Agricultural News
Cattle Industry Delighted in Congressional Letter Seeking Help from US Fish and Wildlife with Avian Predators
Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:13:59 CST
Both the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association have been quick to praise lawmakers looking to engage the US Fish and Wildlife Service- seeking to get control measures in place against avian predators like the Black Vulture.
Ethan Lane, National Cattlemen's Beef Association vice president of government affairs, today released the following statement in response to a congressional request for increased regulatory flexibility under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
"Whether it is black vultures, ravens, or cormorants, MBTA-protected avian predators pose a significant risk to newborn calves and livestock operations across the country. Despite populations of each species numbered in the millions, current regulations place arbitrary caps on permitted take and incur heavy restrictions on preventative measures necessary to protect farming and ranching operations. We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Boozman and Rep. Bishop and look forward to engaging with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement commonsense solutions to this problem."
Background:
Yesterday, a letter signed by 15 U.S. Senators and 23 Members of Congress, was sent to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Margaret Everson. The letter requested that the Service promulgate new rules to increase flexibility in the MBTA permitting process to empower livestock producers to protect their livelihoods. The bipartisan, bicameral letter was led by Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA-2).
Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association offered this reaction- praising the members of the Oklahoma delegation that signed onto the Congressional letter:
" This is a step in the right direction for Oklahoma cattle producers. The black vulture has become a menace especially to cow/calf producers during calving season. We applaud this request and are very appreciative of the Oklahoma delegation members who signed onto this letter. Representatives Lucas, Cole, Mullins and Hern as well as Senator Inhofe responded to our request to sign on showing their support for a common sense approach to addressing this important issue."
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