Cattlemen’s Competitive Market
Project Receives
Unanimous Support From R-CALF USA

Lincoln, NE ~ The Organization For Competitive Market’s (OCM) Cattlemen’s Competitive Markets Project (CCMP) received a unanimous endorsement from the R-CALF USA Board of Directors last week during an R-CALF USA board meeting. Officials from both organizations say the move solidifies the relationship between the two organizations, opening the door of opportunity for "great things to happen" in the fight to restore competition to the cattle marketplace.

"OCM is a strong organization, focused on reclaiming agricultural markets for America’s farmers and ranchers," said Leo McDonnell, R-CALF USA President. "It’s time, and cattlemen know it, for like-minded organizations to harness up on key issues. R-CALF USA recognizes the work that must be done on competition in the cattle marketplace and we look forward to developing an even deeper relationship with OCM with regard to both domestic and international market issues. Much can be accomplished through such a positive relationship," he noted.

Established earlier this year, CCMP’s goals are to "bring together the brightest minds, the best ideas and the most comprehensive strategy to solve the problems of reduced competition and market inequity facing cattlemen today," says Steve Cady, OCM Executive Director. "CCMP will address meat packer and retailer concentration; captive supplies and anti-competitive practices. It will generate much-needed research, analysis and academic support surrounding market fairness; draft model competition and fairness legislation and policy as a resource at the state and federal level; and it will work to develop a communications ‘arm’ to inform consumers, academia and policy makers on the dangers of monopoly and the benefits of free and competitive markets," Cady stated.

CCMP is guided by a steering committee comprised of Dwayne Mays, Ogallala Livestock Auction Market, Ogallala, NE; Tom Spencer, Circle T Cattle Co., Pueblo, CO; Korley Sears, Ainsworth Feedyards, Ainsworth, NE; Randy Stevenson, Double S Feeders, Wheatland, WY; Brett Gottsch, Gottsch Feeding Corp., Elkhorn, NE; Jerry Adamson, Rocking J Ranch, Cody, WY; and Herman Schumacher, Herreid Livestock Auction, Herried, SD.

"Many of CCMP’s steering committee members are members of R-CALF USA," noted Spencer. "Cattlemen and demanding, and we must deliver, more cohesiveness between organizations that share the same philosophies. If we’re to lead this industry back to a state of health and prosperity it’s necessary to harness up on key issues and work together towards a common good. The power and influence that can be wielded through a mutual effort on market issues between OCM and R-CALF USA is formidable. Both organizations bring a great deal to the table. As a CCMP steering committee, OCM and R-CALF USA member, I appreciate the action taken. Frankly, I expected nothing less and I look forward to helping facilitate an even greater relationship," says Spencer.

"I agree," says CCMP Steering Committee member Jerry Adamson. "This is an important step. With the issues at hand today, one organization simply cannot do it all. CCMP is laser-focused on restoring competition to cattle markets. The endorsement and support of R-CALF USA launches this project onto a national scale."

CCMP is not a membership organization. Funding comes from livestock auction markets and independent feeders on a per-head basis at the point of sale. All contributions are tax deductible under OCM’s non-profit status. For more information, contact Steve Cady at 402.792.0041 or visit the web site at www.competitivemarkets.com. 

The Organization For Competitive Markets is a multidisciplinary, nonprofit group of farmers, ranchers, academics, attorneys, and policy makers dedicated to reclaiming the agricultural marketplace for independent farmers, ranchers and rural communities.