A Washington state representative is advocating for updated cattle methane emission data. The bill could increase the cost of beef, cheese, milk, and more.
However, its sponsor argues having up-to-date methane data will go a long way.
“Let’s see what the data says. Where does it lead us? Do we need to do any policy beyond monitoring? And that’s where I’m at. I don’t like to make decisions, especially about something like climate change or anything else that’s not scientifically backed up. And if we find and discover that the methane in Washington on these feed lots and these dairy farms aren’t worthy of anything further than monitoring— that’s great! We’ve done what we asked,” Rep. Lisa Parshley explains.
She says that she does not want to negatively impact food production or availability, but no policy is perfect from the start.
“If we don’t start with monitoring, we could end up with a policy based on assumptions, innuendos, and data from another state, which may have different production methods, may have difference size dairies and feed lots, and they may have corporations which are much, much larger and have much more of an impact,” she adds. “Let’s start with understanding what Washington has.”
Opponents call it an attack on Washinton state’s farmers and ranchers.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
