Beltway Beef

On this episode, we are joined by NCBA Policy Division Chair Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. Copenhaver provides insight into his recent meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, shares information on NCBA’s major policy wins from 2023 and priorities for 2024, and explains the value of NCBA’s producer-led grassroots policy process. Copenhaver also previews CattleCon24 in Orlando and highlights some of the policy meetings, trade show exhibits, and special events that CattleCon attendees can expect to see. Finally, Copenhaver discusses several priorities for the next Farm Bill.

On this episode, U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA) Administrator Marcia Bunger joins to discuss RMA’s Livestock Roadshow. The Livestock Roadshow is a series of workshops happening across the country that are designed to educate producers on the various risk management products available to them. Topics for RMA’s Livestock Roadshow sessions include Annual Forage, Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin, Livestock Risk Protection, Pasture, Rangeland and Forage, and Weaned Calf Risk Protection. Virtual and in-person sessions will occur starting this month and continuing into March. For the full schedule, please visit rma.usda.gov.

On this episode, Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus and Nebraska rancher Jaclyn Wilson, chair of NCBA’s International Trade Committee, join to discuss NCBA’s concerns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to permit beef imports from Paraguay into the United States. NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with Paraguayan beef imports because of the country’s history with devastating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Bacus explains the background on this issue and Wilson shares her perspective on why preventing an outbreak of FMD is so important.

On this episode, Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes joins to provide updates on the Biden administration’s misguided plan to introduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem in Washington state. This plan would be disastrous for rural communities since these grizzlies are twenty-times more dangerous than black bears and pose a direct threat to rural residents, farmers, and ranchers.

On this episode, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane shares insights on how Speaker Mike Johnson’s election will impact the cattle industry. Lane recaps NCBA’s experience working with Speaker Johnson, describes his political philosophy, and explains how the speaker election will impact legislation important to agriculture like the Farm Bill.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus takes us inside the World Meat Congress to learn about the pressing issues facing livestock and meat producers across the world. Bacus shares news about NCBA’s new leadership role within the International Meat Secretariat and he recounts some experiences from the conference that show us why it is so important to advocate for cattle producers here in the United States.

On this episode, California rancher and past NCBA President Kevin Kester joins to share his insights on the Farm Bill, the value of the Beef Checkoff, and other major policy issues being discussed in Washington. Kester also provides updates from his ranch, including his operation’s diversification in growing wine grapes. Finally, Kester discusses his family’s involvement in the Honor Flight program that brings veterans to Washington, D.C. for a tour of honor. Kevin and his wife June have been involved in numerous Honor Flights, including one that brought some beef industry leaders who served in our nation’s Armed Forces out to D.C. Tune in!

It’s been a busy few days in Washington! Congress rejected an amendment attacking the Beef Checkoff after thousands of cattle producers spoke up against the legislation and a government shutdown was averted after a last-minute deal was reached to pass a continuing resolution. For more on these developments, NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer joins Beltway Beef to discuss Rep. Victoria Spartz’s anti-checkoff amendment, the latest on the agricultural appropriations bill, and the future for government funding legislation in Congress.

As climate discussions in New York City wrap up, NCBA’s Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins Beltway Beef to provide an update on the cattle industry’s sustainability. Hart analyzes some key sustainability metrics that show the industry’s continued improvement, and she explains how raising cattle provides essential ecosystem services, like maintaining greenspace, healthy soil, and healthy grasses. Hart also provides information on why beef is a sustainable choice for consumers.

On this episode, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane provides an update on Senator Mike Lee’s attempt to add the anti-checkoff OFF Act to the Senate agriculture appropriations bill. Lane explains how the OFF Act would harm America’s cattle producers, reveals who is funding activist groups that are pushing for this legislation, and shares how cattle producers can voice their concerns to policymakers in Washington. To get involved, text CHECKOFF to 52886.