Subsequent to a news release by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) condemning a statement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supporting the "Meatless Monday" campaign, USDA publicly stated it does not support the extremist "Meatless Monday" campaign and stated that the statement was posted on its website without the "proper clearance." NCBA President J.D. Alexander issued the following statement regarding this most recent USDA action.

"We appreciate USDA's swift action in pulling this disparaging statement off its website. USDA publicly stated today that it does not support this campaign. We appreciate USDA making this right. The agency is important to all cattlemen and women, especially as we face unprecedented challenges, including drought and animal rights extremist groups spreading fiction to consumers who need to know the importance of beef in a healthy diet.

"USDA did right by scrapping this statement and acknowledging the important role of America's farm and ranch families in providing food for the world. USDA denouncing support of the Meatless Monday campaign is an important step in correcting misinformation about the safety and sustainability of U.S. beef production."