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.