Beltway Beef

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to discuss Brazil’s unfair trade practices. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a section 301 investigation into Brazil’s harmful practices and NCBA testified at a hearing to raise the American cattle industry’s concerns. NCBA is calling for the U.S. to halt Brazilian beef imports due to Brazil’s concerning history of failing to report animal health issues in a timely manner. Bacus also explains why NCBA supports President Trump’s tariffs on Brazil but wants to see the Trump administration take further action to hold Brazil accountable.

On this episode, fifth-generation California rancher and NCBA Past-President Kevin Kester joins to share what it was like standing with President Donald J. Trump at the White House during a press conference on the One Big Beautiful Bill. Kester explains how the One Big Beautiful Bill supports cattle farmers and ranchers by increasing the Death Tax exemption and expanding tax deduction and provisions that help producers keep more of their hard-earned money. Kester was at the White House in President Trump’s first term to support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but now that bill is set to expire at the end of the year. To avoid a massive tax hike, Congress must pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. Kester also shares information on NCBA’s advocacy in Washington and ways cattle producers can get involved in NCBA’s grassroots policy process.

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to highlight recent actions taken by both NCBA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect the cattle industry from New World screwworm. Woodall shares information on how screwworm threatens producers and what NCBA, state affiliates, and policymakers are doing to mitigate this threat. For the latest information about New World screwworm, visit www.NCBA.org/NWS.

On this episode, NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein joins to discuss the New World screwworm. Wehrbein explains how U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is working to hold Mexico accountable for eradicating the screwworm and protect the American cattle herd. Wehrbein shares support for Secretary Rollins’ hard work and explains the risk screwworm poses to the cattle industry.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to share an update on the U.S. Treasury Department’s new interim final rule that protects small businesses, including farms and ranches, from excessive mandates under the Corporate Transparency Act. The interim rule is a sigh of relief for cattle producers who are no longer required to file invasive beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Bacus explains how the Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reeled in the Corporate Transparency Act and ensured it was focused on criminals and money launderers instead of law-abiding family farmers and ranchers. He also details NCBA’s engagement on this issue to protect cattle producers from government overreach.

On this episode, two NCBA members join to share insights from their testimonies before Congress. Kansas Livestock Association President and cattle producer Troy Sander appeared before the House Agriculture Committee to talk about the cattle industry’s top policy priorities including passing the Farm Bill, reducing taxes, protecting the herd from New World screwworm, and protecting the Beef Checkoff. On the same day, Washington Cattlemen’s Association member and rancher Kent Clark testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on the risk that dangerous predator reintroduction has on cattle producers and rural communities. Sander and Clark share information about their personal backgrounds and their key message to policymakers.

On this episode, NCBA Associate Director of Government Affairs Kelsea Kemp joins to share an update on four tax bills that have been recently introduced in Congress. Together, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, the Small Business Growth Act, the Estate Tax Rate Reduction Act, and the ALIGN Act would protect several key tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensure cattle producers can keep more of their hard-earned money. Kemp shares the details of each bill and explains how they fit into NCBA’s significant push on tax policy this year.

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to provide an update on the preliminary injunction that has temporarily halted filing requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act and disaster tax legislation that recently passed the Senate. The Corporate Transparency Act has raised concerns for cattle producers due to complex filing requirements and high penalties. Bacus also discusses the passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which was strongly supported by NCBA. The bill reduces taxes on disaster relief payments and helps cattle producers recover from challenging conditions.

On this episode, we are joined by Registered Dietitian and NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science Dr. Shalene McNeill for the latest on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Updated every five years, the Dietary Guidelines inform federal policies on everything from school lunches to chronic disease prevention. Unfortunately, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is recommending that Americans reduce their consumption of red meat—including beef—and replace it with beans, peas, and lentils. Dr. McNeill explains why this recommended swap is so out-of-touch with the average American’s wallet, tastes, and available options at the grocery store. Even worse, it can have unintended consequences for the health of Americans. NCBA is raising the alarm on this development with Congress and cattle producers are encouraged to share their perspective with policymakers by texting BEEF to 52886.

On this episode, we take you inside the American versus British “Battle of the Beef” hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the British Embassy in Washington. The event—attended by the British Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission, the U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator, and numerous policymakers—gave attendees the opportunity to sample high-quality American ribeye steaks and their British-raised competitors. While the event was lighthearted, it underscores NCBA’s continued efforts to open the British market to American beef. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to highlight NCBA’s work to build overseas demand for beef, open new markets to American cattle producers, and connect British consumers with the high-quality American beef they crave.

On this episode, we are joined by cattle producer and NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee Chair Troy Sander. Sander discusses his trip to Washington, D.C. to brief policymakers on cattle marketing and business issues. He shares his perspective on unique innovation and quality improvements in the cattle industry, and the future for greater beef demand. Sander also explains the importance of having an open dialogue with Congressional leaders and the value of NCBA in representing cattle producers on Capitol Hill.

On this episode, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover joins to discuss the lawsuit filed against the Bureau of Land Management’s “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule by a coalition of agriculture and energy organizations. Glover explains cattle producers’ concerns with the rule and shares how it goes beyond Congressional authority while simultaneously undermining the principle of “multiple use” of our nation’s public lands.