.  OCM compiled an amicus brief representing over one-sixth of the U.S. population supporting R-CALF USA's position on the issue and it was presented to the Courts. While the issue remains up in the air, we feel confident that the U.S. food safety and import restrictions will not be compromised. We have partnered with the consumers of our agricultural products, which has proven to be a mutually beneficial relationship. 

Captive Supply Reform made great progress in 2005. We now have a bill in Congress that will amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to require base prices to be fixed at the time a forward contract is written, thus creating transparency in the market. This is good news for all sellers. Competitive bids and market transparency is a goal we're all working towards. That goal is now within reach.

Trade, specifically CAFTA-DR, was on everyone's minds this summer. OCM and other independent agricultural organizations launched the most significant lobbying effort in history to defeat this trade liberalizing treaty.  We lost by only two votes, which proves that our work is beginning to make a big difference.  The next free trade agreement that comes along, presumably the Andean Free Trade Agreement, will be met with more resistance and, hopefully, will mark a win for indepedent agriculturalists. 

OCM's motto is simply, "Honesty, Prosperity, and Economic Liberty." During 2005 we have lived by that motto and we have seen marked progress towards our goals. Moving forward is often a gradual process that involves many bumps in the road, but it seems like we have come through 2005 miles ahead of where we were last year at this time. There is still a place for honesty and integrity in today's world.

I would be remiss if I didn't note that independent agriculture has lost some great advocates this year including Russell Grider of New Mexico and Les Messinger, a well-known cattle futures trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. They will be sorely missed.

In 2006 we can expect to move further down the trail to true competition and market transparency. OCM will lead the way. The continued support of OCM members is vital to this effort. Thanks for a great year, and let's gear up for 2006. I wish you all a wonderful and blessed holiday season.CC