Northeast Iowa cattleman Mike Cline of Elgin has taken the reigns as President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association following their recent state convention. He says they hope to build on the success of the just passed .50 per head state beef checkoff. Cline is hoping programs funded by that will help producers weather the tough economic times they’ve been going through.

He says Association leaders are also trying to help their members deal with the recent market volatility.

Cline says one of their priorities is to work with lawmakers and the new President to increase trade opportunities for the cattle industry. He says the recent appointment of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as Ambassador to China should help.

Cline says they also want to see regulatory relief at the national level and are encouraged by what they’re hearing from the President-elect on that.