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Beltway Beef
Beltway Beef

Beltway Beef

Podcast by National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Available Episodes 10

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.

On this episode, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart joins to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s revised Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule that is intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case Sackett v. EPA. NCBA was involved in the Sackett case by filing a brief with the Supreme Court that highlighted the Clean Water Act’s impact on cattle producers. Hart explains some of the provisions in the revised rule and shares background on NCBA’s work fighting for clear, limited WOTUS rules.

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.

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.

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.