New Cattle Health Provisions in Senate Bill

By Scout Nelson

Last week, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee released the legislative text for the Senate’s version of the “big, beautiful bill.” Among the provisions are vital cattle health measures, supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA).

These measures are designed to protect the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, focusing on safeguarding the cattle industry from the growing risk of foreign animal diseases.

“A successful farm or ranch starts with healthy cattle and, as cattle producers face increasing risk of a foreign animal disease outbreak, the need for robust cattle health provisions is even more crucial,” said Tanner Beymer, Executive Director of Government Affairs at NCBA.

The Senate’s version of the bill continues policies previously passed in the House version, including support for three key programs: the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank.

These programs play a critical role in ensuring the U.S. cattle industry is well-equipped to respond to potential disease outbreaks, thus protecting both animal health and agricultural livelihoods.

The NCBA is urging the Senate to swiftly pass these provisions so they can quickly become law, helping to fortify the cattle industry against emerging threats.

Photo Credit:kansas-livestock-foundation