Several weeks prior to President-Elect Donald Trump's anticipated victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Colin Woodall, the twin CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), expressed concern regarding the outgoing Biden administration's push to implement new regulations before leaving office. Speaking at the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) convention in San Antonio in mid-October, Woodall focused on a controversial proposal from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack aimed at altering fed cattle marketing practices. According to Woodall, this proposal could undermine the efforts of ranchers and feeders who have worked diligently to produce high-quality beef and secure better prices for their livestock.
Attendees at the convention, which included cattle feeders and allied industry representatives, largely expressed skepticism towards the USDA’s assertion that the proposal would enhance cattle marketing by revealing alleged hidden fees and anti-competitive pricing strategies in the industry. Ben Weinheimer, President and CEO of TCFA, articulated this scepticism, stating, “If adopted, USDA’s regulatory approach for fed cattle marketing would single-handedly dismantle decades of value-based marketing progress made by producers across the supply chain in response to consumers' demand for high-quality beef.”
The proposal, which involves modifications to the Grain Inspectors, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), is a continuation of previous contentious efforts during Vilsack's earlier tenure under President Obama. Woodall clarified that the original changes sought to empower individual producers to pursue legal action against neighbours if they perceived unfair pricing. He highlighted the significant damage this could inflict on the industry, particularly as it could disrupt the four-decade-long development of value-added branding programs. “Sec. Vilsack is a guy who doesn’t like to be beaten. He wears his feelings on his sleeve. He came back with a vengeance to try to get this done,” Woodall remarked, suggesting a determination from Vilsack to push through these regulatory changes.
The NCBA may need to brace for potential legal battles in response to any finalised rules stemming from the Biden administration’s proposal, particularly if it permits individuals to sue based on perceived harm from marketing agreements.
In addition to regulatory matters, Woodall discussed the role of political action committees (PACs) from groups like TCFA and NCBA in influencing federal and state elections. These organisations aim to support officials who advocate for the beef industry. Woodall noted, “They help us get the support we need from both sides of the aisle,” emphasising the necessity of access to government officials in ongoing discussions about agricultural regulations, including the administration’s stance on the Death Tax, which could adversely affect ranch and farm operations.
The Texas Beef Checkoff, instituted a decade ago, has also played a role in promoting beef and funding research. Outgoing TCFA Chairman Gene Lowery highlighted its importance, noting that the additional $1 per head contributes significantly to reaching urban consumers. Mike Murphy, COO of CattleFax, stated that demand for high-quality beef has directly influenced better pricing in the Texas Panhandle, where packers have reportedly paid $30 to $50 more per head for cattle sold under value-based programs between 2014 and 2024.
In a shift towards technology, Robby Kirkland of Vega, Texas, was elected the 2025 TCFA chairman during the convention, with Laphe LaRoe designated as chairman-elect, and Ben Fort appointed as vice chairman.
The incorporation of technology in the cattle industry was further underscored by Tom Edwards of BlackFin360, who addressed how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionise beef production. Edwards explained that AI can enhance not just livestock genetics through artificial insemination but can also facilitate various operational efficiencies. He stated, “AI will not replace you. It mimics human intelligence in its responses, outputs and algorithmic ability to learn and adapt.”
Edwards delineated the evolution of AI, describing the recent introduction of generative AI as a significant leap in tools that do not require programming knowledge, thereby broadening worker access to data insights. This technology promises to foster enhanced creativity, improve decision-making processes, and enable near-real-time data usage for strategic planning.
The discourse concluded with promises of AI-led advancements in automated livestock feeding, which could optimise nutritional needs and improve overall health monitoring and environmental controls within feedyards. Edwards reiterated that while AI will enhance operational capabilities, it will not eliminate the workforce; rather, individuals proficient in using AI will gain a competitive edge in the evolving agricultural landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services