Four Private Property
Rights Policies Take Effect

By R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America

In 2006, R-CALF USA members voted to establish a Private Property Rights Committee, and just one short year later, members have overwhelmingly approved four new policies on the topic.

"Water is what all of us need to be focusing on," said Kimmi Lewis, who chairs the R-CALF USA Private Property Rights Committee. "Most of the government land grabs are really water grabs. We need to become more educated on the rights that we possess as private property owners, and the best way to save our private property rights is to use them. In other words, find out what your rights are and use them daily, which include water rights."

"Do not let some government agency tell you what your rights are," she emphasized. "Investigate it, educate yourselves, and use your rights."

"Our Constitution makes it very clear that we have rights to own and keep private property," Lewis continued. "This country was founded upon the principles of private property. The ability to own private property is what makes this country strong, so we need to keep our judicial system's feet to the fire."

The first measure, passing with a vote of 3,151-88, states:

"WHEREAS, vested and/or riparian water rights are being threatened and compromised by a variety of methods, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that R-CALF USA will make every effort to educate members as to their ownership of vested and/or riparian water rights and will help whenever possible in defending and protecting those vested and/or riparian water rights."

The second resolution, which members approved 3,221-45, states:

"WHEREAS, U.S. citizens have a Constitutional right to keep and own property and make decisions determining its use, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that R-CALF USA will work aggressively to protect those Constitutional rights."

The third resolution, passing with a vote of 3,170-91, states:

"WHEREAS the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) as it relates to private property rights must remain voluntary at all levels, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that no level of government, nor any private entity, may use any form of coercion or ultimatum to elicit producer compliance with NAIS. Furthermore, animal owners should be entitled to an "opt-out" option of their premises' ID."

The final property rights measure, which members approved 3,222-44, states:

"WHEREAS, R-CALF USA strongly believes that judges are to rule according to the law and not legislate from the bench, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that R-CALF USA will, whenever necessary, take all action at their disposal when judges act in a legislative capacity rather than upholding the laws and constitutions regarding our private property rights."

R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is a national, non-profit organization and is dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on both domestic and international trade and marketing issues. Members are located across 47 states and are primarily cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and/or feedlot owners. R-CALF USA has more than 60 affiliate organizations and various main-street businesses are associate members. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516.

Shae Dodson, Communications Coordinator of R-CALF may be contacted at
Phone: 406-672-8969

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