The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Beltway Beef weekly audio is ready. America’s farmers and ranchers play a critical role in feeding a growing global population. In order to feed 9 to 10 billion people by 2050, we need to begin training the next generation of farmers and ranchers today to ensure a thriving and educated agricultural workforce. The Obama Administration’s Department of Labor apparently didn’t agree. The administration proposed a rule that would have essentially outlawed young people from working on farms and/or ranches not owned by their parents.
The rule received thousands of comments from rural America and beyond, which resulted in the administration pulling the rule on April 26, 2012. Industry groups like NCBA pushed hard against this rule. Many members of Congress also went to bat for America’s farm and ranch families. One of those policymakers leading the charge was Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-Mont).
Rep. Rehberg says the proposal “didn’t make any sense.” In a news conference hosted by NCBA on April 27, he says there is a disconnect between the administration and rural America. He says he will trust the administration but will also verify. Rep. Rehberg plans to take action to assure this rule does not move forward in the current fiscal year.
This weekly commentary features NCBA members, leaders, staff and more week after week. Click here to download this week’s segment of Beltway Beef featuring Rep. Rehberg. Click here for all previous clips.
