TCA Goes to Washington: Discussing Key Issues with Lawmakers

Dale Parker, the Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, returns to TCA Talk to look back on a recent trip he made with other members of TCA leadership to Washington D.C. As Dale shares with us, the visit to the Capitol Hill provided TCA with an opportunity to meet in-person with Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn as well as several members of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation. The issues that the TCA delegation discussed with lawmakers during their time in Washington included international trade and the need for equitable trade agreements to meet the high demand for U.S. beef. They also talked with Tennessee’s representatives in the Senate and in Congress about addressing the impact of the Asian longhorn tick on livestock, and they pointed out the need to explore changes in laws or federal regulations that would protect livestock from black vultures, which are currently protected by law. Dale also shares with us that many of the discussions the TCA delegation had in Washington were inspired by feedback from the TCA Membership. As Dale notes, TCA relies on its members to serve as the "boots on the ground" and encourages producers to become active members to ensure their voices are heard.