As the Big Beautiful Bill advances in the U.S. Senate, cattle producers are keeping a close watch. NCBA President Buck Wehrbein shared his optimism, especially regarding estate tax reform—a top priority for the industry. Senator John Thune has emerged as a strong ally, championing efforts to preserve the stepped-up basis and oppose the death tax. Wehrbein emphasized that while no …
Senate Tax Bill Maintains Key Provisions for Livestock Producers
The Senate version of the “Big Beautiful Bill” tax package brings mostly positive news for livestock producers. Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, explained that many provisions from the House version have carried over—most notably, the increase in the estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual ($30 million per couple), adjusted for inflation and made permanent. Other …
New World Screwworm Spread Slows Amid USDA, NCBA Response
U.S. officials are reporting positive developments in the fight against the New World Screw Worm. Once spotted 700 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the pest’s northward advance appears to be slowing, thanks in part to intensive surveillance and targeted interventions. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently ordered the border closed to cattle originating from Mexico to prevent the parasite’s spread. Ethan …
NCBA Reacts to USDA Plans for Screwworm Sterile Fly Facility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the development of a sterile fly production facility to combat the New World Screw Worm, a significant threat to livestock. Located at Moore Airfield in Texas, the project will enhance domestic production and support operations in Panama. Ethan Lane, Senior VP of Government Affairs at the NCBA, joined USDA officials on-site and praised …
USDA FSA County Committee Nominations Now Open
The USDA FSA has opened the nomination period for its 2025 County Committee elections. With more than 2,200 committees nationwide, these local governing bodies play a critical role in how federal programs are implemented at the local level. FSA Director Bill Beam highlights that nearly 7,700 producers serve on FSA committees, each comprised of 3 to 11 elected members who …
Wildland Firefighters Prepared as Peak Fire Season Begins
As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of wildfires across the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking decisive action in anticipation of an above-normal fire season, with nearly 96% of the Forest Service’s 11,300 firefighter hiring target already met and full staffing expected by mid-July. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized that America now …
Protecting Peanuts: Managing Fungicide Resistance with Smart Strategies
Peanut growers pour their energy into every growing season, aiming for healthy crops and high yields. But as challenges like white mold and leaf spot persist, experts are urging producers to be proactive—especially when it comes to fungicide resistance. We spoke with Abraham Fulmer of BASF, who emphasized the importance of diversifying fungicide programs and staying ahead of resistance. “Fungicide …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Previews National Legislative Efforts
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is joining other state cattlemen’s associations this week in Washington DC as part of NCBA’s Region 1 & 2 Legislative Fly-in. We caught up with Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Executive Erin Beasley who previewed the trip and the legislative policies they are working on. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag …
Cattle Slaughter Trending Upward & Cutout Prices On The Rise Due To Seasonal Demand
CattleFax is reporting that Cattle Slaughter & Cutout Prices are trending upward. According to Terrel Platt, Analyst for CattleFax, cattle slaughter placed against supplies are the smallest in the May and June windows, favoring cattle feeder leverage and limit packer margins into summer compared to historical norms. In the past two weeks, total cattle slaughter was up 12,000 head from …
Crop Planting Progress Makes Big Improvement Week over Week
Corn and Soybean Planting is in high gear over the past week with both crops making a big increase according to USDA’s crop planting progress report released earlier this week. Brad Rippey, USDA Meteorologist, provides a breakdown on the planting progress in the reporting states. Five of the reporting states for corn and six of the reporting states for soybeans …