Beltway Beef

Latest Episodes:

Hearing from a Hoosier: An Update from NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair Tim Schwab Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, we hear from NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair and Indiana cattle producer Tim Schwab on the issues facing cattle producers in the Midwest. Schwab discusses his support for the Beef Checkoff program, provides some insight into his experience with NCBA and the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and shares some ways his operation is sustainable.

An Update with NCBA’s President Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, NCBA President Todd Wilkinson joins to provide an update on the hot topics being discussed at NCBA’s Summer Business Meeting. Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer, also shares his thoughts on emerging cell-cultured meat technology, overregulation coming from Washington, D.C., animal disease traceability, and the importance of being involved in NCBA.

Congressional Committee Meets at Schiefelbein Farms Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

This week, the powerful House Ways and Means Committee held a field hearing in Kimball, Minnesota at Schiefelbein Farms, an angus seedstock operation owned by NCBA Past President Don Schiefelbein and his family. On this episode, Schiefelbein joins to discuss his testimony at the hearing and explain what the cattle industry needs in the next Farm Bill. Schiefelbein also shares some stories from his foreign travels that underscore the importance of trade and the strong global demand for high-quality American beef.

Conversations with Cooksley: Rancher Perspective from Nebraska Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, Nebraska rancher Barb Cooksley joins to share her perspective on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), the Farm Bill, sustainability, and other top issues in the cattle industry. Cooksley also details her operation’s recovery from wildfire and the conservation practices she employs to steward the resources on her land. Cooksley is a leader in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Nebraska Cattlemen, and she currently serves as Vice Chair of NCBA’s Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee.

NCBA CEO Mid-Year Update: The Key Issues Impacting the Cattle Industry Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to provide his perspective on NCBA’s recent policy wins. Woodall highlights the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Waters of the U.S., the cattle industry’s Farm Bill priorities, and the federal government’s recognition that food security is national security. Woodall also explains how NCBA is responding to new proposed regulations on public lands ranchers and animal rights activists’ attacks on the Beef Checkoff program. Additionally, Woodall emphasizes the value of NCBA membership and how to join.

Nevada Ag Director: BLM Needs to Pause Concerning Public Lands Rule Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, Nevada Director of Agriculture J.J. Goicoechea joins to discuss his concerns with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed “conservation” rule that would open the door to removing livestock grazing from our nation’s public lands. A fourth-generation cattle producer operating on both his family’s private land and public land, Goicoechea explains how the proposed rule runs counter to the BLM’s mission of fostering multiple use on public lands. Goicoechea also recently testified before Congress on the proposed rule, and he shares additional insight on the State of Nevada’s and industry’s concerns with the proposed rule. Finally, Goicoechea explains some of the benefits that public lands ranching provides to the environment.

Supreme Court Delivers Victory for Cattle Industry on WOTUS Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in the case Sackett v. EPA, which delivered a critical win to the cattle industry on the issue of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The decision strikes down the significant nexus test that the federal government used to determine what features should be regulated as a WOTUS, delivering more certainty for cattle producers making changes on their land. NCBA filed an amicus brief in the case and has the led the fight against WOTUS for decades.

Behind the Badge: The Special Rangers Protecting the Cattle Industry May 25, 2023

Show notes

Across Texas and Oklahoma, specially trained law enforcement officers protect the cattle industry and investigate crimes against farmers and ranchers. These Special Rangers of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) are part of a historic agency that has been compared to the famed Texas Rangers, Scotland Yard, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. On this episode from outside the beltway, we talk with Special Ranger Bo Fox to learn more about the day-to-day work of these law enforcement officers and the future of this agency. This Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, NCBA salutes all of the agricultural law enforcement officers protecting America’s farmers and ranchers.

Animal Rights Activists Attack the Beef Checkoff May 18, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to discuss the animal rights activist groups that are attacking the Beef Checkoff through the deceptively titled “Opportunities for Fairness in Farming” or OFF Act. Despite false claims from proponents of the OFF Act, the Beef Checkoff is strongly supported by cattle producers, is producer-led, and receives robust oversight from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Woodall also explains how the checkoff supports producers’ livelihoods and strengthens the cattle industry as a whole.

Cattle Diplomacy: How Farm and Ranch Tours Educate Foreign Ag Officials on U.S. Production Methods May 09, 2023

Show notes

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.

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