Cattlemen Welcome Death Tax Relief

The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

August 8, 2009

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: WASHINGTON (August 3, 2009) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised legislation introduced by Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and John Salazar (D-CO) that would provide farmers and ranchers relief from the death tax. HR 3524, the Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act, would exempt working farm and ranch land from the death tax, as long as the land is kept in production agriculture. Should the land be used or sold for other purposes, a recapture tax would be imposed.

“The death tax is one of the leading causes of the breakup of family farms, as producers are forced to sell their land to pay off taxes on their inheritance,” said Gary Voogt, NCBA President and rancher from Marne, Mich. “This legislation is an important step in ensuring hardworking farmers and ranchers can keep their land in their families.”

Currently, estates valued at more than $3.5 million, or $7 million for a couple, are taxed at a 45% rate. President Obama has proposed freezing it at this level so it can be dealt with at a later date. But if Congress doesn’t act to freeze or reduce the estate tax, in 2011, it will revert to a staggering 55% tax on estates worth only $1 million or more.

“Our country can’t afford the consequences of taxing our farmers and ranchers out of business,” Voogt said. “NCBA will continue to press for relief from the death tax, and we look forward to working with Congressmen Thompson and Salazar to ensure that cattle producers can continue to work their land and feed our nation.”

### The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.