From Pasture to Policy: Why Presence Matters By Megan Webb, Ph.D. | Contributing Editor
SPRING GREEN-UP REMINDS US how quickly things can change – and that’s true not only in the pasture but also in politics. A new administration in Washington is already reshaping conversations around trade, conservation and regulation. This “green revolution” might look different than we’ve seen be- fore, but it’s one that cattle producers have an oppor- tunity to influence – if we show up. This April, I joined fellow cattle producers from across the eastern United States in Washington, D.C. as part of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Region I and II Legislative Fly-In. Over two packed days, we met with congressional offices to advocate for sound, forward-looking policy. One thing became clear: the most powerful tool we have is our presence. We began with issue briefings led by NCBA’s expert policy team, who outlined key federal topics im- pacting our industry. Despite headlines suggesting turmoil, beef exports are on stable footing – with room to grow. We currently export around 15 percent of our production, and if outdated trade barriers – like the 30-month age limit on beef to South Korea
West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association (WVCA) Board members traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with our Congressional delegation, advocating for federal policies that support and strengthen the beef industry in West Virginia. Pictured here are WVCA President Megan Webb and past president and current board member Neil Bumgarner with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.
We also discussed issues that have been on the radar for years: repealing the death tax, ensuring flexibility in hours- of-service rules for livestock haulers, and securing conser- vation and loan support in the next farm bill. These aren’t new topics, but the stakes are high in the current climate of regulatory and economic uncertainty. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the trip was just how much education is still needed. It’s not that lawmakers don’t care – it’s that they haven’t heard directly from producers. A phone call, a handwritten letter, or an invite to your opera- tion can change that. You don’t need a D.C. badge to make an impact. A real-world example from your ranch might be the thing that makes a policy issue click. And let’s not forget: our work doesn’t end in Washington. Whether your state legislature meets in Topeka, Salem or Baton Rouge, engaging locally is just as important. Agricul- ture can’t afford to be absent from the discussion – especially when others are more than willing to fill the void. I left D.C. with a deep respect for NCBA’s policy team and a renewed commitment to advocacy. But more than anything, I left reminded that our collective voice carries further than we think – if we’re willing to use it. So here’s my challenge to you: speak up. Share your story. Invite a policymaker to your pasture gate. Policy is being written with or without us – let’s make sure it includes us. Washington listens – but only if we speak.
– are lifted, producers could gain new market opportunities. Unlike other sectors such as pork and poultry, beef produc- ers are less reliant on exports, which positions us to have gen- uine policy conversations rather than lobbying for bailouts. That independence carries weight when you meet face-to- face with lawmakers or their staff. While many were sharp and professional, few had deep experience with livestock production. Some had never heard about issues like black vulture predation or the screwworm threat – until we shared our stories. That’s where your voice matters most. The New World screwworm is an urgent example. This parasite, once eradicated in the United States, is now moving north through Central America. It lays eggs in open wounds, and the resulting maggots can be fatal to livestock and wildlife. For decades, control has relied on releasing sterile flies from a facility in Panama – but that model is no longer reliable. NCBA is advocating for $300 million to build a sterile fly production facility within the United States, and congressional support is growing once they understand the risk: a potential loss of more than $1 billion in cattle. Predation by black vultures is another high-priority concern. Once endangered, their populations have exploded and now threaten calving operations in many regions. The Black Vul- ture Relief Act of 2025 would allow farmers and ranchers to lethally take black vultures without first needing a sub-per- mit. Several lawmakers weren’t aware of this issue until we explained how serious the damage can be to livestock – and livelihoods.
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