Matt McElligott

Tax Relief, Farm Bill Priorities For Oregon Cattle Producers
Tax Relief, Farm Bill Priorities For Oregon Cattle Producers
Tax Relief, Farm Bill Priorities For Oregon Cattle Producers
A host of issues being debated in D.C. look to have a direct, or indirect, impact on the farming community across the Northwest.  For the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, the 2017 Tax Relief Bill set to expire at the end of this year is one of the top issues.   “Once ...
2024 Wildfires Still On The Minds Of Oregon Ranchers
2024 Wildfires Still On The Minds Of Oregon Ranchers
2024 Wildfires Still On The Minds Of Oregon Ranchers
Unfortunately, 2024 was one for the record books in Oregon, for all of the wrong reasons.  The wildfire season was one of the worst, acreage wise, with nearly two million acres of the state burning last year.  And Matt McElligott, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said the industry is still feeling the economic impact.   “People are tryi...
OCA Still Accepting Wildfire Assistance Applications
OCA Still Accepting Wildfire Assistance Applications
OCA Still Accepting Wildfire Assistance Applications
The cattle industry was hit very hard by the 2024 wildfires across Oregon, with producers losing grazing opportunities, livestock, fences and in some cases homes.  To try to help producers pick up the pieces and move forward, the Oregon Cattle Association set up a wildfire assistance fund.   “...
Oregon Cattlemen Gather In Pendleton
Oregon Cattlemen Gather In Pendleton
Oregon Cattlemen Gather In Pendleton
The cattle industry was front and center in Pendleton for the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association’s Convention late last week.  Matt McElligott, President of the OCA, said he was happy with the turn out.    “Excellent speakers and committee meeting.  We got a lot done, and so we can mo...
AgriStress Hotline There To Help Farmers In Need
AgriStress Hotline There To Help Farmers In Need
AgriStress Hotline There To Help Farmers In Need
The farming community is paying more attention to mental health, and the needs of everyone connected to the Ag community.  To help address those challenges, the AgriStress hotline was launched in Oregon in late 2023.  Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, said farmers and ranchers are a pretty independent and prideful people who don’t often talk about their struggles.  
OCA: Producers Will Need To Address Fencing After Wildfire Season
OCA: Producers Will Need To Address Fencing After Wildfire Season
OCA: Producers Will Need To Address Fencing After Wildfire Season
The industry may never know just how many cattle were lost in wildfires in Oregon this year.  But, whether an operator lost one or 100, government programs are available to help offset some of those cattle losses.  Other programs will look to help rehabilitate pasture and rangeland.  Matt McElligott p...
McElligott: You Are Not Alone During This Trying Time
McElligott: You Are Not Alone During This Trying Time
McElligott: You Are Not Alone During This Trying Time
This year has been particularly hard on the Oregon cattle industry, but not because of meat prices, or input costs, but because of wildfires.  Nearly two million acres have burned across the state, which means for many producers they lost their summer grazing land, and some unfortunately lost an outbuilding, or even their home.  Matt Mc...
OCA: Relationships Will Be Key This Legislative Session
OCA: Relationships Will Be Key This Legislative Session
OCA: Relationships Will Be Key This Legislative Session
With the 2023 Oregon legislative session underway in Salem, ag groups across the state will watch a host of issues in the weeks ahead.  Matt McElligott, President-elect of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association says one of the issues they will watch very closely, and with some concern, is the roll out of Ag overtime.   “Coupl...
OCA: New Role For Taylor Good News For Oregon Ag
OCA: New Role For Taylor Good News For Oregon Ag
OCA: New Role For Taylor Good News For Oregon Ag
Over the holidays, Alexis Taylor officially changed roles from Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, to the USDA’s Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.  And many in the farming community say the move is good news for Oregon.   “She w...