The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) set 2011 policy priorities ahead of the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Tradeshow Feb. 2-5 in Denver.

According to NCBA Vice-President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall, NCBA’s policy staff in Washington, D.C., identified five major priorities for the organization that will be discussed in great detail during the annual gathering of U.S. cattlemen and women. Woodall said the five priories are trade; transportation; environment; competition; and healthy herd — cattle and consumers. The all encompassing theme for 2011 is sustainability.

“The days of allowing others to define sustainability for this industry are over,” Woodall said. “We will discuss these five priorities at the upcoming convention and determine how we can develop policies that ultimately sustain the future of this industry for generations to come. Our five priorities are critical to sustainability, profitability and longevity of the beef industry.”

Woodall said U.S. beef exports were near record levels in 2010, a trend he said is likely to continue in 2011. He said the signs are in place to suggest another strong year for beef trade, but emphasized the importance of ratifying pending free trade agreements and pursuing additional opportunities for U.S. beef.