On this episode we hear about the California Beef Council’s Pasture to Plate Beef Tour, which is an in-depth experience that immerses participants in the beef lifecycle production process and engages foodservice, retail, and nutrition professionals. CBC Director of Retail and Foodservice Marketing Christie Van Egmond and CBC Manager, of Producer Education and Engagement Makenzie Coveau explain the history of the tour and its success over the years. Grimmius Cattle Company’s Chief Operating Officer Austin Flores also shares why their ranch has participated as a stop in this tour for many years and the details the value he sees in this program. 

Episode Resources:

Connect with Christie about participating in future Pasture to Plate tours by clicking here.

Request to join the California Beef Farmers and Ranchers Facebook page to stay up to date with the California Beef Council.

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Early on Thursday morning, the One, Big Beautiful Bill progressed out of the House. Just hours later, Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti got to sit down with Ethan Lane, head of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's office in Washington, D.C, to discuss what's in the bill, NCBA's success on it, and what's ahead for this legislation. 

On this episode, Katie and Ethan also discuss New World Screwworm and the border, tariffs, and NCBA’s years of work to get beef into the United Kingdom.

Episode Resources:

• NCBA Priorities Approved in House Reconciliation Bill

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It is our 100th episode of Sorting Pen! To celebrate, we are launching our first episode in a new series on this podcast focused on “Sorting Through Stories with California Ranching Legends.” Starting with this interview, a couple of times a year, Sorting Pen host Katie Roberti will sit down with some of the great cattlemen and women in the West to hear their ranching stories, lessons, and more.

Our first legend is Mr. Ellington Peek. 

Ellington sat in his favorite seat in the stands outside the auction ring at Shasta Livestock Auction as Katie recorded a conversation full of stories about the auction yard, the beginning of the Western Video Market, and Ellington's life. Hear what Ellington loves about buying and selling cattle and much more on this can't miss episode. 

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On May 15, the California Fish and Game Wildlife Resources Committee will meet in Sacramento and consider changing a rule to restrict the ability to take any number of coyotes at any time. CCA's Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur joins this episode to share how this conversation started back in January at a Fish and Game committee hearing, detail what has happened since that hearing, and outline why CCA needs you to be part of opposing any changes to how coyotes are managed in California at this meeting on May 15.

CCA will file detailed comments with the Committee prior to that hearing strongly opposing any change and will be on-hand at the meeting to defend ranchers’ ability to manage coyote populations. Additionally, CCA encourages members to appear virtually or in person on May 15 to convey to Commissioners the continued need for allowing coyotes to “be taken at any time of the year and in any number.”

Episode resources:

• To submit an opposition letter to the Fish and Game Commission, email it to [email protected] by Friday, May 2. Letters submitted by this deadline will be given to the Commissioners ahead of the committee meeting. If you miss this deadline, you can still send opposition letters up until May 12 to be given to Commissioners at the May 15th hearing.
  
  
• Look for more details in an upcoming edition of California Cattleman Weekly on how to attend or appear virtually at the May 15th meeting to voice your opposition. To call in to the meeting dial (877) 336-1831 and use the conference code number: 481000.

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Two board members from the Livestock Marketing Association join this Sorting Pen episode to share why they, LMA and their members are working hard to help create opportunities for their customers, ranchers and farmers, through their producer profitability initiative. 

Back on the show is LMA's Western Director Jake Parnell—who is also a California cattle producer and owner of Cattlemen’s Livestock Market in Galt.

Joe Goggins, vice president of LMA and owner of Public Auction Yards in Billings, Montana, is also a featured guest on this episode.

Learn more about this initiative for producer profitability and all LMA does at lmaweb.com/Policy/producer-profitability.

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In this episode, Steve Lambert, a rancher from Butte County, shares his journey and insights as one of CCA's Second Vice Presidents. Tune in to learn more about Steve’s dedication to serving agriculture at local, state, and national levels, and hear why he continues to stay involved in these organizations.

Katie and Steve also dive into the value of CCA, with a special focus on the important role seedstock producers play in the Association.

Listen until the end to discover how Steve went from resisting being on social media over a decade ago to Lambert Ranch Herefords now thriving on Instagram!

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/lambertranchherefords/

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Representing California’s 34 Assembly District, we visited Assemblymember Tom Lackey in his office. On this episode, he shares with us about issues that are top of mind right now for California legislators. We also talk about how Asm. Lackey has partnered with CCA throughout his time in office. Hear about the bill he is helping CCA run this year, and why he believes ranchers are important voices to have in Sacramento.
 

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There are two issues that came up at this year's CattleCon that we highlight on this episode of Sorting Pen: trade & taxes. In this conversation hear from past CCA President Tony Toso, who is now chair of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) International Trade Committee. 

Later in the episode we hear from NCBA’s Associate Director of Government Affairs Kelsea Kemp, who happens to hail from California. Listen as Kelsea shares about NCBA’s tax priorities and one specific act NCBA is lobbying on right now.  

This episode also provides IMPORTANT updates on The Corporate Transparency Act! On Feb. 18, the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network announced that it will begin enforcing beneficial ownership information reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act on March 21. Listen to learn more and refer to the resources below as that deadline is quickly approaching. 

Episode Resources: 

• Beneficial ownership information can be reported to FinCEN here.
• A FAQ about reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act is available here.

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On this episode we have three experts joining us to talk about biosecurity. From UC Davis and University of California Ag and Natural Resources, we have Dr. Gaby Maier and Dr. Lais Costa sharing their expertise. We are also fortunate to have Dr. Julia Herman from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association share her national perspectives on the importance of biosecurity.

Episode Resources: 

• To watch the Beef Cattle Herd Health UCCE Webinars mentioned by Dr. Maier visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/Rangelands/CattleHealth.
• Find BQA Resources on biosecurity at: https://www.bqa.org/resources/biosecurity-resources.
• As Dr. Herman mentions, for more resources check out https://www.securebeef.org.
• Want to learn more about biosecurity? Attend the Cattle Biosecurity Workshop on Saturday, March 1 at the Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center. The workshop will cover an array of topics including, creating a line of separation, cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment, proper use of personal protective equipment, writing standard operating procedures for personnel and visitors, and much more. To view the flyer with registration instructions click here or contact Dr. Maier. 

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What happened in Point Reyes? Why are 11 ranching families leaving early next year? There are many questions you may have about the news that came about a month ago. This story is complex. It can be difficult to track and understand the full picture. To answer some of our questions and share his knowledge of the conflict Kevin Lunny, a rancher who has been in the park his entire life, joins us on this episode. Kevin explains the background of the issue, details the ongoing challenges, and discusses the future opportunities to come for the 11 families who are leaving their Point Reyes ranches behind, as well as the difficulties that could remain in the national park.

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