Beltway Beef

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.