At the 2024 CattleCon held in Orlando, Florida, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays had the chance to talk with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall about the state of the cattle industry.
Our coverage from the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Orlando is being powered by Farm Data Services of Stillwater.
“Compared to where we were a year ago, the markets are in a very good spot,” Woodall said. “Demand is absolutely through the roof both domestically and internationally. Those who have a little grass growing are able to make some decisions to grow their herd. As we see more rain and snow, hopefully throughout the rest of this winter and into the spring, and hopefully some consistent moisture, we will start to see a rebuilding of this herd.”
Aside from the high points in the cattle industry, Woodall said there are also a few challenges regarding regulations from the Biden administration, slow movement of Congress, and more.
“We know that we can win in battling this administration, but we have to be very vocal,” Woodall said. “We would really like to see more out of Congress, but Congress continues to be plagued with the funding bills. Until the funding bills are finalized for the rest of this fiscal year, it is going to be hard to get any major piece of legislation done.”
While Woodall said he believes there will be a farm bill, he said it is hard to say when it will be completed. One highlight from 2023, Woodall said, is victory over the Waters of the U.S. rule after close to 20 years of back-and-forth legislation and litigation.
“To be able to capitalize on the Supreme Court decision that struck down the significant nexus test last summer really gave us the win we were looking for,” Woodall said. “That means stock tanks, cattle ponds, and water features are not going to be covered under WOTUS.”
Woodall also talked about the implications of California’s Proposition 12. Although the proposition pertains to the hog industry, similar efforts in the future could cause headwinds for the beef industry.
“This is not just a pork issue,” Woodall said. “This is a precedent-setting issue for everybody, regardless of whether or not you are in agriculture. If you are just a small business manufacturing some product, that could impact you as well.”
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR at the top of the story for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
