A few weeks back, Rebeca Hazaleus of Durant Stockyards in Durant, OK went to Washington D.C. to meet with legislative officials on behalf of Oklahoma and Texas Cattlemen. She traveled with the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), the largest trade organization in the world protecting Livestock Auction Markets and their customers.

The purpose for the trip to Washington, D.C. was to meet with representatives from several states on both the Senate and House sides, and discuss current legislation and upcoming topics that are of interest to Cattlemen. Rebeca met with Senator Rob Portman (OH), Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN - Farm Bill Conferee), Stratton Edwards, Legislative Counsel for Representative Tom Cole (OK), Senator Harkin (IA - Farm Bill Conferee), and Neil Hammerschmidt, USDA Animal Disease Traceability program manager, House Ag Committee, and Susan Keith, Deputy Administrator USDA GIPSA, and Brett Offutt, Directory of Policy and Litigation USDA GIPSA.

The Farm Bill was a hot topic of discussion, including some vague language in Sec. 11102(3) that could prevent the industry from moving forward and making necessary changes in the future. GIPSA (Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyard Administration) has not been updated for decades.

“If we want to see positive changes in our industry, including up to date online banking practices, and updated regulations for auctioneers and order buyers, we need the language in Sec. 11102(3) of the House version of the Farm Bill to be black and white," says Hazaleus. "The 'Similar to' language in the bill could prevent farmers and ranchers from seeing any positive changes in the future.”

Hazaleus goes on to say, “Livestock Auction Markets in the 21st Century are much different than they were when the Packers and Stockyards Act was enacted in 1921. We would like for the regulations to be shifted so that auctioneers can sit in the stands when they are not working and purchase cattle, and so order buyers can carry more than one order. We believe in free enterprise, and with the major stockyards closing down throught the decades, and local Livestock Auction Markets opening up all across the countryside, an order buyer has to travel a greater distance to make a living. We believe it’s only fair that the P&S regulations be updated so a man can making a living for his family, and to do so effectively he needs to be able to carry multiple orders in a day."

“We have been encouraged to contact our representatives," explains Hazaleus. "Congressman Lucas is on our side. He wants to support the farmers and ranchers of Oklahoma, but he cannot do it alone. We need to contact our representatives and get our voices heard - ask to have the ‘Similar to’ language in Sec 11102(3) removed,” suggests Hazaleus.

Hazaleus also met with Neal Hammerschmidt, the USDA Animal Disease Traceability program manager. The program took effect March 17, 2013 and her husband, Jeff Hazaleus, and the Livestock Marketing Association were influential in protecting the interests of the cattlemen.

“They came to us and said, ‘Traceability is going to come. How can we make it easier on your customers?’” says Hazaleus. “We pushed for Livestock Auction Markets, such as Durant Stockyards, to be listed as approved tagging facilities. If animals are being hauled to an approved tagging facility to sell at auction, the owner is NOT required to tag or identify those animals - even if coming from Texas into Oklahoma. Our market veterinarian is in charge of putting ID tags in every animal's ear here at the Stockyards,” notes Hazaleus.

“Farmers and ranchers need our support,” says Hazaleus. “They have been bullied and badgered by the government and animal rights groups for far too long. No one wants to stand up and say ‘This is wrong! We work very hard to take care of our lands and animals, and we are feeding America! You should be thanking us, not degrading us!’ But Jeff and I are here to make a difference. We want to stand up for our farmers and ranchers, and see that they are recognized for the true heroes that they are,” says Hazaleus.

Rebeca and Jeff Hazaleus purchased the Durant Stockyards in Durant, Oklahoma in March, 2013. They are currently in the top 1% of all livestock auctions as the youngest market owners and are proud to represent themselves as the faces of our newest generation of cattlemen.