In the age of everything virtual due to Covid-19, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is holding the first virtual Winter Reboot conference.

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane discussed the state of the industry and priority issues in Washington, D.C. that are impacting cattle producers.
Some of the issues discussed include the availability of USDA programs to assist ranchers with last week’s frigid weather. Also discussed was the impact of COVID-19 on cattle markets, and the work NCBA has done to provide opportunities for increased profitability for producers.

Woodall and Lane went on to discuss the outlook for the Biden administration and the 117^th Congress. When talking about the priorities of the Biden administration, Lane shared that NCBA has a robust relationship with senior level leadership across various agencies and that those individuals are willing to listen to NCBA’s perspective. 
“They really want to start these conversations at the ground level. They are making it clear that we have a seat at the table,” he said. “We can find some common ground and help them see the benefit of some of the things that have been propagated over the past couple years.”

Woodall and Lane stressed agriculture is bipartisan and that provides an environment to provide many opportunities for agriculture producers in Washington, D.C.

Related:NCBA wants to fix 'made in USA' labeling

Besides Congress, the group went on to discuss carbon banking. The goal is to ensure the market and producers direct the program and not the federal government.
When referencing the work that NCBA is doing to ensure the beef industry’s success Woodall said, “What we’re doing is what we do best and that is being the most effective advocate for cattlemen and women in Washington, D.C.” Woodall went on to stress that NCBA is an advocate for cattle producers and they are always prepared to fight for them.

A lot of discussion was centered on Windows Co-founder Bill Gates and his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. In the book, Gates says rich nations should shift to simulated plant-based meat to help reduce the greenhouse gases being released which some blame for climate change. Gates is also now one of the largest landowners in the United States.

Danielle Black, director of government affairs for NCBA, said Gates is a silicon billionaire who is out of reality with the American public.

“The average consumer can-not afford to pay for these products,” she said.

She went on to say she is shocked by the degree of tone deafness Gates displays for the American public. It was also pointed out that in a survey by NCBA, most Americans consider the simulated meat products, “creepy.”

Related:NCBA report says U.S. leader in sustainable beef production

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