NCBA Member Testifies Regarding Value of Conservation Programs

Iowa cattle producer and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) member Shayne Wiese testified before the House Agriculture Committee regarding implementation of the conservation title of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“USDA’s voluntary conservation programs have been a great asset to cattle producers,” Wiese testified. “It is important that these programs are implemented in a practical, producer friendly, and voluntary manner for years to come to ensure that cattle producers will continue to have the ability to do what we do best – produce the world’s safest, most nutritious, abundant, and affordable protein while operating in the most environmentally friendly way possible.”

Wiese shared his experienced utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Additionally, Wiese highlighted his concerns with the staffing shortage at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that has led to agency delays, additional paperwork burdens, and less time for local officials to meet with the agricultural producers they serve.

“NCBA communicates with members of Congress and their staff every day but hearing directly from a cattle producer outside of Washington is extremely beneficial,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We hope Congress carefully considers Shayne’s testimony as they evaluate the last Farm Bill and begin crafting the next one.”

Shayne Wiese is a fifth-generation cattle producer, currently operating Wiese & Sons: Good Doin’ Bulls along with this older brother in West Central Iowa. Wiese & Sons are advocates for conservation and utilize cover crops, CRP, water filtration buffers, and erosion reduction practices as part of their comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition to being a member of NCBA, Wiese is involved with the American Hereford Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Beef Breed’s Council, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

“Producer feedback is vital to improving conservation programs outlined in the Farm Bill, and we appreciate Shayne for sharing his personal experiences,” said Bob Noble, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “Livestock producers take pride in being stewards of the land and natural resources and would benefit from additional support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We seek to maximize the impact of programs like the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program to further achieve our conservation goals and solidify cattle as climate-smart solutions.”

To view the testimony, please click here.