337: The Future of Beef Is in the Hands of the Next Generation with Wes Shaw

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Wes Shaw, a fifth generation Texas cattle rancher and Texas Tech student currently pursuing a future in agricultural policy and advocacy. Wes shares his experience interning in Washington D.C., working around the Farm Bill, New World Screwworm discussions, and rural policy issues while also balancing life back home on his family’s cattle operation in the Texas Panhandle. The conversation dives into the disconnect between rural America and Washington, why young producers need to stay involved in policy conversations before decisions are made, and how the next generation of agriculturists can continue shaping the future of the beef industry through leadership, communication, and advocacy.Links: Wes's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shaw4/CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Key Takeaways: - Why young cattle producers need to stay involved in policy conversations-The disconnect between Washington D.C. and rural America- Why agriculture must be proactive instead of reactive- New World Screwworm concerns and protecting U.S. cattle production- The importance of the Farm Bill for cattle producers- How internships and advocacy programs help shape future ag leaders- Why staffers in Washington are often just as important as elected officials- The future of agriculture, technology, and cattle production- Challenges facing young producers entering the cattle industry- Why Gen Z could play a major role in the future of agricultureChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wes Shaw and Agricultural Policy01:11 Wes Shaw’s Background and Family Cattle Operation03:20 Experiencing Washington D.C. as a Young Rancher05:52 Why Agricultural Policy Matters to Producers08:50 Farm Bill Conversations and Rural Advocacy11:32 Young Producers and Political Disconnect14:24 Why Relationships in D.C. Matter16:19 Bridging the Gap Between Producers and Policy19:29 Texas Tech’s Agricultural Policy Internship Program23:05 Advice for Young People Entering Agriculture25:43 Why Wes Is Optimistic About Agriculture’s Future27:40 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Rural Americacattle market, cattle industry, agricultural policy, cattle ranching, farm bill, new world screwworm, Texas cattle rancher, beef industry, rural America, agriculture advocacy, Washington DC agriculture, cattle producers, livestock policy, agriculture leadership, Texas Tech agriculture, young farmers and ranchers, next generation agriculture, rural policy, agricultural communications, American cattle industry, agriculture internships, beef production, cattle herd, ag advocacy, policy and agriculture, cattle producers in Washington, ranching future, Gen Z agriculture, agriculture technology, livestock industry leadership