Beltway Beef

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.