From the CEO
Colin Woodall
SWAMP CREATURES
President Trump has made“ draining the swamp” a core piece of his political agenda.“ The Swamp” has become a popular moniker for Washington, D. C., and is meant to describe the dark, slimy and unsavory perceptions many have of our government and those who work within it. Those perceptions are rooted in what most Americans see in the news. As one who spent 20 years living in“ The Swamp,” the perceptions are not far off. However, there are some in the Trump administration who believe NCBA, and other agriculture trade associations, are swamp creatures and part of the problem. Let’ s explore this.
The daily antics of those in Washington generate the onslaught of news we’ re exposed to minute-by-minute, but when talking about draining the swamp, the first group that comes to mind are lobbyists. There are thousands of people who are registered lobbyists working to influence the decisions of our federal government. Hundreds of millions of dollars are exchanged in the business of setting up meetings, working to gain government contracts, passing or killing legislation, and representing everything from individuals to major corporations. While there are robust laws and regulations that apply to lobbying, you don’ t have to spend much time to realize dark, slimy and unsavory actions take place.
Many lobbyists work for more than one paying client. One day they might be representing a defense contractor and the next day a car manufacturer. These individuals serve their many clients and will get paid whether they are successful or not. I spent some time working in a Senate office on Capitol Hill, and we would see the regular rotation of familiar lobbyist faces. When they would call to set up meetings, we always had to clarify who they were representing for that particular meeting. It would definitely be a different group the next time around.
Now, it’ s important to note that many lobbyists who operate this way are good people who work hard at representing their clients and do it legally. Over the years, we have worked with many lobbyists like this on policy issues we shared with other groups. Several past NCBA employees make their living like this. However, there are many more who have given lobbying
You don’ t have the time to fly back and forth to D. C. to lobby your Representative or Senator, so it is our collective effort as a
the sullied reputation it has and have precipitated the need to drain the swamp.
NCBA employs federally registered lobbyists, and we must report our lobbying activities to both the U. S. Senate and House of Representatives. In addition, we are required to report all activities of our Political Action Committee or PAC. The lobbying rules are serious, and violating them can result in fines or jail time. We are diligent when it comes to compliance because we are not going to risk the reputation of this association.
Even though we employ lobbyists, they only have one client— YOU! When we arrive for a meeting, the staff don’ t have to ask who we are there representing. They know we are there to speak for you and the policy you set for NCBA. They know when we show up, they will get the facts without the spin because our grassroots policy process doesn’ t allow for staff opinions to influence it. It is your policy and we are known for shooting straight. This approach to lobbying is why we have the reputation and successful track record we have. Among the general American public, the lobbying profession probably ranks between cockroach and used car salesman. Again, building the case against the swamp. At NCBA, our lobbyists are working each day with federal departments and agencies, Members of Congress, foreign embassies, and other organizations to advance your policy positions. Yes, we are there to influence outcomes, but to do so in a way that keeps the government out of your business. You don’ t have the time to fly back and forth to D. C. to lobby your Representative or Senator, so it is our collective effort as a producer-led and driven association that yields the policy wins we have seen in the past year. We are your voice and your advocate.
That is why we bristle when Trump officials say we are part of the swamp. Just the contrary. We bring integrity to public policy advocacy that more people should emulate. We represent you, and only you, and do so with the backing of a grassroots policy book created by NCBA producer members, not swamp creatures.
producer-led and driven association that yields the policy wins we have seen in the past year.
6 FEBRUARY 2026 www. NCBA. org