Beltway Beef

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.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in the case Sackett v. EPA, which delivered a critical win to the cattle industry on the issue of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The decision strikes down the significant nexus test that the federal government used to determine what features should be regulated as a WOTUS, delivering more certainty for cattle producers making changes on their land. NCBA filed an amicus brief in the case and has the led the fight against WOTUS for decades.

Across Texas and Oklahoma, specially trained law enforcement officers protect the cattle industry and investigate crimes against farmers and ranchers. These Special Rangers of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) are part of a historic agency that has been compared to the famed Texas Rangers, Scotland Yard, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. On this episode from outside the beltway, we talk with Special Ranger Bo Fox to learn more about the day-to-day work of these law enforcement officers and the future of this agency. This Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, NCBA salutes all of the agricultural law enforcement officers protecting America’s farmers and ranchers.

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to discuss the animal rights activist groups that are attacking the Beef Checkoff through the deceptively titled “Opportunities for Fairness in Farming” or OFF Act. Despite false claims from proponents of the OFF Act, the Beef Checkoff is strongly supported by cattle producers, is producer-led, and receives robust oversight from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Woodall also explains how the checkoff supports producers’ livelihoods and strengthens the cattle industry as a whole.

On this episode, we are joined by NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus and Whitestone Farm Managing Partner and General Manager Mark Duffell for an update on a recent farm tour conducted for the British Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries the Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP. Bacus explains how farm tours for foreign officials are an important way to educate them on U.S. cattle production practices, our industry’s sustainability, and animal welfare programs like the Beef Quality Assurance program. Duffell provides background on Whitestone Farm’s operations and explains from a producer perspective why sharing our story with policymakers is important.

Over 300 cattle producers flew to Washington, D.C. to participate in NCBA’s Legislative Conference and meet with their Members of Congress. Producers shared stories from their farming and ranching operations and discussed the policy priorities that are important to the cattle industry. On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera provides an inside look at Legislative Conference and the importance of this event for informing our nation’s policymakers on the needs of the cattle industry.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss what cattle producers should expect now that the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. rule has taken effect in 48 states. Hart highlights some of the most concerning provisions of the rule and explains how NCBA is continuing to fight against the rule in Congress and in court.

On this episode, we are joined by Cattlemen to Cattlemen Host Kevin Ochsner and Executive Producer Kate Maher to discuss the special National Ag Day episode of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen TV show. Ochsner and Maher share updates from their recent travels where they visited 77 Ranch, JA Ranch, Bezner Beef, XIT Feeders, and The Meat Board in Texas. Together, these producers, feeders, and retailers represent the full cattle and beef supply chain. As a cattle producer, Ochsner shares what National Ag Day means to him and Maher explains the value of watching NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen. This special episode will air on RFD-TV on March 21, 2023, at 8:30 PM Eastern. For more information about the show, visit www.cattlementocattlemen.org.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to discuss Brazil’s history of failing to report cases of BSE, commonly referred to as Mad Cow Disease, in a timely manner. Due to Brazil’s lack of transparency, NCBA is calling for a suspension of Brazilian beef imports until it is determined that Brazil meets the United States’ high animal health standards. Bacus also provides some information on the importance of the World Organization for Animal Health and the value of collaborating to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases.

On this episode, Iowa cattle producer Bill Couser joins to discuss his work on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee. The committee was established in 2007 to provide independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. Committee members include representatives from academia, the agricultural industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments. Couser represents the cattle industry on this committee and shared some details from his meeting in Washington.

On this special episode, NCBA Senior Director of Sustainability Dr. Samantha Werth and Associate Director of Sustainability Projects Grace Vehige join to discuss the Cattle Industry Convention’s focus on beef sustainability. Dr. Werth highlights some of the events that producers can attend at the convention, including visiting the sustainability booth on the tradeshow floor and hearing from fellow producers about conservation practices. Vehige discusses the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP), a prestigious award that recognizes the outstanding stewardship and conservation efforts of cattle producers. ESAP’s regional winners will be announced at the convention. Visit convention.ncba.org to learn more and register today!

On this special episode, NCBA Executive Director of Meetings and Events Kristin Torres joins to preview the unique events happening at the 125th Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Tradeshow. The convention schedule is jam packed with once-in-a-lifetime events like a fireside chat with NCBA President Don Schiefelbein and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and a special concert with the band Midland and opener Neal McCoy. Plus, the convention serves as an opportunity for cattle producers to participate in NCBA’s grassroots policy process and discuss the issues facing the cattle industry. Register today at convention.ncba.org and get jazzed in New Orleans!

On this episode, NCBA Senior Executive Director of Governance and Leadership Development Barb Wilkinson joins to announce NCBA’s new policy committee leadership—grassroots cattle producers who serve as chairs and vice chairs of the association’s policy committees. Wilkinson explains the importance of these leadership roles and how individual cattle producers have a stake in crafting NCBA’s policy positions. Wilkinson also highlights ways to get more involved in the grassroots policy process and explains how an NCBA membership provides protection from harmful policies coming out of Washington, D.C.

On this episode, we explore the NCBA public policy internship program, which provides rising cattle industry leaders with the opportunity to learn about advocacy in Washington, D.C. NCBA Associate Director of Operations Justyn Tedder joins to discuss the internship application process and a current and former intern each provide some insight into their experience working in Washington.

On this episode, Associate Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources Sigrid Johannes joins to discuss the Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Johannes explains how voluntary conservation efforts by cattle producers have protected lesser prairie chicken habitat and how the bird enjoys habitat achieved through cattle grazing. She unpacks some of the highly restrictive language in the portion of the rule that applies to the northern states in the species’ range, and what NCBA is fighting to change. Finally, Johannes explains how the Fish and Wildlife Service should improve their process for ESA listings by following science-based guidelines.

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to discuss the new White House National Security Memorandum to Strengthen the Security and Resilience of U.S. Food and Agriculture. This memorandum is a public acknowledgement that food security is national security. Woodall also shares details from his pre-briefing at the White House with senior defense, law enforcement, and national security officials on identifying and mitigating threats to agriculture. Woodall also highlights how NCBA’s strong relationships with policymakers in Washington, D.C. benefit cattle producers.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart and Senior Director of Sustainability Dr. Samantha Werth join to discuss the science that confirms the cattle industry’s sustainability. Thanks to generations of continuous improvement, the cattle industry has substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions while more efficiently providing a nutritious protein and supporting the economy in rural communities. Hart explains how the cattle industry’s sustainable practices connect to advocacy in Washington, while Werth explains all the environmental, economic, and societal benefits of beef. Learn more about the cattle industry’s sustainability at ncba.org/sustainability.

On this episode, NCBA Vice President Ethan Lane joins to discuss the November election’s potential impact on the cattle industry. Lane highlights how anti-agriculture activists have made additional campaign contributions this cycle and he previews how the election might impact the makeup of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Finally, Lane explains NCBA’s role in educating new members of Congress on the needs of the cattle industry.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins for an in-depth discussion on two major agricultural cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case Sackett v. EPA is considering the longstanding issue of “Waters of the United States” and the federal government’s proper jurisdiction in regulating bodies of water, while National Pork Producer’s Council v. Ross is considering the dormant commerce clause and its implications for livestock producers selling goods across state lines. NCBA has filed amicus briefs before the court in both cases to advocate for the unique needs of cattle producers.

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to provide his perspective as an attendee at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Woodall also provides an update on key issues NCBA is focused on, including new Packers and Stockyards rules from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the “Waters of the U.S.” Supreme Court case of Sackett v. EPA, and the overreaching Securities and Exchange Commission climate disclosure rule. Finally, Woodall highlights some significant policy wins from the past year and explains NCBA's focus for this fall.

On this episode, NCBA member and Iowa cattle producer Shayne Wiese joins to discuss his experience utilizing voluntary conservation programs from the 2018 Farm Bill. As Congress is developing the next Farm Bill, Wiese provided essential insight on his experience accessing these programs for his own cattle operation and working with local U.S. Department of Agriculture staff. Wiese also highlighted how cattle can be a tool for conservation and environmental improvement. In addition to being a member of NCBA, Wiese is a member of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera provides an update on an important piece of transportation in the supply chain: trains. Rivera explains how rail lines provide essential feed and fuel to cattle operations and she highlights NCBA's new grassroots policy on issues impacting rail service.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, a bill introduced in Congress by Senators John Thune, Kyrsten Sinema, John Boozman, and Mark Kelly, that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating the naturally occurring emissions from cattle operations. Hart also highlighted the continuous innovation that has led to the U.S. cattle and beef industry being the most sustainable in the world.

On this episode, NCBA’s Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons joins to discuss the Asian Longhorned Tick, an extremely aggressive tick that can cause stress and severe blood loss in cattle. The tick also can transmit diseases to cattle such as bovine Theileriosis, a disease that causes anemia, failure to grow (ill-thrift), persistent infection, reproductive problems, and in some cases, death. The tick is extremely mobile, reproduces quickly, and is smaller than a sesame seed, making it difficult to detect. NCBA is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to host a virtual symposium on managing this tick and the diseases it carries. For more information on that event, please visit ncba.org.

On this episode, NCBA Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss NCBA’s fight against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s overreaching greenhouse gas disclosure rule. Hart details the origins of the rule and the harm it could cause to cattle producers. Hart also highlights NCBA’s grassroots campaign against the rule, which resulted in over 6,000 cattle producers sharing their perspective with the SEC, and key arguments from technical comments submitted to the agency by an NCBA-led coalition of agricultural groups.

On this episode, Associate Director of PLC and NCBA Natural Resources Sigrid Johannes joins to discuss the unforeseen consequences that Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings can have on ranchers. Johannes discusses how NCBA and PLC are working together to advocate for science-based, state-led management of species like the gray wolf and the northern long-eared bat. Johannes also talks about the need to fight back against the undue federal regulatory burden that threatens producers’ ability to actively manage our nation's natural resources.

NCBA’s Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins the podcast to discuss the Security and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) greenhouse gas emissions reporting rule that would require publicly traded companies to disclose their Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy use), and Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions. As part of this rule, farmers and ranchers who sell to publicly traded companies would be responsible for collecting and reporting emissions to the company. While emissions calculation would likely be inaccurate at best, it would also place unreasonable and undue legal risk on individual producers. Each day, cattle producers make positive strides toward environmental stewardship, and this rule would create unnecessary red tape and legal liability that could threaten the viability of those family-owned businesses. Tune in to hear Hart discuss how NCBA is pushing back on this rule and how producers can share their opposition with decision makers in Washington, DC. To join the grassroots campaign, visit policy.ncba.org.

On this episode, public policy intern Grace Vehige hosts Reba Mazak, American National Cattle Women (ANCW) president, to discuss the organization’s recent fly-in. ANCW, a close partner with NCBA, plays an important role in advocating on behalf of the cattle industry. Tune in to hear Reba's insight on topics of importance to their membership and why it is critical for cattle producers to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C.

On this episode, Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access Kent Bacus joins to discuss NCBA’s stance on trade, how we hold our trade partners to high safety standards, and why a trade deal between the U.S. and UK is a top priority.

This week, Tanner Beymer joins the podcast to discuss the cattle markets hearings that occurred in both the House and Senate Agriculture Committee this past week. Beymer shares that NCBA is focused on securing practical solutions – that have broad industry support – to increase market transparency and boost producer leverage in pricing negotiations.

NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover joins the podcast to give an update on the work being done to ensure clear and consistent environmental regulations for cattle producers. As the Biden administration undergoes processes to repeal and replace Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules, NCBA is working to ensure that these rules facilitate an environment where farmers and ranchers can continue critical on the ground progress, instead of impeding it.

Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane joins the podcast to give an update on the work being done by NCBA’s Government Affairs team. Lane discusses the latest legislative and regulatory proposals and encourages members to be engaged in the policy process through conversations with their elected officials.

Recently, NCBA President Don Schiefelbein joined Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane and Senior Director of International Trade & Market Access Kent Bacus in London to set the stage for a potential trade deal with the United Kingdom. Tune in to hear Schiefelbein discuss why free and fair trade deals are essential to increase carcass value and export more high-quality U.S. beef to countries around the world. Schiefelbein shares the team’s experience addressing misconceptions about the U.S. beef industry and building relationships with UK officials.

NCBA’s Environmental Counsel, Mary-Thomas Hart, joins the podcast to discuss why this year’s focus on conservation during National Ag Day is a significant moment for the U.S. agriculture industry, especially cattle farmers and ranchers. Through innovative voluntary conservation efforts, producers across the country are making decisions that have a direct impact on maintaining clean water, improving soil health, and mitigation of catastrophic wildfires. Hart shares why it is important for decision makers in Washington, D.C., to understand the commitment the U.S. cattle industry has to conservation, but why it is essential that producers have the ability to make individualized decisions that are best suited for the land that they are managing.

This week, NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane sits down with Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee GT Thompson. Tune in to hear Lane and Thompson discuss why industry input is critical as Farm Bill discussions begin, and what can be done to address cattle marketing challenges faced by producers across the country. Even in the midst of partisan gridlock, Thompson understands the importance of promoting policy, such as voluntary conservation programs and rural broadband, that allow producers to have a viable business climate, now and for generations to come.

Joining us on this episode of Beltway Beef is NCBA member J.J. Goicoechea, a fourth-generation rancher from east-central Nevada. He discusses the Biden administration’s 30x30 or “America the Beautiful” initiative, in which they intend to conserve 30 percent of the nation’s water and land by 2030. NCBA and industry partners, including the Public Lands Council, have worked hard to help decision makers understand how farmers and ranchers, through innovative land management and grazing efforts, have been at the forefront of conservation efforts. As the administration seeks feedback from industry, Goicoechea explains why it is critical to understand the difference between conservation and preservation, as well as respect the expertise of those who have stewarded the land and natural resources for generations.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover joins to discuss a recent U.S. District Court decision to remand and vacate a Trump administration decision to remove Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections from gray wolves, essentially relisting the species. Glover shares how, despite rhetoric from animal activist groups, the gray wolf population is one of the most successful ESA recovery stories in U.S. history, exceeding recovery goals by 300 percent since being listed under the ESA in 1974. While NCBA and its partners are frustrated with the decision, Glover committed to pursuing every option possible – regulatory and legal – to put a stop to the federal whiplash that farmers and ranchers across the country have faced for years when it comes to ESA rules.

Kim Brackett, an Idaho native, owns Brackett Ranches with her husband and four children. As a cow-calf producer, Kim understands the importance of making conservation decisions that contribute to rangeland health, wildfire mitigation, and habitat recovery. Taking care of the land and setting the future generation up for success is a top priority for Brackett. In this episode, she discusses her experience testifying in front of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture and explains how the science-based, data-driven decisions made on farms and ranches play a critical role in meeting environmental stewardship goals.

Luis Martinez, counselor for agricultural affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in the United States, and Gizem Eras, counsellor of agriculture and fisheries at the Embassy of Canada in the United States, sit down with Ashley and NCBA's Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access Kent Bacus to discuss the importance of free trade agreements and the excellent working relationship they have built on behalf of the countries they represent. Bacus also discusses the record-setting trade export numbers that the U.S. achieved during 2021!

Incoming NCBA President Don Schiefelbein sits down with Ashley at the the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show to discuss his year as president and NCBA's top priorities for the year ahead. A cow-calf producer from Minnesota, Schiefelbein is committed to carrying out NCBA's member-led grassroots policy and looks forward to serving cattle and beef producers from across the country throughout his term.

On this episode, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane discusses NCBA's upcoming convention and, specifically, the member-led grassroots policy process that sets NCBA apart from other cattle organizations. Lane shares how members will set the direction for the next year in areas that range from live cattle marketing to federal taxes to sustainability.

NCBA’s Environmental Counsel, Mary-Thomas Hart, joins the podcast to discuss the report recently released by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). In their report FRRCC provided recommendations that directly align with NCBA’s policy stances on several topics under EPA jurisdiction, including Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Hart also reminds cattle producers that that their voice is the most powerful as we work with decisionmakers at EPA to achieve clear and consistent WOTUS rules. Visit ncba.org/policy to sign a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and let your voice be heard!

CEO Colin Woodall joins the podcast to discuss the work that NCBA has done on behalf of farmers and ranchers this year. He shares how the D.C. policy team worked diligently to build relationships with the new administration and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. Through fighting hard to ensure the future of farms and ranches aren’t threatened by massive tax hikes and working with decisionmakers to explain how cattle producers are part of the climate solution, NCBA is committed to following through on the grassroots policy set by cattle and beef producers representing every sector of the industry. Tune in to hear Woodall reflect on the year and share how NCBA plans to continue to work on behalf of producers as we move into 2022.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the extension of livestock mandatory reporting (LMR) through September 30, 2022 and passed the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021. NCBA has led the charge in facilitating opportunities for greater market transparency and worked with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to secure passage of this important legislation. Tune in to hear NCBA’s Tanner Beymer discuss the positive impact this will have on U.S. cattle and beef producers.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane and Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover sit down for a conversation with Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources Bruce Westerman. As a forester by trade, he understands the real-life impact of the land management decisions being made on Capitol Hill. Westerman discusses the importance of active forest management as a key part of wildfire mitigation and shares how farmers and ranchers play a vital role in conservation efforts.