Texas Cattleman Takes Charge at NCBA
05/02/05

Jim McAdams of Adkins, Texas, became the new president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association today.  McAdams, who had served the previous year as president elect, automatically advanced to the president's chair at the conclusion of the annual Membership Meeting at the Annual Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show.  He replaces Jan Lyons whose term ended.

McAdams takes the helm as the turmoil surrounding a single case of BSE found in Washington state in December 2003 continues to roil.  NCBA and the industry are working  to reopen closed export markets in Asia and manage the reopening of the Canadian border.

"There are challenges ahead, there always have been and always will be," said McAdams.  "We will continue to be a solutions-driven organization that addresses the full spectrum of issues confronting cattlemen.  Our membership will continue to set our course and we will determine the best course of action based on fact.  We will work with those willing to build this industry, not tear it down."

Mike John from Huntsville, Mo., was chosen to serve as president elect for the coming year.  That selection means he will succeed McAdams when his term expires in 2006.

John Queen of North Carolina was chosen as the new vice president of NCBA.

Paul Hitch of Oklahoma was selected as the chairman of the NCBA Policy Division.  Andy Groseta of Arizona was named vice chairman.  This is the arm of NCBA that lobbies on behalf of cattlemen in the nation's capital.

The Federation of State Beef Councils named Myron Williams of South Dakota as the chairman of their division.  Mike Vache of Oklahoma was named vice chairman.  This group oversees checkoff programs conducted on behalf of the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the NCBA Federation of State Beef Councils.