To: R-CALF USA Members and Affiliates
From: Bill Bullard, CEO
Date: July 29, 2024
Subject: Congressional August Recess
Background: This year, many of you answered the call and contacted your U.S. Senators and Representative on issues of great importance to the continued profitability and viability of independent U.S. cattle and sheep producers. We are truly grateful to everyone who called and emailed members of Congress. Because of you, Congress heard loudly the voices of independent U.S. cattle and sheep ranchers and farmers.
The most effective way to achieve meaningful change for your U.S. cattle and sheep industries is to develop a relationship with your Senators and Representative and/or their staff members. Congressional recesses provide the opportunity to begin establishing a relationship or strengthening an existing relationship with your members of Congress.
Action: U.S. Senators and Representatives will be in their home states and districts during the August recess starting August 5 through September 6.
Find your U.S. Senators and Representative at https://www.congress.gov/contact-us, and visit their official website for their in-district office phone number.
- Call their in-district office and request to schedule a meeting with your official or a staff member. If you don’t get a meeting scheduled right away, continue to follow up.
- Attend a town hall meeting, listening session, or public event. Call their in-district office to find out when and where their next event will be.
Here are some of R-CALF USA members’ policy priorities to bring with you.
Be polite, professional, and stick to the facts. Above all, just be yourself and let your U.S. Senators, Representative, or their staff members know that independent U.S. cattle and sheep ranchers and farmers are vital to your communities and our nation’s food security.
Remember to follow up by phone or email after your meeting. If your Senators, Representative, or staff members express interest, ask if they would like to scheldule a Zoom meeting with yourself and R-CALF USA. And if they do, contact R-CALF USA at 406-252-2516 or r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com to schedule the Zoom meeting. Continue to follow up on a regular basis until these important policies are in place.
Good luck with your meetings!
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Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or call (406) 252-2516.