In today’s beef buzz, Senior Farm And Ranch Director Ron Hays speaks with Ethan Lane, senior vice president of governmental affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who warned that a potential government shutdown poses serious risks for cattle producers. “There’s always a big risk when we have a shutdown like this,” he said, noting that meat inspection, quality grading, APHIS staffing, and market news all depend on federal workers being deemed essential. He added that prolonged shutdowns could also shift consumer behavior: “If they start to get nervous, is that going to change their buying behavior, or whether they go out to restaurants?”

Turning to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ recent proposal to revitalize the beef industry, Lane acknowledged the excitement it generated but suggested producers see it differently. “I think most producers would feel like we’re not necessarily need a revitalization, but certainly continuing to look for opportunities to make our supply chain more resilient,” he explained. Lane stressed that current prices have allowed many producers to recover from pandemic hardships, while pointing out that younger farmers and ranchers need more access to opportunities.

Lane would welcome a focus on “Product of the USA” labeling. “We certainly would like to see some efforts to finish the Product of the USA labeling,” he said, adding that NCBA is ready to assist the Secretary wherever possible. He emphasized that creating a stronger and fairer supply chain remains a top priority for the cattle industry.

When asked about the new memorandum of understanding between USDA and DOJ to scrutinize input costs, Lane agreed it’s a critical area. “We spend a lot of time around here talking about input costs as part of that overall profitability matrix for producers,” he said. Rising fuel prices, veterinary drug access, and other expenses, he noted, “certainly warrants the administration’s attention.”

Finally, Lane pointed to broader challenges outside of beef alone. He cited difficulties faced by row crop farmers with trade negotiations, potential threats like New World screwworm near the U.S. border, and ongoing fuel and fertilizer concerns. “There’s plenty to work on there,” he concluded, stressing that NCBA will continue to monitor these issues while working with federal partners.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

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