NCBA concludes successful legislative conference in Washington, D.C.

“This Legislative Conference was a great opportunity to meet with our representatives in Congress and discuss issues with agencies like USDA, EPA, and the Fish and Wildlife Service,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher. “I am thankful for the work that NCBA’s team does every day in Washington, and meetings like this are so valuable for showing policymakers how the decisions they make here in Washington impact our farms and ranches thousands of miles away.”

This year, more than 300 cattle producers traveled to Washington and participated in 170 meetings on Capitol Hill. Attendees also met with officials from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Farm Service Agency. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also shared valuable updates on the inspections that occur at ports of entry to prevent diseases and pests from entering the United States.

“The Legislative Conference is a testament to NCBA’s grassroots leadership and role as a member-driven organization,” said Idaho rancher and NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “Unlike activist-led groups that are little more than a fundraising website and a lobbyist, NCBA represents real farming and ranching families across the country. We showed that to members of Congress and agency staff, and delivered the message that policymakers need to listen to real cattle producers when making decisions that impact our livelihood. I have seen firsthand how NCBA’s work in Washington benefits our industry and I encourage you to join us and support that work too.”

During the event, NCBA members discussed their priorities for the next Farm Bill, including the need for animal health, disaster relief, risk management, and voluntary conservation programs. Producers also urged policymakers to reduce red tape on farms and ranches by reeling in overreaching regulations from federal agencies. Additionally, members discussed the need to protect the cattle industry from the threat of a foreign animal disease and defend the Beef Checkoff from animal rights activist attacks.