By Megan Webb, Ph.D. Contributing Editor
Growing up near Washington, D.C., I always felt the weight of policy decisions on farm life. As a young girl helping my family on the farm, I often wondered how choices made in government halls shaped our pastures. Those decisions dictated how we farmed, marketed and planned. Now, as a cattle producer, I approach 2025 with cautious optimism. A new administration and shifts in Congress offer a chance for meaningful change that could bolster our industry’s stability and growth. This year, there’s hope for progress in protecting tax benefits, promoting beef in dietary guidelines, expanding trade opportunities and preserving effective policies. Together, these shifts could secure the future of cattle production and help address long-standing challenges.
Renewed Focus on Stability
Uncertainty is constant for cattle producers – whether from fluctuating markets, unpredictable weather or changing policies. One stabilizing factor has been the increased estate tax exemption under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This measure gave families like mine breathing room to plan without fearing the loss of generational farms. With these exemptions set to expire in 2025, I’m hopeful President Trump will extend them, ensuring producers can preserve their operations for the next generation.
Another key area is the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Recent versions emphasized plant-based proteins over beef. As a meat scientist, I’ve seen beef’s unmatched nutritional benefits. The new administration has an opportunity to restore beef to its rightful place at the center of the plate, promoting it as a cornerstone of healthy eating habits and a key protein source.
Expanded Trade Opportunities
Trade policies are a lifeline for cattle producers. In West Virginia, our farms may be small compared to sprawling Midwest operations, but we play a vital role nationally. During Trump’s first term, agreements like the USMCA and deals with China opened global markets for U.S. beef. These opportunities meant more than numbers – they reflected pride in the world’s appreciation for our beef.
A new administration and shifts in Congress offer a chance for meaningful change that could bolster our industry’s stability and growth.
Expanding trade can provide all producers with opportunities to thrive, ensuring that rural communities continue to benefit from the economic impact of a robust beef industry. As global demand grows, maintaining strong partnerships and developing new trade agreements will remain crucial for producers of all sizes.
Protecting Policies That Work
The Packers and Stockyards Act has long provided the foundation for fair competition, enabling farmers to innovate through value-added marketing programs. These programs allow producers to differentiate their products, boost profitability and connect with consumers who value high-quality beef.
However, recent proposals threatened to impose restrictive measures that could stifle this innovation. Preserving the Packers and Stockyards Act is crucial to maintaining fair competition and fostering growth within the cattle industry. With President Trump’s renewed leadership, there’s hope for policies that protect and encourage innovation.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on the drought that left pastures desolate and hay crops dwindling, I’m reminded of the resilience and patience farming demands. As rain returned, so did hope – proof that even tough challenges can be overcome. As we enter 2025, I feel cautious optimism. While challenges like the Farm Bill and global markets remain, alignment between political leadership and industry needs offers promise. Extending tax benefits, promoting beef, expanding trade and preserving effective policies could make this year transformative for cattle producers and their families.
One way to support this vision is through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Political Action Committee (NCBA PAC), the largest trade association representing U.S. cattle producers. The NCBA PAC raises funds to support political candidates who champion the cattle industry. Consider contributing to the NCBA PAC by visiting ncba.org/policy/political-action-committee or attending the NCBA-PAC Reception & Live Auction at CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio at 8 p.m., on Feb. 4.
Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure a thriving future for cattle producers and rural communities across America.
