NCBA Legislative Update

WASHINGTON (July 26, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Food and Energy Security Act introduced by Sen. John Thune, R-SD. The bill would require federal regulators to disclose how proposed rules would impact food and energy prices. "Earlier this year, the Biden administration proposed a massive climate disclosure rule that will create new reporting burdens for every farm, ranch, and small business in the country. This plan will harm producers and consumers alike,” said NCBA Environmental Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “NCBA is proud to support the Food and Energy Security Act because rules like the SEC's emissions disclosure mandate add a costly burden to cattle producers, rural communities, and consumers across the country." Additionally, the bill would prohibit federal regulators from implementing any rule that would increase food or energy prices if inflation is higher than 4.5%. Since the start of 2022, inflation has consistently been over 7% with the inflation rate hitting 9.1% in June—a four decade high. Background In March, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a rule that would require publicly traded companies to disclose their direct (scope 1), energy/ electricity consumption (scope 2), and supply chain emissions (scope 3). By requiring the inclusion of scope 3 emissions, cattle producers who supply beef to publicly traded processors, restaurants, and retailers would be subject to these overreaching financial regulations. The SEC is a Wall Street regulator, not an environmental or agricultural agency, and their proposed climate rule goes far beyond the agency’s jurisdiction. NCBA submitted technical comments in opposition to the rule and individual cattle producers sent over 7,400 letters to the SEC commissioners and members of Congress. The Food and Energy Security Act would prevent the SEC from implementing their broad climate rule, protecting cattle producers from red tape while ensuring that consumers continue to have access to affordable, wholesome proteins like beef.

RENO, Nev. (July 27, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced its priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill based on producer input at the association’s Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada. “Our annual meetings are the cornerstone of NCBA’s grassroots policy process,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattleman. “Individual producers set the course for NCBA’s advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and we have heard from many producers who value the animal health, voluntary conservation and disaster recovery programs in the last Farm Bill and look forward to improving those programs in the next Farm Bill.” NCBA’s Farm Bill priorities include: • Protecting animal health through programs that guard against the spread of foreign animal diseases such as the

National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary

Countermeasures Bank, which currently houses the Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine. NCBA previously advocated for this vaccine bank in the last Farm Bill and producers recognize the danger that a foreign animal disease poses to the industry and the protection this bank provides. • Strengthening risk management programs that provide producers with added protection against weather events and price decline.

• Promoting voluntary conservation programs that provide support for producers to implement conservation practices free from government mandates. • Supporting disaster recovery programs that help producers return to normal operations following adverse weather, attacks by predators, or extreme conditions like drought and wildfire. Additionally, cattle producers amended and renewed existing policy on the books on issues including cattle health, federal lands, environmental policy, trade, markets, taxes, transportation, food safety, and more. “Cattle producers have faced yet another challenging year,” said Schiefelbein. “The policies passed at this summer business meeting will help NCBA focus on resolving some of the challenges caused by extreme conditions and supply chain disruptions, ensuring the continued success of beef farmers and ranchers.”

As a grassroots organization, NCBA is proud of the century-old policy process that grants each member an equal vote in the association’s priorities. For more information on the policy process or to get involved, please visit ncba.org.

Study Ignores Scientific Research on Beef Nutrition and Beef’s Role in a Healthy Diet WASHINGTON (August 12, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) condemned the flawed “Food Compass” study funded, in part, by fake meat promoter Bill Gates.

“The idea that M&M’s, potato chips and cereal are somehow healthier than natural beef ignores scientific evidence and frankly doesn’t measure up to logic. These snack foods are high in sugar, carbohydrates and fats, while beef is a nutrient-rich food that provides essential protein, iron, zinc and numerous B vitamins,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “No one sits down to a plate of candy and chips expecting a healthy meal, but a lean cut of beef accompanied by vegetables or fruits and whole grains is a healthy choice every time. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and it confuses consumers at a time when we should be working to meet their nutritional needs, rather than confounding them with agenda-driven faux science.”

NCBA continuously highlights beef’s role in a healthy diet as an authentic source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Animal proteins, like beef, are among the most nutrient-dense, complete protein sources available and cattle farmers and ranchers are committed to producing high-quality protein in the most sustainable way possible. NCBA is a tireless advocate for America’s beef farmers and ranchers and will continue highlighting the nutritional, environmental and economic benefits of real beef.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.