Chairman's Message

by Jack Hanson, NLPA Chairman
Representing Tri-State Livestock Credit Corporation of Sacramento, California

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as Chairman of the Board of the National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA) for the past five years. I sincerely appreciate the support, commitment, and unselfish dedications of the members of the Board of Directors and staff of the association. I truly believe they have protected and enhanced NLPA’s outstanding reputation and heritage, and have demonstrated the highest level of integrity in representing the Association.

In reviewing my annual messages from the past five years, one theme that has been present in all has been the challenge of the Association to respond to a rapidly changing domestic agricultural and political environment. Last year obviously was no different in that respect. In fact, I hope, that 2008 will remain as one of the most unprecedented, amazing and unpredictable years which we will witness. The year was punctuated with extreme volatility in the commodity markets, a national election which will surely result in dramatic change in domestic policy and an economic collapse which offered no safe haven for investments.

NLPA also experienced significant changes in 2008. The Association wrapped up an extremely successful and noteworthy partnership with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board in the form of the “Beefmobile”, moved its headquarters into a new member-owned office space, and finalized a long-term management agreement for the Sheep & Goat Fund. Throughout the year, the Board and staff continued to remain focused on National issues which are of critical importance to NLPA members and their patrons.

I believe 2009 will present a full plate of issues that will challenge animal agriculture and require a number of strong national voices to advocate on the industry’s behalf. This will be especially true considering the new challenges, faces and philosophies in our nation’s capital and the difficult issues facing the global economy. I am confident that NLPA will be one of these voices.

Again, my sincere thanks to the Board and staff for their support and friendship.

Jack Hanson completed his duties as NLPA Chairman of the Board in January 2009. Stan Mannschreck of Anadarko, Oklahoma, who represents National Livestock Commission Association, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was elected as NLPA's current Chairman of the Board.