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Cattlemen’s CEO says focus turns to regulatory issues

The CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the clock is ticking to get things done in Washington, DC.

Colin Woodall says the first part of 2020 will be focused on battling regulatory issues, like the Endangered Species Act, that continue to restrict America’s farmers and ranchers.  “And it’s not just Obama rules and regulations, it’s some that go back to the Nixon administration,” he says.  

And because it is an election year, he tells Brownfield there’s even more pressure to get things done.  “We really only have until about Memorial Day to make that happen,” he says.  “Because any action that is taken after Memorial Day, if there is a new President, that new President could probably reverse.  So we need to keep that in mind as we’re looking at these challenges moving forward.”

He says the chances of any major legislation getting passed this year are slim.  “Because if history is any indicator Congress doesn’t have much of an appetite,” he says.  “Especially for big pieces of legislation.  They do only what they have to do to keep the government funded, etc.”

Woodall spoke with Brownfield at the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas.  

AUDIO: Colin Woodall, CEO National Cattlemen’s Beef Association