Beltway Beef

Dr. Scott Barao, of Hedgeapple Farm in Maryland, discusses how environmental stewardship is part of the DNA of farmers and ranchers across the country. He takes great pride in implementing conservation practices on his farm and uses sound science to back his management decisions. Like many cattle producers across the U.S., despite his focus on conservation, Barao faces challenges as a result of overreaching government regulations. On the heels of EPA’s recent repeal of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), Barao shares why it is critical to consider on-the-ground expertise when making regulatory decisions.

NCBA President Jerry Bohn joins the podcast to discuss his year as president and how engagement from young farmers and ranchers will be critical for the success of the beef industry. In addition, Bohn — a veteran himself — reflects on the the sacrifice many have made to preserve freedom in our country and thanks all NCBA members who have served.

Director of Field Services Dusty Holley and First Vice President Pat Durden of Florida Cattlemen are back to discuss how unnecessary and burdensome Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations adversely affect farmers and ranchers across the U.S. On this episode, they discuss the significant investments farmers and ranchers make in conservation efforts and share how the most effective policies are made by those who understand the work that is happening on the ground.

On this episode, Florida Cattlemen Director of Field Services Dusty Holley and First Vice President Pat Durden discuss how Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations impact farmers and ranchers across the U.S. They explain why government overreach poses significant challenges for farmers and ranchers and share why it's important for lawmakers to understand how farmers and ranchers are already investing significant time and financial resources into the implementation of conservation practices.

This week, we are joined by Dr. Dave Daley, chair of NCBA's Federal Lands Committee. As a fifth-generation California rancher, Daley has firsthand experience regarding the impact of federal lands regulations on the cattle industry. Daley discusses the critical role ranchers play in wildfire mitigation and the conservation of millions of acres of land. He also explains how "well intended yet misguided" announcements made by the Biden administration will impact farmers and ranchers.

NCBA president and Kansas cattlemen Jerry Bohn joins the podcast to discuss the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 introduced by Congressmen Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX). If enacted, this legislation would establish a cattle contract library under USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. NCBA has long advocated for greater transparency in cattle marketing and Bohn explains how this bill is a step in the right direction.

NCBA Vice President Todd Wilkinson joins the podcast after testifying at the House Agriculture Committee’s hearing on the current state of the livestock industry. Wilkinson’s comments centered around the top issues facing the U.S. cattle industry – transparency, processing capacity, price discovery, and oversight. Throughout the hearing, he explained why Congress must avoid one-size-fits-all policy solutions and how NCBA has been leading the charge to create a more viable business climate for producers through our grassroots policy process.

Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane joins the podcast to give an update on top issues facing members of Congress this week, including funding the federal government, the bipartisan infrastructure bill and continued discussion regarding the reconciliation bill. Lane also clarifies rumors about a potential methane tax and reminds listeners that NCBA is working to provide members with the most up-to-date and accurate information.

NCBA Vice President Todd Wilkinson and Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck give an update on the reconciliation bill and how recent proposals to changes in the federal tax code could affect farmers and ranchers.

NCBA Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discusses the EPA announcement to rescind Trump administration guidance interpreting the County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund Supreme Court decision. In this case, the Supreme Court found that the Clean Water Act may be applied to “indirect” discharges from point sources to Waters of the United States, including discharges through groundwater, if they are “functionally equivalent” to direct discharges. While Trump’s guidance created flexibility for most agricultural operations, Hart discusses why EPA’s announcement is concerning for the cattle industry and explains how NCBA will continue to advocate for the needs of farmers and ranchers moving forward.

Lane joins the podcast to give an update on D.C. issues, including BSE cases found in Brazil, continued conversations regarding changes to federal tax policy and the Biden administration's press conference regarding consolidation in the meatpacking sector.

Certified public accountant and principal with CliftonLarsonAllen, Paul Neiffer, joins the podcast to discuss the most recent proposals to long-standing provisions in the federal tax code. Tune in to hear Neiffer discuss how these proposals will affect the long-term viability of family-owned agricultural businesses.

Clint Berry, a fifth-generation cattlemen and representative for Superior Livestock, is no stranger to the livestock hauling industry. He joins the podcast to discuss FMCSA’s announcement of an extension of the hours-of-service(HOS)requirements exemption for livestock haulers. Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest. When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility. Clint’s message is clear – hauling live cattle is different than hauling other commodities. Without flexibilities from HOS requirements, family farmers and ranchers are alienated from competitive markets. When you’re hauling live cattle, you cannot pull the truck over when you’ve hit your maximum number of hours. Additional flexibility for livestock haulers is critical for the health and safety of cattle as well as a resilient food supply chain.

South Dakota rancher and Vice President of NCBA, Todd Wilkinson joins the “Tax Talks” podcast to give his perspective on how changes to long-standing federal tax policy will affect the future generation of farmers and ranchers. Wilkinson offers a unique perspective as he has practiced law for over 35 years, specializing in estate tax planning and, with his son, owns a commercial cow-calf operation. He explains how the elimination of key tax provisions for family-owned businesses, such as stepped-up basis, is in direct conflict with the sustainability of agricultural operations. In addition, Wilkinson discusses why the proposed carve outs for ag won’t work for the industry.

Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck and Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera give an update on the infrastructure bill. NCBA's goal throughout this process has been straight forward — get key policy priorities that benefit farmers and ranchers included in the bill, while ensuring that the budget isn't balanced on the backs of those same farmers and ranchers through changes to long-standing provisions in the federal tax code.

Reporting live from the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, Ashley is joined by Florida cattleman and NCBA past President Marty Smith to discuss NCBA's sustainability goals. These goals solidify U.S. cattle ranchers’ commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability. Smith served as chair of NCBA’s Sustainability Goals Task Force. As a cow-calf producer, he knows first-hand the positive story the cattle industry has to tell in regard to sustainability. NCBA’s goals include: •Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040. •Create and enhance opportunities that result in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic sustainability by 2025. •Enhance trust in cattle producers as responsible stewards of their animals and resources by expanding educational opportunities in animal care and handling programs to further improve animal well-being. •Continuously improve our industry's workforce safety and well- being. Tune in to hear how these goals were developed through NCBA’s member-led process and hear Smith’s perspective on how these goals will allow NCBA to be a leading voice in this conversation.

Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane joins the podcast to discuss the policy work that will be done at NCBA’s upcoming convention. Through NCBA’s grassroots policy process, members will participate in policy committee meetings to decide the direction NCBA will take in key policy issues including sustainability, cattle marketing, trade and more.

NCBA is proud of the strong female leadership within our membership. On this episode of "Beltway Beef: Tax Talks," Margaret Ann Smith from Virginia, Janet Crow from Missouri, and June Kester From California discuss how stepped-up basis is a critical tool in generational transfer of family-owned farms and ranches. As decision makers in their businesses, they have first-hand experience in the burdensome, costly, and extensive process of transition planning. Certainty in the federal tax code is critical to ensure that the future generation can build on the good work of today's farmers and ranchers.

NCBA's Chief Environment Counsel, Scott Yager, joins the podcast to discuss the history of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Dating back to 1986, the definition of federal waters has been debated by the Supreme Court of the United States. Yager discusses the evolution of regulations that define a federal waterway and how those rules have impacted farms and ranches over the years. He also shares an update on the current Navigable Waters Protection Rule and what NCBA is doing to ensure farms and ranches can efficiently operate.

On this episode, Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck is joined by Policy Division Chair and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. As a husband, father, and rancher — Eisele understands the importance of federal tax policy that supports generational transfer of family-owned businesses. Beck and Eisele discuss the significance of the support that was shown for farmers and ranchers this week by Members of Congress through Senate floor speeches and a letter sent to President Biden signed by all 50 Senate Republicans.

Executive Director of Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Brandon Reeves discusses the importance of NCBA’s relationship with state affiliates. He shares how NCBA and Virginia Cattlemen’s work together to represent the needs of the cattle and beef industry in both D.C. and the state of Virginia. Tune in to learn more!

On this episode, Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane is joined by Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) to discuss top issues facing the cattle and beef industry, including cattle markets. Congressman Johnson shares his perspective on the current state of the industry and what he is doing to represent producers in D.C. As a champion of the beef industry, Congressman Johnson has introduced several pieces of bipartisan legislation — including the DIRECT Act and The Butcher Block Act — that will expand processing capacity and create a more viable business climate for cattle and beef producers. Tune in to hear more!

On this episode of Beltway Beef: Tax Talks, certified public accountant and business advisor, Paul Neiffer discusses how changes to long-standing provisions in the tax code will impact family-owned businesses. As a a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen, Paul uses his experience in agriculture along with his expertise in tax policy to educate and advise on succession planning for farmers and agribusiness processors. Tune in to learn more! Don't forget to check out Paul's blog and podcast! Farm CPA Today: https://blogs.claconnect.com/agribusiness/ The Farm CPA Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-farm-cpa-podcast/id1571998582?app=itunes&id=1571998582&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy Chase DeCoite discusses NCBA’s role in ensuring producers maintain the ability to responsibly produce high-quality beef. As the newest member of NCBA’s Government Affairs team, Chase is focusing on continuing dialogue with decision-makers in Washington, D.C. regarding animal disease traceability, animal welfare, and food safety. Tune in to hear more!

Jaclyn Wilson, a fifth-generation Nebraska producer, discusses how the recent announcement made by USDA to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the "Product of the USA" label is a win-win for producers and consumers. As an active NCBA member and Vice Chair of the International Trade Policy Committee, Jaclyn has played an integral role in the formation of NCBA's grassroots policy on source-verified labels that allow producers to differentiate their products in the marketplace.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane discusses the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on "Examining Markets, Transparency, and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer" that took place on Wednesday, July 23. Lane gives an overview of the hearing and shares how NCBA will continue to be involved in cattle marketing conversations moving forward.

Tune in to hear NCBA's Director of Government Affairs & Market Regulatory Policy Tanner Beymer discuss an array of challenges facing the cattle and beef industry in regard to cattle marketing. Tanner gives an update on recent announcements made by USDA, discusses how Members of Congress are engaged in these issues, and shares what NCBA has been doing to create opportunities for increased producer profitability.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, VP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane gives an overview on what's happened in Washington, D.C this week. Tune in to hear about NCBA's petition to eliminate the "Product of the USA" label, announcements made by USDA, and the continued push from industry groups and Members of Congress for the DOJ to complete their investigation into the meatpacking sector.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Debbie Lyons-Blythe—a rancher from central Kansas—talks about conserving the land that has been in her family for over 130 years. Debbie discusses how farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, but their conservation methods are not stuck in the past. As new generations have taken on management roles on the farm, the technologies and practices they use have allowed them to continue to take care of the land and conserve natural resources in the most effective way. Tune in to hear more!

On this episode, Ashley is joined by Ted Matthews— a mental health practitioner with over 30 years of experience in counseling in rural areas— to discuss the importance of acknowledging mental health needs in rural communities. Ted shares why it is critical to address the mental health needs of farmers and ranchers in a way that acknowledges their lifestyle and unique situations. He also stresses the importance of farm owners and farm workers seeking out people to talk with as they navigate through the challenges of running a family-owned business. Tune in to hear the full episode. If you or a loved one is in need of someone to talk with, Ted encourages you to reach out to him at 320-266-2390.

On this episode, Ashley sits down with Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access Kent Bacus and Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart to discuss the intersection of climate and trade. Bacus and Hart discuss strategies NCBA has adopted in regard to sharing the positive story of the cattle industry and the environment to decision makers in Washington, D.C. In addition, they explain the importance of cattle producers telling their story and engaging in conversations that will ultimately affect the future viability of their operations. Tune in to hear more!

Tune in to hear about NCBA's Center for Public Policy internship experience! Mikaela Talley—a recent graduate of Texas A&M University and a native of Floresville, Texas— shares what it was like to be an intern in the D.C. office. The Public Policy internship is offered each semester to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are interested in working on behalf of the U.S. cattle industry. For more information check out our website! https://www.ncba.org/publicpolicyinternship.aspx

Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane joins Ashley to talk about all that the NCBA team has done in the month of April. Ethan discusses the continued conversations being had with the Biden Administration and Members of Congress regarding the proposed tax revisions in the American Families Plans as well as climate initiatives. Lane also sets the record straight on the rumors regarding reduced meat consumption policies as a result of President Biden's climate plan. Tune in to learn more!

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley is joined by NCBA's Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. Mary-Thomas unpacks President Biden's climate plan and how the different components of the plan will affect the cattle industry. In addition, Ashley and Mary-Thomas talk about NCBA's work with the Administration as well as Members of Congress to ensure that decision-makers understand the benefits of cattle production in regard to sustainability.

On this episode of Beltway Beef Ashley is joined by NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. From his upbringing on his family's cattle ranch in Big Spring, Texas to his vast experience with agricultural policy — Colin's roots in agriculture and affinity for the industry runs deep. In honor of Earth Week, he shares how the cattle industry continues to be a leader in sustainability — environmentally, economically, and socially.

On this episode, Ashley sits down with VP of RaboResearch Dr. Dustin Aherin. Dustin and Ashley discuss an issue that is on the forefront of many minds in the beef industry—expanding processing capacity. Through their conversation they cover the need for processing capacity expansion, the impact it would have on rural economies and the DIRECT Act—a piece of legislation that would allow small processors to sell meat across state lines via e-commerce.

On this episode, Ashley is joined by Nebraska rancher David Schuler. As David prepares to take over his family's ranch in the future, he and Ashley discuss the challenges young producers face as they return home—including burdensome taxes. In addition, David shares how he tells the story of agriculture though "cow art". David's cow art recently made waves on social media when he used his cattle to thank first responders and health care workers for the work they've done throughout the pandemic. Tune in to hear more!

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with NCBA's Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane. Ethan shares what he and the policy team have been working on during the month of March. He gives an update on legislation that has been introduced, including the HAULS Act, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021, and two separate cattle market bills. In addition, he discusses President Biden's infrastructure plan and the work that NCBA has been doing to look out for the best interest of cattle producers.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with NCBA's Kaitlynn Glover to discuss sustainability and how it has become agriculture's latest buzzword. Kaitlynn shares the ways the industry is leading on climate solutions, and how NCBA can partner with producers to share the story of their good work.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with Margaret Ann Smith, the owner of Southlex Cattle Company. Margaret Ann shares her experiences within the industry and discusses why the HAULS Act provides much needed flexibility for livestock haulers.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with NCBA's Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck. They discuss how taxes impact the agriculture industry and Danielle gives an update on tax legislation, including The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with NCBA's Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access Kent Bacus. They discuss supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, trade deals in progress, and an outlook of trade priorities during the Biden administration.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with NCBA's Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane. Ethan shares what he and the policy team have been working on for the past month and gives an update on agency nominees for President Biden's Cabinet. He also discusses NCBA's virtual Winter Reboot Conference and the comments made by Bill Gates regarding fake meat.

On this episode of Beltway Beef, Ashley sits down with NCBA's Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane. Ethan shares what he and the policy team have been working on for the past month and gives an update on agency nominees for President Biden's Cabinet. He also discusses NCBA's virtual Winter Reboot Conference and the comments made by Bill Gates regarding fake meat.

On this week's episode, NCBA's Allison Rivera discusses the extension to the Hours-of-Service Emergency Declaration announced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA). Rivera discusses the importance of this extension to the cattle industry and how it can help to ensure a steady food supply chain.

On this week's episode, NCBA's Allison Rivera discusses the extension to the Hours-of-Service Emergency Declaration announced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA). Rivera discusses the importance of this extension to the cattle industry and how it can help to ensure a steady food supply chain.

In this special podcast, Sen. Deb Fischer (R - NE) discusses her work in Washington supporting cattle producers and collaborating with new members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Plus hear her thoughts on the future of agriculture, cattle markets, and beef labeling.

In this special podcast, Sen. Deb Fischer (R - NE) discusses her work in Washington supporting cattle producers and collaborating with new members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Plus hear her thoughts on the future of agriculture, cattle markets, and beef labeling.

On this feature length episode, NCBA's Government Affairs Executive Directors discuss the hottest topics this week in D.C. and agriculture.

On this week's episode, NCBA's Tanner Beymer and Montana cattle producer Jake Feddes discuss the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act and how it can help local producers and processors.