Opinion -- Trump Administration Terminates Grain Belt Express Loan

By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Trump Administration’s Department of Energy announced the nearly $5 billion cut in financial assistance for the Grain Belt Express. The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association was quick to applaud the decision driven largely by landowners who were heard by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

"This association has fought relentlessly against private companies trying to take Missouri farmer's and rancher's land for private gain," said Jeff Reed, MCA President. "This is a massive win in the continued fight over landowner rights. Senator Hawley and Attorney General Bailey are unwavering champions for private property rights."

While Reed said this win is a “big deal” in the ongoing battle with an out-of-state company who is utilizing eminent domain and taxpayer dollars to take private land for their own private gain, the fight to stop this project for Missouri’s farm families is not over yet.

"This win is a big deal and gives us much-needed momentum to continue efforts to reform state statute and apply pressure on officials to reconsider their misguided approval of this scam," said Reed. “With that said, we do not want any impacted landowner to develop false hope from this very welcomed decision. The fight continues.” 

The DOE released in a statement that the funding for the project does not justify the need of the loan.

"After a thorough review of the project’s financials, DOE found that the conditions necessary to issue the guarantee are unlikely to be met and it is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting this project. To ensure more responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, DOE has terminated its conditional commitment," stated in the DOE press release on July 23.

 

Opinion -- Missouri AG Charges Grain Belt Express with Lies, False Promises

By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

On July 2, 2025, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announces he has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Grain Belt Express, LLC following widespread concerns over misleading claims and a track record of dishonesty surrounding its transmission line project. Simultaneously, Attorney General Bailey submitted a formal letter to the Missouri Public Service Commission, to offer the full force of his Office’s support in a reevaluation of GBE’s prior approval based on seemingly false assumptions and fraudulent data.

“Grain Belt Express has repeatedly lied to Missourians about the jobs it would create, the benefits it would deliver, and the land it seeks to take,” said Attorney General Bailey. “We will not allow a private corporation to trample property rights and mislead regulators for a bait and switch that serves out-of-state interests instead of Missourians.”

GBE is currently backed by a Biden Administration $4.9 billion conditional federal loan guarantee and has filed nearly 50 eminent domain lawsuits against Missouri landowners to seize property for a speculative project, which seem to increasingly serve out-of-state data centers, not Missouri families.

The New York Times calls Attorney General Bailey’s actions, “a major setback for Invenergy, the energy company that is behind the project…”

The demand issued by the Attorney General’s Office compels GBE to produce documents and communications related to its economic claims, promises of job creation, marketing tactics, environmental impacts, landowner outreach, and shifting project goals. These actions are taken under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, which prohibits false promises, fraud, and deceptive practices in connection with business activities in the state.

Attorney General Bailey’s letter to the PSC also urges the Commission to reevaluate the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity previously granted to Grain Belt Express. The letter notes that GBE’s application relied on speculative and possibly fraudulent assumptions, including the existence of a carbon tax that was never enacted by Missouri or federal law and does not exist.

The Attorney General’s Office is calling on the PSC to exercise its full authority under Missouri law and recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Orders 1920, 1920-A, and 1920-B, which empower state utility commissions to demand updated long-term planning and revoke project approvals that are no longer in the public interest.

“Our mission is to stand up for Missouri’s farmers, families, and landowners, and that means stopping billion-dollar land grabs disguised as infrastructure,” concluded Attorney General Bailey. “We are launching this investigation to protect landowners and demand accountability from a project built on broken promises. We will not allow a private corporation to trample property rights and mislead regulators just to secure federal subsidies and political favor.”

 

Mike Kehoe, Lincoln Hough Rally in Sheridan

Two candidates for statewide office, Mike Kehoe and Lincoln Hough, came to Sheridan Wednesday to rally at the Jeff & Debbie Thummel farm. Kehoe, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor, is running for Governor. He is locked in a tight three way race with State Senator Bill Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has visited Worth County frequently during his tenure. Hough, another state senator, is running for Lieutenant Governor and is running as a team with Kehoe. They both have similar backgrounds as both are first generation farmers who have built up successful farming operations from scratch. The primary election is Tuesday, August 6th; polls open from 6 am to 7 pm.

Reflecting the tight nature of the race, former President Donald Trump, whose endorsement is coveted by Republican candidates, has stayed neutral in the race. “All have had excellent careers, and have been with me from the beginning. They are MAGA and America First all the way!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “I can’t hurt two of them by Endorsing one so, therefore, I’m going to Endorse, for Governor of the Great State of Missouri, Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Bill Eigel. Choose any one of them – You can’t go wrong!”

State Representative Jeff Farnan started off by saying that in looking for a governor, he looked for someone who is pro-life, pro-guns, pro-agriculture, and pro-business and that he wanted someone who was a fellow Christian. Kehoe, said Farnan, fit all of those categories. 

State Senator Lincoln Hough, who represents Springfield, said there would be no better person to vote for than Kehoe. “He brings people together,” said Hough. “He was the man who inspired me to run.” Hough started off as a first generation cattleman and came to learn that politics directly affects our way of life and that elections matter. 

Mike Deering of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, who emceed the event, said that Kehoe provides real conservative leadership and that governing takes more than a last name and more than just yelling and screaming, taking a couple of shots at Kehoe’s two main opponents. “Together, we can elect people with country common sense,” said Deering.

Deering noted that Kehoe had the endorsements of nearly all the major farm organizations in the state, that Jay Ashcroft and Bill Eigel had no ground to stand on, and so they were attacking Kehoe. “Not one time did Mike Kehoe ever sell us out to China,” said Deering. In fact, said Deering, Kehoe and others in the legislature, including Brad Lager, worked to fix a broken system in which there was no tracking or reporting of foreign land ownership. “Mike Kehoe is being attacked because he would rather be with you guys,” said Deering. 

This includes Jay Ashcroft derisively calling Kehoe “Tax Hike Mike” in fundraising emails throughout his campaign and claiming that Kehoe never met a tax increase he didn’t like. That very morning, at Kehoe rallies in Kansas City and Blue Springs, the Eigel campaign fired off a news release claiming responsibility for a person who donned a chicken suit to take Kehoe to task for not attending a gubernatorial debate that night. In that news release, Eigel’s campaign manager, Sophie Shore, referred to Kehoe as, “Kung-Pao Kehoe.” 

On July 21st, the Missouri Independent reported that Eigel was attacking Kehoe over what he called, “the China Bus.” The Missouri Independent says the bus is owned by former legislator Jewell Patek, who now lobbies for Smithfield and 44 other firms, including Evergy. Smithfield operates what was once known as Premium Standard Farms, which operates on more than 40,000 acres near Princeton. In 2013, Smithfield was acquired by Shuanghui International, which is based in China. 

The Missouri Independent says that Kehoe leased the bus in question out of his own pocketbook. The campaign paid for the wrapping, which includes a photo of Kehoe and his wife. Supporters of Kehoe can sign the side of the bus. The campaign pays for the fuel and other expenses as well.

The Independent says that before 2013, Missouri law banned foreign ownership of agricultural land. To accommodate the sale of Smithfield, lawmakers made it legal for up to 1% of Missouri farmland to be foreign owned. Kehoe voted for that bill. Jay Nixon, the governor at the time, vetoed the bill, but it was overridden. Nixon said that the 1% provision was inserted at the last minute without benefit of a hearing and over the objections of agricultural groups. The 1% provision still stands despite multiple efforts by legislators of both parties to repeal it.

According to the Independent, Kehoe defends his vote, saying that the relationship with China in 2013 was very different than it is today. As quoted by the Independent, he said, “Times have changed, and so we would move forward with the position I have very clearly stated that I do not want any enemy of this country owning anything.”

Since 2013, relations between the US and China have deteriorated. In 2017, President Donald Trump began a series of massive new tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing China of dumping them on America and accusing previous administrations of negotiating terrible trade deals which drove American manufacturers out of business. In 2020, Trump blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the worldwide economy, quit speaking with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and called COVID-19 the “China Virus.” In recent years, China has ramped up military exercises against Taiwan, which it says belongs to China. China has also forged closer ties with Russia and has supported its “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. 

In his speech Wednesday, Kehoe gave a shoutout to Rep. Farnan, Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, who represents Andrew, DeKalb, and part of Clinton Counties, State Senator Rusty Black, who represents this area, and Rep. Donnie Brown, who represents Mississippi, New Madrid, and Pemiscot counties in the southeast corner of the state. Van Schoiack, with his trademark cowboy hat, was in attendance. “You send some good people to the Capitol,” said Kehoe. He also mentioned former Sen. Dan Hegeman, saying he was one of his best friends. In addition to most of the farm groups in the state, Kehoe has been endorsed by Governor Mike Parson and most of Missouri’s law enforcement and public safety groups. 

Kehoe said that he would defend the Second Amendment. He said that as someone who had a difficult childhood growing up in the St. Louis area, he once witnessed a gang fight and that they steal guns. He wanted out and became a first generation farmer, now running a cow/calf operation for the last 40 years. “Agriculture has taught me more than anything about life,” said Kehoe. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a first generation farmer.” He was able to start his operation and work his way up despite 1984 being the height of the farm crisis, which drove thousands of farms across the country into foreclosure.

Kehoe credits his single mother for his development growing up and said that it was never his dream to be in government. “My goal was to own my own bicycle,” he said. Now, he said, he wanted to give back. To that end, Kehoe has been all over the state campaigning on a platform of less regulations and strong public safety, infrastructure, and education. “I’m here to bring people together,” he said. “Our country was founded because 56 key people came together. Not everyone got what they wanted, but I’m always willing to talk with people with different views.” As to his style, Kehoe pledged, “I won’t be a flamethrower and burn the state down.” 

He has been to 185 events all over the state, including every county now. It has gotten to the point where he says he won’t tell his wife, Claudia, how many stops there are left in the day. His campaign Facebook page is full of pictures from campaign events at various numerous small towns in the state. “I’m going to keep going hard,” said Kehoe. “This is a watershed moment. As a state, we feed and clothe the world, and I want to keep Missouri going.”

Bill Would Allow Farmers to Shoot Black Vultures Attacking Livestock

By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

On Thursday, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association member and Missouri cattle producer Charlie Besher testified before the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in support of the Black Vulture Relief Act. Besher, the chairman of NCBA’s Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee, shared how predatory black vultures take a toll on cattle producers’ livestock and livelihoods.

“Black vultures play a role in the ecosystem, and cattle producers have no desire to eradicate the species, but to continue managing them under such a restrictive system is ludicrous. The species is abundant across the continent, and no longer a conservation concern. These birds are extremely vicious predators and their attacks on cattle are devastating, both emotionally and financially,” said Besher. “As a cow-calf producer who has invested for years in voluntary conservation in Missouri, I’m proud to testify in support of the commonsense Black Vulture Relief Act. On behalf of NCBA and the thousands of producers who are losing cattle each year to black vultures, I urge Congress to pass this legislation to give farmers and ranchers more tools to protect their livestock.”

After 50 years of federal protections, black vultures now number 190 million strong and are an abundant species across the country. Even though a growing number of producers lose calves each year to black vulture depredation, the current framework for lethal take is overly restrictive and burdensome.

Introduced by Rep. John Rose (R-TN) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), the Black Vulture Relief Act is bipartisan legislation that would allow cattle producers to take vultures without a permit, when there is an immediate need to protect their livestock from injury or death. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues black vulture depredation permits to states and states issue sub-permits to producers, but these permits only allow for take of three individual animals per year. Given that black vultures can attack multiple times a month in flocks as large as 50, the current permits are completely insufficient to address the problem. Black vulture numbers are also on the rise, and they attack cattle in a particularly vicious way, usually targeting calves hours or even minutes after birth.

The Black Vulture Relief Act is also supported by numerous NCBA state affiliates.

Missouri House Bill That Would Have Required GMO or mRNA Labeling Killed

 A bill that would have required labeling of any product treated with mRNA was defeated in committee in the Missouri House. The bill, HB 1169, would have required that any product that acts as, or exposed to processes that could have resulted in the product acting as a gene therapy, introduce genetic material, or a genetic change into the user of the product be labeled with the words, “Potential Gene Therapy Product.” If a product was known to be a gene therapy product, the product would have had to be labeled with the words, “Gene Therapy Product.”

Upon written request, any entity that produces, sells, or distributes a product with the capacity to infect an individual with a disease or expose an individual to certain genetically modified material would have had to provide all information by which people could be exposed. Any entity which makes a product available that could infect, transmit to, or be absorbed in a way that would act as a medical intervention, vaccine, drug, or genetic modification would have had to obtain fully informed consent from consumers.

The bill would have covered anything from food to cosmetics.

Local legislators were split on the bill. State Rep. Mazzie Boyd, who represents Worth and Harrison counties, was listed as a co-sponsor. Rep. Jeff Farnan, who represents Nodaway and Gentry counties, who was on the committee that heard the bill, voted against it. The bill died in committee 10-4.

Pro – Tom Renz, Townhall 

Tom Renz, a Twitter influencer who also has a Substack account at tomrenz.substack.com, wrote in a Substack post on April 5th that the bill would have been the country’s best chance of stopping what he said was a nightmare scenario where “people’s genetics are potentially altered with ‘factory foods’ without them even knowing.” He argued that there were backdoor efforts underway as early as 2013 to genetically modify foods in order to become edible vaccines.

He argued that there were too many unknown effects with mRNA and no long-term studies not to safeguard the public by creating informed consent. 

Mr. Renz noted that the bill did not ban anything. “All it does is require labeling of products that can alter your genetics, require companies share info on transmissibility of gene altering interventions, and that fully informed consent be given for any vaccine, gene therapy, or medical intervention. So why are the RINOs in Missouri, lead by the Democrats and Republican House Speaker Dean Plocher are trying to slow-walk this bill through committee to prevent it from being approved this session,” he wrote.

Kimberly Fletcher, writing in Townhall, a conservative website on April 14th, said that given what she saw as the failure of COVID-19 vaccine mandates that Big Pharma was using the food supply as a backdoor effort to distribute mRNA vaccines. Pointing out that many large organizations were lobbying against HB 1169, she wrote, “If these substances were not going into our food supply, why are the lobbyists pitching a fit? The level of outrage among agricultural associations and professional lobbyist groups suggests that this is a very big deal.”

Con – By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

In a major win for Missouri farmers and ranchers, the Missouri House Committee on Emerging Issues voted down H.B. 1169, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones (R-88), on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. According to the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, the legislation would have devalued Missouri cattle by requiring all beef derived from Missouri cattle to include labels regarding what vaccines the cattle received throughout the animal's life. The legislation would have applied to Missouri cattle only.

"This was the most poorly drafted piece of legislation I have seen in my career," said MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering. "If passed, this careless piece of legislation would have devalued Missouri agricultural commodities for absolutely no reason. Given that 98 percent of the calves in Missouri are exported to other states for finishing and processing, this legislation truly would have been a train wreck for Missouri cattle producers. The out-of-state attorney pushing this legislation showed complete disregard for the farm and ranch families in this state."

The legislation went far beyond vaccines in livestock. It also targeted genetically modified corn and soybeans. According to the Missouri Soybean Association, meat derived from livestock fed corn or soybeans would have been required to be labeled as "potential gene therapy," which is contrary to science. The legislation included no definitions on gene therapy and would have exposed farmers and ranchers to an onslaught of litigation.

In addition to MCA and the Missouri Soybean Association, the legislation was also opposed by Missouri Corn Growers Association; Missouri Pork Producers; Missouri Farm Bureau; Missouri Chamber of Commerce; and more.

"This anti-science legislation would have exponentially driven up food prices, set up the potential for massive lawsuits and had a chilling effect on economic development in the state," according to a letter penned by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

The legislation failed with a 10-4 bipartisan vote effectively ending any hope for the legislation in 2023. The legislators who stood with Missouri farmers and ranchers were Reps. Dane Diehl (R-125); Ashley Aune (D-14); Jeff Farnan (R-1); Sherri Gallick (R-62); Mike Haffner (R-55); Dave Hinman (R-103); Josh Hurlbert (R-8); Jamie Johnson (D-12); Doug Mann (D-50); and David Tyson Smith (D-46). The legislation was supported by the bill sponsor, Reps. Bishop Davidson; Bill Hardwick (R-121) and Adam Schnelting (R-69).

Sydney Thummel Honored by Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

The Missouri Cattlemen's Association recognized Worth County grad Sydney Thummel, Columbia, Mo., as the 2022 Leadership Development Award recipient at the 55th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show held Jan. 6-8 in Osage Beach. The MCA Leadership Development Award was formed to acknowledge individuals who are dedicated to growing and expanding the association and creating new leaders within the industry. 

Thummel has been active in MCA for well over a decade starting with the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association and serving in leadership capacities. After graduating college, Thummel joined the MCA staff as the manager of membership and now serves as the executive vice president of the Missouri Beef Industry Council. Thummel has a passion for youth engagement and empowering the next generation of beef cattle producers.

“Thummel has dedicated the past several years to developing the next generation of cattle industry members,” said 2021 MCA President Patty Wood. “She is a very active member and is now focused on educating consumers about the products we produce.”

Sydney is the daughter of Jeff and Debbie Thummel of Sheridan.

Debbie Thummel Reelected MCA Region 4 Vice President

Last week, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association reelected Debbie Thummel of Sheridan as its Region 4 Vice President at their annual convention. 

David Dick (Pettis County) was elected President. Chuck Miller (Miller County) was elected President Elect. Jeff Reed (Wayne County) was named Vice President. 

Other regional vice presidents were also selected. Regional vice presidents were elected based on the region they reside in across the state. Region 1 will be represented by Joseph Lolli of Macon County. Region 2 will be represented Anita Vanderwert of Boone County. Deb Thummel, Worth County, will serve as the Region 4 vice president. The Region 5 vice president will be Alex Haun of Johnson County. Region 6 will be represented by Warren Love of St. Clair County. Josh Worthington, Dade County, will represent Region 7. The Region 2 Vice President position is currently vacant.

Other leadership includes, as Cow/Calf Council Representative, John Harris of Lafayette County; as Seedstock Council Representative, Rex Ricketts of Boone County; as Stocker/Feeder Council Representative, Jared Anstine of Johnson County; and, as Dairy Industry Council Representative, Ted Sheppard of Texas County.

Opinion -- USDA to Review “Product of the USA” Label

By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a top-to-bottom review of the "Product of the USA" (POTUSA) label, which will inform a forthcoming rulemaking on this topic. Missouri Cattlemen's Association has long advocated for voluntary labels that meet consumer demand and allow producers to distinguish their products in the marketplace.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association recently filed a petition with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to eliminate the use of POTUSA and other broad U.S. origin labeling claims for beef products. NCBA commends USDA for the prompt action to address industry concerns regarding the misleading nature of this generic label.

"The 'Product of the USA' label is not subject to source verification, is not tied to any kind of food safety standard, and is applied by packers and retailers in a manner that does not deliver value back to the cattle producer. This label not only misleads consumers, it is yet another barrier to producers gaining leverage and distinguishing their product in the marketplace," said NCBA President Jerry Bohn.

Local leadership reflects that perspective.

"Missouri cattle producers have spoken out against misleading labels and source labeling mandates for years," said MCA President Patty Wood. "We believe in honest and transparent labeling and look forward to finding solutions that are fair to both producers and consumers."

USDA's announcement came after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public hearing on FTC-2020-0056, Made in USA Rulemaking, Matter No. P074204. The Commission voted 3-2 in favor of the final rule, to take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The new rule will strengthen FTC’s authority to enforce “Made in USA” labels. NCBA submitted comments on the proposed rule in 2020. NCBA's comments reminded the FTC that USDA has primary jurisdiction over all meat food product oversight activities, including the approval and verification of geographic and origin labeling claims. 

Other States Seeking to Enforce Their Laws on Missouri Landowners

Priority legislation of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) was passed through the Missouri House of Representatives on Thursday, February 11, 2021. HB 574 calls for the prohibition of the inspection and enforcement of other state laws on agricultural land in Missouri. Rep. Kent Haden (R-43) sponsored the legislation, which also clarifies which entities or agencies have legal authority to inspect a farming or ranching facility.

The Missouri House of Representatives passed the legislation with a bipartisan 109-43 vote. MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering said the legislation gives producers clarity on which entities are legally allowed to enter their property and conduct inspections.

“This is common sense legislation that gives farmers and ranchers clarity regarding inspection authority. Further, the legislation also provides clarity for state regulatory agencies who aren’t sure if they do or don’t have authority,” said Deering. “At the end of the day, this legislation ensures that inspections are conducted by experts.”

Deering said MCA is committed to taking proactive steps to protect producers' private property rights. As a result of today’s vote, the legislation will move to the senate. The senate version of the bill, SB 254, sponsored by Sen. Jeanie Riddle (R-49), was heard Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, and a vote is to follow. 

Opinion -- US House Passes Law to Protect Cattle Against Endangered Predators

By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

Missouri beef producers won a long battle this week as the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to protect livestock from predation, compensate livestock producers who experience depredation by federally protected species, and fund methods to reduce conflicts between humans and predators.

With great efforts from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and other state affiliates, the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act was approved containing a number of provisions designed to address impacts that wildlife and wildlife management can have on livestock production.

MCA Region 3 Vice President Charlie Besher traveled to Washington D.C. last year to testify on the impact of black vultures to Missouri livestock producer.

“The passage of this legislation should be a relief to cattlemen and women across the country,” Besher said. “It is critical that producers have the tools they need to protect themselves and their livestock from predators, and this act helps make that possible. We are grateful for all who worked in favor of the rule and look forward to having access to the resources we worked so hard to secure.”

The ACE Act includes depredation payments for livestock producers who experience livestock losses caused by federally protected species, while also authorizing funding for producers to carry out non-lethal deterrence activities, as well as funding to improve invasive species control and prevention efforts, a provision designed to develop innovative ways to reduce human-predator conflict, and establishes of a task force to address prevailing concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) that occurs in cervids like deer, moose, and elk. The bill now awaits signature by President Trump.

Debbie Thummel Featured by Department of Agriculture

Debbie Thummel of Sheridan was featured in the following Farm for Life column by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. It features farming operations from around the state.

“My philosophy on the farm is that the three things that I truly enjoy are kids, cattle and Christ, and they all come together here in his creation,” said Deb Thummel. “Anytime that I can involve kids, cattle and Christ in the same thing, I’m a very happy person.”

Thummel’s faith is planted as deep as her agriculture roots on their sprawling cow-calf operation in northwest Missouri. As a fifth generation farmer, Thummel got her start on her family’s dairy farm in southwest Iowa.

“I truly believe that farming chose me, I don’t believe I chose it,” said Thummel. “I grew up in a little town called Shannon City, Iowa, and my mom and dad dairy farmed. From an early age, I was in charge of the bottle calves. It’s been a natural progression for me to like the cattle and be involved in cattle.”

After graduating from Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Thummel and her husband began building their cow-calf operation.

“We do what we need to do with the land that we have, and thankfully we have land that fits itself to cattle production, and that’s what we do.”

Thummel’s love for cattle comes from their relational tendencies. As someone who values relationships herself, she enjoys watching the bond form between a dam and her calf. Her passion for cattle is matched only by her desire to advocate for the agriculture industry.

“Less than 2% of us farm now, so that means 98% of us don’t,” said Thummel. “How are people going to know what goes on out here if we don’t talk about it?”

Thummel is the Region 4 Vice-President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, which is the second largest state affiliate of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She’s proud to be a part of the organization and advocate on behalf of Missouri’s farmers and ranchers on the state and national levels. 

“I think it’s important to advocate for organizations like MCA so we can tell our story,” said Thummel. Her work for the organization has turned into a family affair as her daughter Sydney has taken on the role as the manager of membership for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

With her two sons involved in the family’s cattle operation, and her daughter actively involved in MCA, the cattle industry truly is Thummel’s life.

“Farm for life means to me that without the farm, there wouldn’t be life,” said Thummel. “Then I could take that conversely and say my life is the farm. That phrase in itself conjures up all kinds of emotions, memories and hopes for the future.”

Holcomb (KS) Fire Triggers USDA Investigation Into Market Manipulation

On the evening of August 9th, the first 911 calls came in regarding a fire at the Holcomb (KS) meatpacking plant owned and operated by Tyson Foods. It took firefighters 12 hours to get the fire under control. Around 1,200 employees were on duty at the time of the fire, all of whom were evacuated. The plant closed indefinitely until the company could assess the damage; however, Tyson paid employees a weekly guarantee until production resumes.

Subsequently, volatility in cattle markets led to fears of market manipulation, prompting an investigation. From Robby Simpson, President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association:
"We applaud U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for listening not to conspiracy theories or charts and graphs of economists. He leaned on the expertise of the men and women who have successfully made their living in the cattle business through mercurial markets, regulatory uncertainty, unpredictable weather and much more. These producers - from the cow/calf operator to the backgrounder to the feeder to the livestock market - understand the markets. They are good at what they do and when the overwhelming majority speak, we listen and this administration does as well."

"Cattle producers have sound reason to question market events that transpired after the Holcomb fire. While a sharp decrease in slaughter capacity was anticipated, slaughter actually increased some 9,000 head from the week prior to the fire. Further, most expected this market disruption to cause uncertainty, but few could believe in one week fed cattle prices would drop 5% and Choice boxes would spike 9% while total slaughter increased. All the while, prices for feeder calves plummeted. The financial woes do not reside within one segment of the industry. It impacts the entire chain and causes lending institutions a high level of uncertainty as equity dwindles across the board."

"We back Secretary Perdue's investigation into the market reaction in live cattle markets and boxed beef subsequent to the Holcomb fire. There is no harm in conducting an investigation to ensure integrity of the markets and to respond to the justified concerns of thousands of U.S. cattle producers. In fact, it's simply the right thing to do. No matter the result of the investigation, good can come from better understanding what took place and how to best mitigate future disruptions."

The market volatility following the Holcomb Fire got attention at the national level, prompting USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to announce an investigation into market manipulation:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the beef processing facility in Holcomb, Kan.:

“As part of our continued efforts to monitor the impact of the fire at the beef processing facility in Holcomb, Kan., I have directed USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Division to launch an investigation into recent beef pricing margins to determine if there is any evidence of price manipulation, collusion, restrictions of competition or other unfair practices. If any unfair practices are detected, we will take quick enforcement action. USDA remains in close communication with plant management and other stakeholders to understand the fire’s impact to industry. 

I have spent this summer visiting with cattle ranchers across the country, and I know this is a difficult time for the industry as a whole. USDA is committed to ensuring support is available to ranchers who work hard to the feed the United States and the world.”

Governor Parson Signs Bill to Overturn Worth County Health Ordinance

On Friday, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 391 into law. The bill, championed by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, Rep. Mike Haffner, and many agriculture organizations, creates  what Governor Parson says is a consistent regulatory framework for producers and encourages investment in our rural communities.

“Senate Bill 391 is a big win for Missouri farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses,” Governor Parson said. “I applaud Senator Bernskoetter, Representative Haffner, and House and Senate leaders for sending a strong signal that we support the next generation of Missouri agriculture. We’ve now opened the doors that will allow Missouri to lead the way in meeting a growing world food demand and ensure we keep more agriculture production in our state, strengthening Missouri’s number one industry.”

State Representatives Allen Andrews and J. Eggleston and State Senator Dan Hegeman voted for the measure.

The bill overturns the health ordinance of Worth County and 19 other counties. Opponents of the bill said that the measure would reduce local control, allow concentrated animal feeding operations to build facilities, and that the Missouri DNR did not have adequate jurisdiction to regulate such operations.

Bill to Overturn Worth County Health Ordinance Passes Missouri House

On Tuesday, May 14th, the Missouri House passed Senate Bill 391 by a 103-44 vote. This bill would overturn the health ordinances of Worth County and 19 other counties related to CAFO’s and other large agricultural operations. The bill goes to Governor Mike Parson for his signature. State Representatives Allen Andrews and J. Eggleston both voted for the measure. All 103 “Yes” votes were from Republicans. 39 Democrats and 5 Republicans voted against the measure. The following are opinion pieces for and against the measure.

PRO – By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
The Missouri House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 391 Tuesday, May 14, 2019, with a 103-44 vote. The vote was the final hurdle for the legislation in the 2019 legislative session, which concludes Friday, May 17. The legislation now moves to Governor Mike Parson for his signature. The Missouri Cattlemen's Association was a driving force in moving the legislation forward and its president, Bobby Simpson, wasted no time in calling the passage a "historic victory" for farm and ranch families. 

 "This victory was the product of leaders and staff of nearly 30 groups standing together, dedicated House and Senate leadership, unwavering bill sponsors, and elected leaders willing to sort fact from fiction," said Simpson. "Above all else, dedicated farmers and ranchers made this happen. This is their win." 

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-6) and led in the House by Rep. Mike Haffner (R-55), prevents county governments from passing rules and regulations on farm and ranch families that are more stringent than scientifically founded rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and other agencies. Proponents argue that a patchwork of county-by-county regulations creates regulatory uncertainty for farm and ranch families and prevents them from expanding and stops new operations from starting. The list of proponents include nearly 30 organizations. 

Opponents of the legislation include the Humane Society of the United States, Missouri Rural Crisis Center and Sierra Club. They argue that the legislation only benefits corporate farmers. Simpson said the wild accusations are false and a direct assault on farm and ranch families in the state. He said he is thankful legislators were willing to think independently and sort fact from fiction.
  
"One real story from the next generation wanting a future in Missouri agriculture is more powerful than 1,000 emails with activist talking points," said Simpson. "One real story from a farmer wanting to expand and create more economic activity does more than fear mongering. The opposition didn't have farmers and ranchers at the Capitol every single week of legislative session. Our association's Cowboys at the Capitol program worked. No bogus talking points, just real people with real stories."
Simpson is optimistic Governor Parson will sign the legislation. 

CON – By the Missouri Sierra Club
Senate Bill 391 would negate all agricultural related existing health ordinances in 20 rural counties (that have been passed by local, elected representatives) and would stop any county from passing a new ordinance in order to protect the health and welfare of their citizens from the negative effects of corporate- controlled Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOS). House Bill 951 would effectively block county commissions and health boards from enforcing these health ordinances.

Existing DNR Oversight Insufficient
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not have authority to provide oversight of the land application of the millions of gallons of waste that comes from "export only" CAFOs like Pipestone Systems, LLC. So without local ordinances they can spread waste right up to property lines, homes, and water sources.

CAFOs that aren't designated as "export only" can spread waste 50 feet from property lines and homes and 300 feet from water sources.

The DNR does not set any air quality standards for CAFOs with less than 17,500 hogs, 7,000 cattle, or 875,000 chickens.

There are no state setback requirements between CAFOs and populated areas.

CAFOs are not required to obtain construction permits from the State of Missouri.

Bill Overturning Worth County Health Ordinance Passes State Senate

PRO – By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
The Missouri Senate passed Missouri Cattlemen's Association priority, Senate Bill 391, Thursday, May 2, 2019, with a 23-11 vote. The legislation now moves to the Missouri House of Representatives for approval. The association was quick to commend legislators for approving the measure that it says advances Missouri agriculture and reduces regulatory uncertainty for its members. 

"This is a huge win for Missouri agriculture. The Missouri Senate has made clear its intent to move Missouri agriculture forward. They sent the signal to current and future farmers and ranchers that we are open for business," said MCA President Bobby Simpson. "We encourage the House to move quickly to pass this important legislation." 

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-6), prevents county governments from passing rules and regulations on farm and ranch families that are more stringent than scientifically founded rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and other agencies. Proponents argue that a patchwork of county-by-county regulations creates regulatory uncertainty for farm and ranch families and prevents them from expanding and stops new operations from starting. The list of proponents include nearly 30 organizations. 

Opponents of the legislation include the Humane Society of the United States, Missouri Rural Crisis Center and Sierra Club. They argue that the legislation only benefits corporate farmers. Simpson said the wild accusations are false and a direct assault on farm and ranch families in the state. 

"The fear mongering and outright lies of the radical extremist groups opposing this legislation do nothing to benefit Missouri agriculture or consumers. We are proud to represent cattle producers in this state and will not back down to those who have no desire to move agriculture and our rural communities forward," said Simpson, who is a former county commissioner. "We are grateful to the senators who supported Missouri agriculture with a yes vote and cannot thank enough Sen. Bernskoetter and Majority Floor Leader Caleb Rowden for their unwavering, bold leadership on this important issue."

CON – By the Missouri Rural Crisis Center
Senator Mike Bernskoetter, the new Chair of the Senate Ag Committee, sponsored and is advancing a bill (Senate Bill 391) that will strip Local Control from rural counties, taking away our right to protect our farms, families, water and air, communities and property rights from the negative impacts of corporate-controlled industrial livestock operations.

SB 391 would negate all existing health ordinances in 20 rural counties (that have been passed by local, elected representatives) AND stop any county from passing a new ordinance in order to protect the health and welfare of their citizens.

The sad truth is that Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources will not protect us.

Here are just a few reasons why:
–DNR has no authority to provide oversight of the land application of the millions of gallons of waste that comes from “export only” CAFOs like Pipestone Systems, LLC (a CAFO corporation from Pipestone, MN). So, they can apply the waste right up to property lines, homes, water sources and communities.

–There are ZERO air quality standards for CAFOs with less than 17,500 hogs, 7,000 cattle or 875,000 chicken broilers.

–There are no state setback requirements between CAFOs and populated areas.

–CAFOs no longer have to obtain construction permits at all.

–CAFOs that aren’t “export only” can spread waste 50 feet from property lines and homes and 300 feet from water sources.

This is why it is imperative we protect Local Control; it’s the only way for us to protect ourselves from corporate factory farms.

And CAFOs are targeting Missouri. Pipestone Systems, LLC said in a public meeting that the reason they are targeting Missouri is because we are a “clean state”, i.e we don’t have the animal disease and dirty water problems that plague states with CAFOs.

The sad fact is our Department of Natural Resources will not protect us from the negative impacts of CAFOs. 

Debbie Thummel Named to Board of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

At the start of the new year, Debbie Thummel of Sheridan was elected as Region Four Vice President for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association for this year. She was elected during the 51st Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show.

Elected were Bobby Simpson (Salem) as President, Marv Dieckman (Cole Camp) as President-Elect, Matt Hardecke (Wildwood) as Treasurer, and David Dick (Sedalia) as Secretary.

Regional vice presidents were elected based on the region they reside in across the state. Region one will be represented by Adam Kuebler, Edina, Missouri. Chuck Miller from Olean, Missouri, will represent region two. Charlie Besher, Patton, Missouri, will serve region three. Deb Thummel, Sheridan, Missouri, will serve as the region four vice president. The region five vice president will be Bruce Mershon, Buckner, Missouri. Region six will be represented by Clay Doeden, Stockton, Missouri. Traves Merrick, Miller, Missouri, will represent region seven.

Debbie and her husband Jeff operate a farm southeast of Sheridan. They have three grown children – Austin, Chase, and Sydney, all of whom showed cattle while they were growing up.

Gentry County Youth, 13, Nearly Loses Life in Farming Accident

Samuel Derks, a 13 year old youth, was nearly killed in a farming accident in Gentry County on July 24th. He recounted his experience in his own words in the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association newsletter of September 21st.

On the afternoon of the 24th, he and his dad were haying on CRP ground his dad had bought from his uncle. He was stacking up hay bales in groups of seven, while his dad was headed to the Farm Service Agency 20 miles away. Derks finished one small piece and went to get a bale of hay in front of a pond on the land. The bale spike was in front of the tractor. Derks put the tractor in reverse, but it wouldn’t reverse, and the wheels started spinning. The tractor started sliding into the pond. Derks slammed on the breaks, but the tractor wouldn’t stop. He tried to open the door to get out, but the door wouldn’t open. Water began coming into the cab.

The next thing Derks knew, he was swimming up to the top of the pond, swimming to the edge, and crawling out. He called his dad, but the phone had gotten wet and the call only lasted two seconds. However, his dad turned around from Albany to get back home and called his nephew and wife to check on him.

Derks received cuts and scratches over his knuckles and arms, but he was able to survive the accident.

It turned out the tractor was so deep that the wrecker service had to hire a scuba diver to find the tractor and hook the cable up to it. The scuba diver said the tractor was 25 feet deep under water. When the tractor finally emerged, they found that the front window glass was shattered and the back window was opened. When the front glass was shattered and the water rushed in, the back window was pushed open and Derks was pushed out of the cab.

As for words of wisdom, Derks wrote, “I want to tell parents and adults to think about the experience level that we younger people lack when it comes to working in tractors or to solve problem situations that arise in the field. I want them to be mindful about leaving us alone to do tractor work in a field. I want people to think about their surroundings when working in a field; are there waterways, ditches, or ponds?”

The story was part of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association’s Farm Safety Week campaign for September 16th to 23rd. MCA Executive Vice-President Mike Deering wrote his own story about how one evening, his family left food for his father, came back afterwards, and found it hadn’t been touched. His father had been killed in a farming accident when the tractor he was operating rolled over on him when he was carrying hay across a muddy dam.

Animal Confiscation Bill Passes Missouri House

The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) applauds the Missouri House of Representatives for passing HB 1969 by a 101-41 vote. The legislation now moves to the Missouri Senate for consideration. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Sonya Anderson (R-131), changes the laws regarding the confiscation of animals.

MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering said HB 1969 would stop the process of treating the innocent as criminals when it comes to animal abuse and neglect.

"The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and other animal rights extremist organizations too often lead the charge for the confiscation of animals - everything from dogs to cattle - claiming animal abuse and neglect," said Deering. "Often times these animals are not abused or neglected and the owner is found innocent. The problem is the owner still has to pay outlandish fees for boarding and care to get their own animals back."

Rep. Anderson said that is because under current law if an animal owner is charged with animal abuse or neglect and they are found not guilty the owner is still required to pay for all expenses associated with their case to prevent immediate disposition of their animals. Rep. Anderson said that is "just plain wrong."

"HB 1969 would ensure owners who are found innocent are not liable for the costs associated with holding their animals and states that their animals must be immediately returned," said Rep. Anderson. "I believe you are innocent until proven guilty and there is a big difference between being charged with a crime and being convicted of a crime."

Deering said MCA encourages the Senate to pass the legislation without delay.

New Animal Disease Traceability Rule Shines Need for Advisory Committee

The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) and Missouri Farm Bureau (MFB) sent a letter to Missouri Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler to encourage reestablishing the Missouri Animal Identification Advisory Committee to provide guidance on implementation of the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) system. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its final rule to implement a national ADT system. The rule will become final in March, subsequent to a 60-day comment period. Each state has the responsibility of implementing the final rule.

When the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) was being discussed a few years ago, the Animal Health Division of the Missouri Department of Agriculture saw value in establishing the Missouri Animal Identification Advisory Committee to provide guidance on program implementation in Missouri. The letter, penned by MFB President Blake Hurst and MCA President Chuck Massengill, noted that the advisory committee was a "successful endeavor at that time" and encouraged MDA to establish a similar committee.  

"As we have learned in the past, effective communication is important, and our organizations believe the advisory committee can play an important role by providing feedback/input to you and your staff and keeping our farmer and rancher members informed," penned Hurst and Massengill.

The letter notes that the system is to be administered by the state to provide flexibility and to allow for the most cost-effective technology to be used.

The new ADT rule applies only to animals moved in interstate commerce. The new rule is satisfactory to the MCA and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The rule includes many recommendations provided by interested organizations such as MFB and MCA. The rule recognizes brands as official identification when agreed upon by both the shipping and receiving states. It also maintains back tags as an alternative to ear tags for animals moving directly to harvest. Perhaps, most importantly, the rule exempts cattle under 18 months of age, with the intent to phase in these animals through separate rulemaking once the system is proven effective for breeding cattle.

MCA Backs Blunt's Quest for Agriculture Disaster Relief

Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, along with Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) introduced legislation that would extend agriculture disaster assistance programs.

"Agriculture supports 16 million jobs across America, and Missouri has the second highest number of farms nationwide. This drought has taken a devastating toll on farm families in Missouri and nationwide, and I won't stop fighting for this critical disaster relief until we get farmers and ranchers back on their feet again," said Blunt

This program expired at the end of the 2011 Fiscal Year and were not part of the nine month Farm Bill extension. The bill would backfill the programs for 2012 and extend them through 2013 while Congress works to pass a long-term Farm Bill. Without an extension many ranchers and farmers will be left with no support to recover from severe fires and drought that swept the country last year.

The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association worked close with Sen. Blunt to stress the need for this legislation. Additionally, MCA and several statewide agricultural organizations sent a letter to Missouri's congressional delegation on Jan. 8, 2013, to request that the members of Congress and their colleagues look for opportunities to provide relief to farm and ranch families in Missouri and throughout the country.