Cattle Industry Summer Meeting Education Session to Focus on Resilience

U.S. cattle producers are gathering in San Diego, July 24-26, for the industry’s Summer Business Meeting to discuss critical issues, develop initiatives, and establish direction for various projects aimed at improving the beef cattle industry. One of the highlights of the event is the education session “Optimizing Resources and Leveraging Technology to Build Resilience” on Wednesday, July 26, which will provide leaders with a glimpse into building resilience.

This session, sponsored by Envu, will feature Dr. James Oltjen, Cooperative Extension Animal Management Systems Specialist at the University of...

NCBA Files Legal Motion to Strike Down Biden WOTUS Rule

Last night, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and litigation partners filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas asking the court to strike down the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA.

“In Sackett v. EPA, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the EPA had overstepped its authority under the Clean Water Act,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “A full rewrite of the Biden administration’s WOTUS definition is the...

NCBA Pleased with Changes in Cattle Contract Library Final Rule

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the release of a final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stand up the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program. This program was authorized following NCBA’s engagement with Congress on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.

“We are pleased that USDA listened to feedback from stakeholders like NCBA while crafting the final rule on the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program. We are hopeful that this pilot program will strike an appropriate balance between offering cattle producers additional insight into the..."

NCBA Praises Senate Introduction of Protect Farmers from the SEC Act

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Senate version of the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, a companion bill to legislation that was previously introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK).

“The Securities and Exchange Commission’s overly broad rulemaking has the potential to increase burdens on cattle producers by requiring data that is impossible to provide,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “NCBA is proud to support the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act because it ensures that..."

NCBA Thanks Biden Administration for Actions to Avoid Rail Disruptions

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recognized the Biden Administration for taking quick action to avoid rail disruptions.

“On behalf of America’s cattle producers, we thank President Biden and Secretary Vilsack for their action to prevent a disruption in critical rail service across the country. We are also pleased to see bipartisan leaders in Congress working together to address this issue and protect our supply chains,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We urge Congress to quickly pass the tentative agreement, which enforces the Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations from..."

NCBA and PLC Denounce ESA Listing of Lesser Prairie Chicken

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) announced their opposition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) final rule to list the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act.

“Over and over the science has proven that healthy, diverse rangelands – the exact kind of landscape maintained by livestock grazing – are where the lesser prairie chicken thrives. Cattle ranchers’ efforts to conserve these acres are absolutely critical to the survival of the species,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and Public Lands...

NCBA Welcomes Comment Extension for Packers and Stockyards Act Rulemaking

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a 45-day extension of the comment period for the proposed rule titled, “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the extension while urging USDA to proceed in a cautious, deliberative manner.

“While we appreciate the additional time to submit thorough comments, overall USDA should tap the brakes on this rulemaking effort,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “This is a significant undertaking rooted in decades of legislative..."

NCBA Hails White House Focus on Protecting Food and Ag Sector

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the signing of the National Security Memorandum to Strengthen the Security and Resilience of U.S. Food and Agriculture, which will allow the federal government to identify the threats facing our food supply and enhance national preparedness and response.

“Our agricultural sector faces a variety of threats that could inhibit cattle producers’ ability to bring beef from pasture to plate,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “NCBA appreciates the Biden administration’s focus on identifying threats and developing..."

Grant Available to Help Cattle Producers Attend Educational Events

Cattle producers are the original stewards of land and livestock and are constantly striving to improve their operations through education and professional development. To help reduce the financial burden of attending conventions and meetings, the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and Cargill created the Rancher Resilience Grant, which is administered by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The grant reimburses producers for registration fees and other expenses at specific educational events, including Cattlemen’s College during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans...

NCBA Honors Veterans with Special “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” Episode

Today, “Cattlemen to Cattlemen,” the television show of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, announced that it will air a special “Salute to Veterans” episode on Nov. 8 in honor of Veterans Day. The show will highlight the service of veterans involved in the beef industry and explore the connection between patriotic farmers and ranchers and our nation’s servicemembers.

“Cattle producers are a patriotic group, and we are extremely grateful for the sacrifices military men and women have made to protect our freedoms and way of life,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein...

USDA Announces Funds to Expand Processing Capacity Following NCBA Advocacy

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) following Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement of over $223 million in grants and loans to support small to mid-sized processing facilities.

“NCBA has long advocated for expanded processing capacity to provide cattle producers with additional options for turning their cattle into high-quality beef. Today, the cattle industry needs more targeted capacity in high-need areas, and we look forward to these facilities launching and expanding operations,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer...

Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees

Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inductees and industry award winners will be honored on Jan. 31, 2023, during the 14th annual banquet, which precedes the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, Feb. 1-3. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to honor the exceptional visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the cattle-feeding industry.

Hall of Fame inductees for 2023 include Jerry Adams with Adams Land and Cattle in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and the late Ed Barrett of Barrett...

NCBA Denounces Google Feature That Misrepresents Beef’s Environmental Impact

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) denounced Google’s decision to bias consumers against beef through their new sustainability search feature that provides inaccurate climate information on cattle production.

“Google is using its billions of dollars of resources to target cattle producers and ignore the science that demonstrates beef’s sustainability and value to the environment,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer. “Cattle producers have a demonstrated record of continuous improvement, which has led to the United States recording the lowest global greenhouse gas emissions from beef while contributing..."

NCBA Represents Cattle Producers at White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall attended the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to represent U.S. cattle producers who raise the most sustainable beef in the world and provide a nutritious protein to Americans.

“The White House has prioritized ending hunger and increasing access to nutritious food and America’s cattle producers are ready to help by providing safe, sustainable, and nutritious protein to the world,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We will continue to highlight beef’s role as an excellent source..."