Cattleman testifies on the changing face of small business

Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Small businesses are the lifeblood of rural America, but for those in the cattle industry, governing statutes and regulations have not evolved alongside the changing business models. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s witness Ken Keesaman addressed these concerns today at the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade hearing.
“The evolution of today’s livestock industry has shifted, and in order for family businesses to survive, we have expanded and diversified our operations,” said Keesaman, owner of KK Farms in Missouri. “In terms of agriculture, today’s small business has changed and it is appropriate for the size standards applied by the Small Business Administration to more accurately represent today’s small operations.”
For small family businesses like KK Farms, diversifying is essential to mitigating risk. KK farms started out in the cattle business in the 1870s and has since grown to incorporate 1500 acres where they raise 300 head of registered Angus Cattle, a few hogs and farm corn, soybeans and hay. The family has further diversified their operation by adding a vineyard and winery, a microbrewery, and has plans to add a restaurant and event center – all in an effort to spread their risk.
“When you evaluate the success of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, we have developed a successful business model not only domestically but also globally,” said Keesaman, who is also a member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “In terms of production, the United States has only seven percent of the world’s cattle supply but we are able to produce 20 percent of the world’s beef. We have found ways to utilize more of our natural resources and the latest science to be more efficient than our international competition.”
Agriculture is the only industry burdened with a statute that mandates size. While the face of the small business has changed, smaller operations still play a significant role in the beef cattle industry. According to USDA, the average domestic cow herd size is 40 head. With the smallest national beef herd since 1951, the industry has still managed to produce approximately 25 billion pounds of beef for the increasing global market.
“As industries adapt to the changing market place, it is important for the government to modify the governing statutes and regulations to better reflect the changes in the business climate,” said Keesaman.