Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays is talking with the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Ethan Lane, about politics impacting the beef industry.
“Everything is in play right now,” Lane said. “Obviously, everyone is watching the debates and watching those races shape up, speculating on the future of the president given his age and some of the ways he engages publicly…,”
During this time, Lane said there is a great deal of uncertainty.
“I don’t know that we are going to get that clarity any time soon,” Lane said. “I think from talking to some of the folks that are engaged in the election process on the ground, there is a lot of focus right now on reaching voters.”
Lane also talked about the election of the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and the work he has been doing to help produce a Farm Bill.
“He didn’t deal this hand of cards,” Lane said. “He simply has to play them and navigate these circumstances.”
Lane said he is hopeful that Johnson’s “brand” of conservatism will settle the conference down and point them in the right direction.
Regarding the OFF Act (Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act), which poses a threat to the Beef Checkoff, Lane said the bill is being pushed again this Congress, but he does not expect to see much action until there are some floor votes on the Farm Bill.
“We are seeing a tremendous amount of money being spent by the animal rights community, by these anti-animal agriculture groups to advance this agenda…,” Lane said.
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