Beltway Beef

Inside the World Meat Congress

Beltway Beef

Show Notes

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus takes us inside the World Meat Congress to learn about the pressing issues facing livestock and meat producers across the world. Bacus shares news about NCBA’s new leadership role within the International Meat Secretariat and he recounts some experiences from the conference that show us why it is so important to advocate for cattle producers here in the United States.

More from Beltway Beef

Nov 20, 2025

On this episode, we are joined by Georgia State Representative David Huddleston. Rep. Huddleston is a fifth-generation farmer from Carrollton and runs a cow-calf operation alongside his family. Before being elected to office, Huddleston participated in NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) where he came to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the cattle industry. That experience encouraged Huddleston to step up and run for public office to be an even strong voice for cattle farmers and ranchers. Today, Rep. Huddleston is the Secretary of the Georgia House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and serves on the Georgia House Committees on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications; Interstate Cooperation; Natural Resources and Environment; and the Special Committee on Resource Management. Huddleston shares his story about standing up to be an advocate for the cattle industry.

Sep 18, 2025

On this episode, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to share updates from this week’s regional fly-in that brought cattle producers to Washington, D.C. for meetings on Capitol Hill. Woodall highlights the key issues farmers and ranchers are talking about on Capitol Hill, including government funding, trade, and emerging animal health threats. Woodall also reminds listeners about the major wins for NCBA in the One Big Beautiful Bill that delivered tax relief and Farm Bill programs for American farmers and ranchers.

Sep 3, 2025

On this episode, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus joins to discuss Brazil’s unfair trade practices. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a section 301 investigation into Brazil’s harmful practices and NCBA testified at a hearing to raise the American cattle industry’s concerns. NCBA is calling for the U.S. to halt Brazilian beef imports due to Brazil’s concerning history of failing to report animal health issues in a timely manner. Bacus also explains why NCBA supports President Trump’s tariffs on Brazil but wants to see the Trump administration take further action to hold Brazil accountable.

Jul 7, 2025

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall joins to share the latest information on the New World screwworm and conversations happening at the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in San Diego. Woodall explains how Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is putting America’s cattle producers first with her strong, decisive action to combat the screwworm. He further explains the importance of Secretary Rollins’ phased approach to reopening ports of entry to shipments of cattle, which supports America’s cattle producers who rely on this trade.

Jun 27, 2025

On this episode, fifth-generation California rancher and NCBA Past-President Kevin Kester joins to share what it was like standing with President Donald J. Trump at the White House during a press conference on the One Big Beautiful Bill. Kester explains how the One Big Beautiful Bill supports cattle farmers and ranchers by increasing the Death Tax exemption and expanding tax deduction and provisions that help producers keep more of their hard-earned money. Kester was at the White House in President Trump’s first term to support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but now that bill is set to expire at the end of the year. To avoid a massive tax hike, Congress must pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. Kester also shares information on NCBA’s advocacy in Washington and ways cattle producers can get involved in NCBA’s grassroots policy process.

See all episodes →