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NCBA Legislative Update

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News Releases

News Releases

NCBA REPRESENTS CATTLE PRODUCERS AT WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON HUNGER, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2022) – 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 of protein for all ages, especially for those Americans lacking iron and other essential beef nutrients.” The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, held for the first time in over 50 years, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss solutions to end hunger and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases by 2030. Agricultural producers have a central role in this conversation as providers of our nation’s food. NCBA has previously highlighted the importance of beef in a balanced diet and will continue to showcase the innovative, sustainable production practices employed by cattle producers that ensure safe, wholesome, nutritious beef is accessible to all.

NCBA STATEMENT ON CATTLE CONTRACTS LIBRARY PILOT PROGRAM NOTICE TO TRADE

WASHINGTON (September 22, 2022) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released the following statement in response to a Notice to Trade published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) related to the Cattle Contracts Library (CCL) pilot program: “The Cattle Contracts Library is designed to be a tool for cattle producers, making information accessible which may in turn allow them to capture unrealized value for their livestock,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We are pleased to see the pilot program progressing and note the important decision to use the Livestock Mandatory Reporting statutes as a basis for any subsequent rulemakings. We look forward to continuing to work with staff at AMS to ensure the success of this tool as well as the protection of our members’ proprietary business information.”

NCBA URGES EPA TO PAUSE WOTUS RULEMAKING FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT ARGUMENTS

WASHINGTON (October 3, 2022) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pause their “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rulemaking following today’s Supreme Court oral arguments in the case Sackett v. EPA, a case that will determine the EPA’s authority to regulate bodies of water under the Clean Water Act. “Today’s oral arguments highlighted the need for the Supreme Court to put this issue to bed once and for all. Since the passage of the Clean Water Act, cattle producers have experienced the regulatory whiplash of shifting WOTUS definitions—on average, a change every 3.8 years,” said NCBA Natural Resources and Public Lands Council Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “NCBA is hopeful that the court will support NCBA’s argument for clear and limited WOTUS definition, but in the meantime, we call on the EPA to suspend their rulemaking until the outcome of the case is clear.” In April 2022, NCBA filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Court calling for a new test for determining whether a water feature fell under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. NCBA’s argument would allow the government to protect substantial bodies of water while preventing overreach on small isolated agricultural water features. NCBA also filed comments on the Biden administration’s proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule. NCBA is calling for this rulemaking to halt until the Supreme Court issues a ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case.

Background NCBA has been involved in every step of the WOTUS rulemaking process. In February, over 1,600 cattle producers from 44 states submitted a letter to the EPA calling for a limited WOTUS definition that retained exclusions for common small water features found on farms and ranches. The Kansas Livestock Association, an NCBA affiliate, also organized an EPA roundtable where cattle producers highlighted their concerns with an expansive WOTUS rule. NCBA also backed a report from the EPA’s own Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee that recommended the EPA develop a clear WOTUS definition, protect WOTUS exclusions of agricultural features like farm ditches, stock ponds, prairie potholes, and prior converted cropland, and ensure EPA compliance with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent.

NCBA JOINS NPPC IN DEFENDING INTERSTATE COMMERCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

WASHINGTON (October 11, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reaffirmed support for the National Pork Producer’s Council (NPPC) following Supreme Court oral arguments in the case NPPC v. Ross. “While this case is not focused on cattle producers, the precedent set by the court will determine all producers’ ability to engage in interstate commerce,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA strongly supports economic freedom for all livestock producers to sell their high-quality protein from coast to coast and we join NPPC in urging the Supreme Court to reject unconstitutional mandates on agricultural production.” Earlier this year, NCBA filed an amicus brief before the court arguing that California’s mandates on livestock production methods violated the dormant commerce clause of the Constitution. Opening the door to state-level mandates creates a patchwork of rules that unreasonably restricts cattle producers’ ability to conduct business across state lines.

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.

NCBA DENOUNCES GOOGLE FEATURE THAT MISREPRESENTS BEEF’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

WASHINGTON (October 11, 2022) – 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 to food security for the world. Additionally, cattle production protects green space, upcycles grass and forages, and provides consumers with a lean protein source packed with essential nutrients. Google should seriously reconsider this feature.” Livestock play an important role in protecting open spaces and account for only a very small portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating all livestock in the U.S. and removing beef from the diet would only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.36% globally. NCBA is urging Google to consider the science of beef production before making this new feature widely available.

NCBA URGES SENATE TO CONFIRM KEY USDA NOMINEES

WASHINGTON (September 22, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to confirm key nominees for Under Secretary for Food Safety and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Cattle producers need strong, stable leadership in top positions at USDA and we urge the Senate to move quickly on confirming these highly qualified nominees,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. For the position of Under Secretary for Food Safety, the President nominated Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban who currently serves in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. “NCBA has worked closely with Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban in his role as Chief Scientist of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and as Chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Committee on Food Hygiene,” said NCBA Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy Chase DeCoite. “Dr. Esteban’s decades of experience in food safety, epidemiology, and public health make him an extremely qualified candidate for USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety and NCBA enthusiastically supports his nomination.” For the position of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, the President nominated Ms. Alexis Taylor who currently serves as Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “NCBA has worked closely with Alexis Taylor in her previous roles at USDA and on Capitol Hill. She is a proven advocate for farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “NCBA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Alexis Taylor as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs so she can get to work advocating for expanded trade opportunities for America’s cattle producers.” The Senate Agriculture Committee will need to vote in favor of these nominees before the full Senate casts the final confirmation vote. NCBA has previously submitted letters of support for both nominees.

28th Annual

Buyer’s Choice Bull Sale

Monday • 5:30PM (dinner served presale) February 27th at the farm

Quality, Kentucky

SELLING SIRES OF: SAV Rainfall, Connealy Emerald, Connealy Concord, KG Justified, Sitz Stellar, Fair N Square, Tehama Patriarch

60 Bulls • 15 Registered Cows (some 3-in-1s) 25 Registered Bred Heifers • 100 Commercial Bred Heifers

As we prepare for 2023 and our 28th Annual Bull and Female Sale, we are excited about this group of bulls. We are eager about working with you, our past and new customers. We want to serve you in finding the bull or female to meet the needs of your operation. We feel this year’s set of bulls are our best to date with emphasis on structural correctness, foot quality, maternal strength and docility. With our goals of high fertility every bull has a fertile female behind him. We are excited about the quality of cattle selling but we are eager to serve you in helping our customers findinng the cattle they desire. Look for ads in Cow Country this winter and other cattle publications. Visit our website as videos will be viewable late January. Call, or email for sale catalog. We also have a select group of bulls for sale this fall for private treaty.

CALL TO REQUEST A SALE BOOK David Woodall, DVM (270) 847-1010 • Gary Woodall (270) 725-0819 Luke Woodall (270) 889-1138 • Ian Woodall (270) 893-8424 Nate Woodall (270) 889-4038 woodallangus@aol.com • www.woodallangus.com Find us on facebook @WoodallAngus

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