Beltway Beef

On this episode, we are joined by NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus and Whitestone Farm Managing Partner and General Manager Mark Duffell for an update on a recent farm tour conducted for the British Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries the Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP. Bacus explains how farm tours for foreign officials are an important way to educate them on U.S. cattle production practices, our industry’s sustainability, and animal welfare programs like the Beef Quality Assurance program. Duffell provides background on Whitestone Farm’s operations and explains from a producer perspective why sharing our story with policymakers is important.

Over 300 cattle producers flew to Washington, D.C. to participate in NCBA’s Legislative Conference and meet with their Members of Congress. Producers shared stories from their farming and ranching operations and discussed the policy priorities that are important to the cattle industry. On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera provides an inside look at Legislative Conference and the importance of this event for informing our nation’s policymakers on the needs of the cattle industry.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss what cattle producers should expect now that the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. rule has taken effect in 48 states. Hart highlights some of the most concerning provisions of the rule and explains how NCBA is continuing to fight against the rule in Congress and in court.

On this episode, we are joined by Cattlemen to Cattlemen Host Kevin Ochsner and Executive Producer Kate Maher to discuss the special National Ag Day episode of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen TV show. Ochsner and Maher share updates from their recent travels where they visited 77 Ranch, JA Ranch, Bezner Beef, XIT Feeders, and The Meat Board in Texas. Together, these producers, feeders, and retailers represent the full cattle and beef supply chain. As a cattle producer, Ochsner shares what National Ag Day means to him and Maher explains the value of watching NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen. This special episode will air on RFD-TV on March 21, 2023, at 8:30 PM Eastern. For more information about the show, visit www.cattlementocattlemen.org.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to discuss Brazil’s history of failing to report cases of BSE, commonly referred to as Mad Cow Disease, in a timely manner. Due to Brazil’s lack of transparency, NCBA is calling for a suspension of Brazilian beef imports until it is determined that Brazil meets the United States’ high animal health standards. Bacus also provides some information on the importance of the World Organization for Animal Health and the value of collaborating to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases.

On this episode, Iowa cattle producer Bill Couser joins to discuss his work on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee. The committee was established in 2007 to provide independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. Committee members include representatives from academia, the agricultural industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments. Couser represents the cattle industry on this committee and shared some details from his meeting in Washington.

On this special episode, NCBA Senior Director of Sustainability Dr. Samantha Werth and Associate Director of Sustainability Projects Grace Vehige join to discuss the Cattle Industry Convention’s focus on beef sustainability. Dr. Werth highlights some of the events that producers can attend at the convention, including visiting the sustainability booth on the tradeshow floor and hearing from fellow producers about conservation practices. Vehige discusses the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP), a prestigious award that recognizes the outstanding stewardship and conservation efforts of cattle producers. ESAP’s regional winners will be announced at the convention. Visit convention.ncba.org to learn more and register today!

On this special episode, NCBA Executive Director of Meetings and Events Kristin Torres joins to preview the unique events happening at the 125th Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Tradeshow. The convention schedule is jam packed with once-in-a-lifetime events like a fireside chat with NCBA President Don Schiefelbein and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and a special concert with the band Midland and opener Neal McCoy. Plus, the convention serves as an opportunity for cattle producers to participate in NCBA’s grassroots policy process and discuss the issues facing the cattle industry. Register today at convention.ncba.org and get jazzed in New Orleans!

On this episode, NCBA Senior Executive Director of Governance and Leadership Development Barb Wilkinson joins to announce NCBA’s new policy committee leadership—grassroots cattle producers who serve as chairs and vice chairs of the association’s policy committees. Wilkinson explains the importance of these leadership roles and how individual cattle producers have a stake in crafting NCBA’s policy positions. Wilkinson also highlights ways to get more involved in the grassroots policy process and explains how an NCBA membership provides protection from harmful policies coming out of Washington, D.C.

On this episode, we explore the NCBA public policy internship program, which provides rising cattle industry leaders with the opportunity to learn about advocacy in Washington, D.C. NCBA Associate Director of Operations Justyn Tedder joins to discuss the internship application process and a current and former intern each provide some insight into their experience working in Washington.