Beltway Beef

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to highlight recent actions taken by both NCBA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect the cattle industry from New World screwworm. Woodall shares information on how screwworm threatens producers and what NCBA, state affiliates, and policymakers are doing to mitigate this threat. For the latest information about New World screwworm, visit www.NCBA.org/NWS.

On this episode, South Dakota family ranchers Charles and Heather Maude join after news that criminal charges levied against them by the Biden administration would be dropped. The Maudes explain the circumstances behind their unfair prosecution last year and share what they hope other farmers and ranchers learn from their heartbreaking experience. They also describe the experience of joining Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, and members of Congress to share their story with national media at a press conference on the front steps of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To learn more about the Maude family, visit ncba.org or publiclandscouncil.org.

On this episode, NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein joins to discuss the New World screwworm. Wehrbein explains how U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is working to hold Mexico accountable for eradicating the screwworm and protect the American cattle herd. Wehrbein shares support for Secretary Rollins' hard work and explains the risk screwworm poses to the cattle industry.

When you make your living on the land like everyone in the cattle business does, policy decisions that impact our natural resources are critically important. On this episode, Director of NCBA Government Affairs and the Public Lands Council Garrett Edmonds joins to share the latest information on natural resources policy in Washington. Edmonds updates listeners on the status of presidential confirmations for officials nominated to lead key land management agencies, provides information on the newly reintroduced Black Vulture Relief Act, and shares insights from recent legislative fly-ins in Washington.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to share an update on the U.S. Treasury Department's new interim final rule that protects small businesses, including farms and ranches, from excessive mandates under the Corporate Transparency Act. The interim rule is a sigh of relief for cattle producers who are no longer required to file invasive beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Bacus explains how the Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reeled in the Corporate Transparency Act and ensured it was focused on criminals and money launderers instead of law-abiding family farmers and ranchers. He also details NCBA's engagement on this issue to protect cattle producers from government overreach.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to share an update on the Trump Administration's new focus on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). Hart explains how the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) is currently accepting feedback on WOTUS with the goal of bringing regulations in line with the Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA decision. Hart describes how NCBA has engaged on WOTUS through numerous presidential administrations and explains how cattle producers can engage directly with the EPA to shape a future WOTUS definition.

On this episode, two NCBA members join to share insights from their testimonies before Congress. Kansas Livestock Association President and cattle producer Troy Sander appeared before the House Agriculture Committee to talk about the cattle industry's top policy priorities including passing the Farm Bill, reducing taxes, protecting the herd from New World screwworm, and protecting the Beef Checkoff. On the same day, Washington Cattlemen's Association member and rancher Kent Clark testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on the risk that dangerous predator reintroduction has on cattle producers and rural communities. Sander and Clark share information about their personal backgrounds and their key message to policymakers.

On this episode, NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein shares an update on his testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Wehrbein explains what it was like to testify before Congress and highlights some of the key issues he focused on including the need for further tax relief, the importance of protecting the Beef Checkoff, and the need to protect the U.S. cattle herd from the New World screwworm.

On this episode, NCBA Associate Director of Government Affairs Kelsea Kemp joins to share an update on four tax bills that have been recently introduced in Congress. Together, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, the Small Business Growth Act, the Estate Tax Rate Reduction Act, and the ALIGN Act would protect several key tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensure cattle producers can keep more of their hard-earned money. Kemp shares the details of each bill and explains how they fit into NCBA's significant push on tax policy this year.

On this episode, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover joins to share an update on new legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to help resolve land boundary disputes between private landowners and the federal government. Especially in the West, old federal survey techniques have resulted in some variation between the legal boundaries based on modern technology and historic boundary markers between private land and federal lands. These administrative discrepancies should be easy to resolve, but some have resulted in a burdensome legal process for private landowners. Senator Rounds' bill would create a mediation process to resolve these kinds of boundary disputes and support private landowners.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to provide an update on the preliminary injunction that has temporarily halted filing requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act and disaster tax legislation that recently passed the Senate. The Corporate Transparency Act has raised concerns for cattle producers due to complex filing requirements and high penalties. Bacus also discusses the passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which was strongly supported by NCBA. The bill reduces taxes on disaster relief payments and helps cattle producers recover from challenging conditions.

On this episode, we are joined by NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons for an update on the New World screwworm. A dangerous pest that is currently making its way through South America, the New World screwworm could cause devastating impacts to the cattle industry if it enters the United States. Dr. Simmons shares critical information about how to safeguard your operation plus she explains how NCBA is advocating for additional resources to combat the screwworm. For all the latest information, please visit www.ncba.org/NWS.

On this episode, we are joined by Registered Dietitian and NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science Dr. Shalene McNeill for the latest on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Updated every five years, the Dietary Guidelines inform federal policies on everything from school lunches to chronic disease prevention. Unfortunately, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is recommending that Americans reduce their consumption of red meat—including beef—and replace it with beans, peas, and lentils. Dr. McNeill explains why this recommended swap is so out-of-touch with the average American's wallet, tastes, and available options at the grocery store. Even worse, it can have unintended consequences for the health of Americans. NCBA is raising the alarm on this development with Congress and cattle producers are encouraged to share their perspective with policymakers by texting BEEF to 52886.

With major tax legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, expiring at the end of next year, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is kicking off a major push on tax policy. On this episode, NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele joins to share his personal story on taxes and how a large tax bill almost ended his lifelong dream of ranching with his family. From that experience, Eisele explains why the fight for lower taxes is so important for NCBA and he delivers a powerful message about how policymakers should address agriculture's unique tax needs and support the economic success of America's cattle farmers and ranchers.

On this episode, we dive into two anti-agriculture ballot propositions up for a vote this fall in the City of Denver. Colorado Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Erin Karney Spaur shares the details of how ballot initiatives 308 and 309 would harm the western way of life and explains how these two votes serve as a test case for future action by radical animal rights activists.

On this episode, we take you inside the American versus British “Battle of the Beef” hosted by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the British Embassy in Washington. The event—attended by the British Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission, the U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator, and numerous policymakers—gave attendees the opportunity to sample high-quality American ribeye steaks and their British-raised competitors. While the event was lighthearted, it underscores NCBA's continued efforts to open the British market to American beef. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to highlight NCBA's work to build overseas demand for beef, open new markets to American cattle producers, and connect British consumers with the high-quality American beef they crave.

On this episode, we are joined by members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association including their CEO Bryan Whaley and Shelby Cornelius, a young producer and participant in the Iowa Cattlemen's Leadership Program. Whaley explains the history and purpose of this leadership program, which includes the opportunity for producers to advocate for the cattle industry in Washington, D.C. Cornelius discusses his experience in Washington and the importance of sharing your story with D.C. policymakers.

On this episode, we are joined by cattle producer and NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee Chair Troy Sander. Sander discusses his trip to Washington, D.C. to brief policymakers on cattle marketing and business issues. He shares his perspective on unique innovation and quality improvements in the cattle industry, and the future for greater beef demand. Sander also explains the importance of having an open dialogue with Congressional leaders and the value of NCBA in representing cattle producers on Capitol Hill.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus provides information on protein shortages at the Olympic games that are causing disruptions for athletes that need access to high-quality protein. Bacus explains how anti-agricultural policies impact access to foods like beef and shares how NCBA engagement—both with U.S. and European governments—is critical for protecting American consumers from similar shortages.

On this episode, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover joins to discuss the lawsuit filed against the Bureau of Land Management's “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule by a coalition of agriculture and energy organizations. Glover explains cattle producers' concerns with the rule and shares how it goes beyond Congressional authority while simultaneously undermining the principle of “multiple use” of our nation's public lands.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to recap the Supreme Court's decision to end Chevron deference, a legal concept that granted federal agencies broad latitude to craft regulations without explicit direction from Congress. Over the last 40 years, Chevron has led to Congress ceding authority to federal agencies who institute an increasingly greater number of regulations, including rules that impact cattle producers. Hart provides analysis of the Supreme Court's ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, explains how the decision will impact ongoing rulemakings, and describes how Congress' role may change moving forward.

On this episode, NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes joins to discuss the Department of Defense's (DoD) plan to fund research on lab-grown protein. NCBA has voiced opposition to feeding our nation's soldiers like lab rats with this untested product. Johannes highlights the work being done by Congressman Don Bacon, a retired Air Force General, to counter this DoD plan and explains how cattle producers can weigh in on this issue as well.

On this episode, NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele joins to discuss some of his recent travels to Australia and Mexico. At these meetings, Eisele worked to unite farmers and ranchers on some of the common threats facing cattle producers around the world like foreign animal diseases, lab-grown protein, and radical anti-agriculture activism. Eisele signed joint statements with his cattle industry counterparts from Australia, Canada, and Mexico to further this collaboration. Eisele also shared some information on a joint letter sent to the top trade officials in the United States, Mexico, and Canada calling for greater trade opportunities and robust oversight of disreputable trading partners.

On this episode, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson joins to provide an update on the Farm Bill. Chairman Thompson walks us through the contents of his Farm Bill and unveils its title, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. He details some of the cattle health and disaster relief provisions in the next Farm Bill, explains congressional dynamics surrounding the legislation, and discusses the producer feedback that was critical to crafting this bill.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera joins to provide an update on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees' newly released Farm Bill frameworks. These developments come as the House Agriculture Committee is planning to markup a Farm Bill later in May. Rivera reiterates the needs of America's cattle producers in the next Farm Bill and details Congressman GT Thompson's exceptional outreach to cattle producers. Rivera also shares information on new legislation introduced by Rep. Ronny Jackson and Sen. Ted Cruz to support cattle producers who lost livestock in the recent wildfires.

On this episode, we are joined by Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover to analyze the “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule recently finalized by the Bureau of Land Management. Glover explains why western ranchers have raised concerns about the rule and how it will impact public lands grazers. Glover also explains why all cattle producers should be paying attention to issues impacting western ranchers.

On this episode, we come to you from the NCBA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele joins to discuss the importance of this event and the message that cattle producers are delivering on Capitol Hill. Eisele also explains the importance of NCBA's grassroots advocacy efforts and shares his perspective on support for the Beef Checkoff, the cattle industry's Farm Bill priorities, and federal lands issues.

On this episode, we discuss NCBA's involvement in the U.S. – E.U. Collaboration Platform on Agriculture and the first event with European agriculture officials held in the United States. Idaho rancher and NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett joins to share information on her participation in the Collaboration Platform on Agriculture as a panelist discussing the cattle industry's commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart served as a moderator at the U.S. – E.U. meeting and offers her perspective on the conversations occurring between American and European agriculture leaders. Finally, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins the conversation to explain the importance of these international meetings, NCBA's work to promote the U.S. cattle industry overseas, and our relationship building with European agriculture officials.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera joins to share updates on disaster relief programs that provide support to cattle producers following natural disasters. Rivera details NCBA's Farm Bill priorities as Congress continues discussing possible legislation. She also explains NCBA's support of new legislation to improve the Livestock Indemnity Program.

On this episode, Director of the Public Lands Council (PLC) and NCBA Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes joins to provide an update on several issues impacting Western ranchers. Johannes outlines the Bureau of Land Management's push to update greater sage grouse management plans, details the Biden administration's push to expand grizzly bear populations, and shares the latest on the delisting of major predator species. Johannes also explains why cattle producers in the other regions of the country should pay close attention to the policies impacting Western ranchers.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to analyze the final greenhouse gas disclosure rule issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The initial rule could have subjected farmers and ranchers to extremely burdensome emissions reporting requirements, but thanks to NCBA advocacy, the final rule removed the most damaging provisions in a major win for producers. Hart explains how NCBA engaged with the SEC to educate policymakers on the unintended consequences of the rule. She also describes NCBA's grassroots advocacy efforts, including over 7,000 producer comments sent to the SEC, that were critical for helping us win this fight.

On this episode, we meet NCBA's new policy division officers including Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett from Idaho and Policy Division Vice Chair Skye Krebs from Oregon. Brackett and Krebs discuss their involvement in the cattle industry, including leadership in state affiliate organizations and national partners like the Public Lands Council. The officers also discuss the policy priorities they are most concerned about including reauthorization of the Farm Bill and pushing back on radical animal rights activists. As public lands ranchers, Brackett and Krebs also discuss some of the unique challenges that Western ranchers face.

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to explain the NCBA grassroots policy process that was on display at CattleCon24 in Orlando. Woodall also discusses NCBA's work pushing back on tax changes that could harm cattle producers. Finally, Woodall shares the value of joining NCBA and having representation in Washington, D.C.

On this episode, U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip joins to share his perspective on emerging markets for beef exports. Ambassador McKalip provides insights on the work his office does to help remove non-scientific trade barriers that inhibit American beef sales abroad and explains what he is looking forward to at CattleCon24.

On this episode, we are joined by NCBA Policy Division Chair Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. Copenhaver provides insight into his recent meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, shares information on NCBA's major policy wins from 2023 and priorities for 2024, and explains the value of NCBA's producer-led grassroots policy process. Copenhaver also previews CattleCon24 in Orlando and highlights some of the policy meetings, trade show exhibits, and special events that CattleCon attendees can expect to see. Finally, Copenhaver discusses several priorities for the next Farm Bill.

On this episode, U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA) Administrator Marcia Bunger joins to discuss RMA's Livestock Roadshow. The Livestock Roadshow is a series of workshops happening across the country that are designed to educate producers on the various risk management products available to them. Topics for RMA's Livestock Roadshow sessions include Annual Forage, Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin, Livestock Risk Protection, Pasture, Rangeland and Forage, and Weaned Calf Risk Protection. Virtual and in-person sessions will occur starting this month and continuing into March. For the full schedule, please visit rma.usda.gov.

On this episode, Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus and Nebraska rancher Jaclyn Wilson, chair of NCBA's International Trade Committee, join to discuss NCBA's concerns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to permit beef imports from Paraguay into the United States. NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with Paraguayan beef imports because of the country's history with devastating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Bacus explains the background on this issue and Wilson shares her perspective on why preventing an outbreak of FMD is so important.

On this episode, Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes joins to provide updates on the Biden administration's misguided plan to introduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem in Washington state. This plan would be disastrous for rural communities since these grizzlies are twenty-times more dangerous than black bears and pose a direct threat to rural residents, farmers, and ranchers.

On this episode, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane shares insights on how Speaker Mike Johnson's election will impact the cattle industry. Lane recaps NCBA's experience working with Speaker Johnson, describes his political philosophy, and explains how the speaker election will impact legislation important to agriculture like the Farm Bill.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus takes us inside the World Meat Congress to learn about the pressing issues facing livestock and meat producers across the world. Bacus shares news about NCBA's new leadership role within the International Meat Secretariat and he recounts some experiences from the conference that show us why it is so important to advocate for cattle producers here in the United States.

On this episode, California rancher and past NCBA President Kevin Kester joins to share his insights on the Farm Bill, the value of the Beef Checkoff, and other major policy issues being discussed in Washington. Kester also provides updates from his ranch, including his operation's diversification in growing wine grapes. Finally, Kester discusses his family's involvement in the Honor Flight program that brings veterans to Washington, D.C. for a tour of honor. Kevin and his wife June have been involved in numerous Honor Flights, including one that brought some beef industry leaders who served in our nation's Armed Forces out to D.C. Tune in!

It's been a busy few days in Washington! Congress rejected an amendment attacking the Beef Checkoff after thousands of cattle producers spoke up against the legislation and a government shutdown was averted after a last-minute deal was reached to pass a continuing resolution. For more on these developments, NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer joins Beltway Beef to discuss Rep. Victoria Spartz's anti-checkoff amendment, the latest on the agricultural appropriations bill, and the future for government funding legislation in Congress.

As climate discussions in New York City wrap up, NCBA's Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins Beltway Beef to provide an update on the cattle industry's sustainability. Hart analyzes some key sustainability metrics that show the industry's continued improvement, and she explains how raising cattle provides essential ecosystem services, like maintaining greenspace, healthy soil, and healthy grasses. Hart also provides information on why beef is a sustainable choice for consumers.

On this episode, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane provides an update on Senator Mike Lee's attempt to add the anti-checkoff OFF Act to the Senate agriculture appropriations bill. Lane explains how the OFF Act would harm America's cattle producers, reveals who is funding activist groups that are pushing for this legislation, and shares how cattle producers can voice their concerns to policymakers in Washington. To get involved, text CHECKOFF to 52886.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency's revised Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule that is intended to comply with the Supreme Court's ruling in the case Sackett v. EPA. NCBA was involved in the Sackett case by filing a brief with the Supreme Court that highlighted the Clean Water Act's impact on cattle producers. Hart explains some of the provisions in the revised rule and shares background on NCBA's work fighting for clear, limited WOTUS rules.

On this episode, we hear from NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair and Indiana cattle producer Tim Schwab on the issues facing cattle producers in the Midwest. Schwab discusses his support for the Beef Checkoff program, provides some insight into his experience with NCBA and the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and shares some ways his operation is sustainable.

On this episode, NCBA President Todd Wilkinson joins to provide an update on the hot topics being discussed at NCBA's Summer Business Meeting. Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer, also shares his thoughts on emerging cell-cultured meat technology, overregulation coming from Washington, D.C., animal disease traceability, and the importance of being involved in NCBA.

This week, the powerful House Ways and Means Committee held a field hearing in Kimball, Minnesota at Schiefelbein Farms, an angus seedstock operation owned by NCBA Past President Don Schiefelbein and his family. On this episode, Schiefelbein joins to discuss his testimony at the hearing and explain what the cattle industry needs in the next Farm Bill. Schiefelbein also shares some stories from his foreign travels that underscore the importance of trade and the strong global demand for high-quality American beef.

On this episode, Nebraska rancher Barb Cooksley joins to share her perspective on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), the Farm Bill, sustainability, and other top issues in the cattle industry. Cooksley also details her operation's recovery from wildfire and the conservation practices she employs to steward the resources on her land. Cooksley is a leader in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and Nebraska Cattlemen, and she currently serves as Vice Chair of NCBA's Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee.

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to provide his perspective on NCBA's recent policy wins. Woodall highlights the Supreme Court's recent decision on Waters of the U.S., the cattle industry's Farm Bill priorities, and the federal government's recognition that food security is national security. Woodall also explains how NCBA is responding to new proposed regulations on public lands ranchers and animal rights activists' attacks on the Beef Checkoff program. Additionally, Woodall emphasizes the value of NCBA membership and how to join.

On this episode, Nevada Director of Agriculture J.J. Goicoechea joins to discuss his concerns with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) proposed “conservation” rule that would open the door to removing livestock grazing from our nation's public lands. A fourth-generation cattle producer operating on both his family's private land and public land, Goicoechea explains how the proposed rule runs counter to the BLM's mission of fostering multiple use on public lands. Goicoechea also recently testified before Congress on the proposed rule, and he shares additional insight on the State of Nevada's and industry's concerns with the proposed rule. Finally, Goicoechea explains some of the benefits that public lands ranching provides to the environment.