For Immediate Release: November 24, 2021
By: R-CALF USA Field Director Karina Jones
Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
Photos: See All Platte Livestock Calf Sale Photos here.
Billings, Mont. – On the heels of the introduction of the American Beef Labeling Act of 2021 (S.2716), which will restore mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) on beef, Platte Livestock Market hosted an R-CALF USA calf sale fundraiser. An enthusiastic crowd supportive of the reforms that R-CALF USA is working towards filled the barn to the rafters.
A full parking lot, a yard full of yearlings and calves, and a barn full of the very people that R-CALF USA serves – cattle producers – were on hand to take in the annual BBQ Sale at Platte Livestock. Platte Livestock and Multimin provided the barbeque meal, Dakota Sales and Rental LLC provided ice cream, Farm Credit Services provided cookies and Kerndt Livestock Products provided whip flags to donors.
R-CALF USA Field Director Karina Jones complimented all that were involved, “There was no doubt that from the time I pulled into that parking lot at Platte Livestock I could see this was going to be a community event and the support echoed that feeling!”
Long time R-CALF USA members, James Fulwider and Kevin Talsma, both from Iona, S.Dak., donated a yearling steer that was auctioned over and over, raising around $14,400 for R-CALF USA. The funds will be used to fight for MCOOL and S.949, the 50/14 cattle market protection bill.
According to Fulwider, the reason he continues to donate a yearling calf is for the young people, “I want to ensure that there is a cattle industry and cattle market in the future for the young operators that want to come back and raise cattle.”
“We would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who supported this fundraiser,” said Jones adding, “Calf sale fundraisers are a vital part of the success of our organization as R-CALF USA does not accept any Beef Checkoff funds. We are funded solely by our members and producers who believe in the policy goals that we are working towards.
“Calf sale fundraisers are also a membership building tool that R-CALF USA relies on to maintain a strong and growing membership base,” explained Jones. She said her organization is now scheduling its 2021-22 Calf Sale Fundraisers.”
Auction markets that would like to host a fundraiser or producers who would like to donate an animal should contact Karina Jones at 308-760-3466 or karinajones@r-calfusa.com.
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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is the largest producer-only cattle trade association in the United States. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516.
