Farmers could face tax for belching cattle

Area cattle farmers are trying to make sense about recent reports suggesting they could soon be taxed for gas produced when their cattle and hogs belch.

Numerous environmentalists contend methane, which is produced when cattle and other farm animals belch, is a major contributor to global warming. They say it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Some farm organizations warn that a clean air tax being considered for livestock farms would drive many farmers out of business, while other farm groups contend there is no need for farmers to worry.

The Washington, D.C.-based American Farm Bureau is among the groups sounding the alarm. Officials say a permit program for livestock farms, which is being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gasses, could tax beef producers who own more than 50 cattle. In that case, farmers would be taxed $87.50 for every animal on their farm or ranch.

Dairy farmers who own more than 25 cows could be taxed $175 per animal, and pork producers with more than 200 hogs could be taxed $20 for each hog, according to American Farm Bureau officials.

Joe Dickerson, a Greenhill cattle farmer, said the tax would force many farmers, including himself, to sell their livestock.

"Our profit margin on the cattle we sell is about $87," he said. "If they pass this tax, it would take away all of our profit."

Alabama Farmers Federation officials in Montgomery say all Alabamians would be negatively impacted if farmers are taxed. Perry Mobley, director of the federation's beef division, said consumers would pay more for milk, beef and pork if farmers are forced out of business by the tax.

The possibilities have farmers statewide upset. Christy Rhodes Kirk, a spokeswoman for Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, said her office has already heard from numerous farmers and consumers who want to know more about the proposed livestock tax.

Billy Powell, executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, said farmers should not be worried about the proposal. He said the Alabama and national cattlemen's associations have been unable to substantiate the reports that EPA is planning to impose a tax on cattle and hog farmers. He called the reports reckless behavior that has caused undue duress and alarm for farmers.

Orland Britnell, a cattle farmer from Russellville and president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, said he is not worried about the proposed cow tax becoming law.

"It's not going to happen," he said. "We've talked to EPA and they told us it's not even in their game plan."

Dale Kemery, a spokesman for EPA, said the agency is looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gasses but has not developed specific recommendations for reducing methane emissions from livestock farms.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@TimesDaily.com.