Ag Policy Blog

Lia Biondo, a former executive vice president for the U.S. Cattlemen's Association and Western Skies Strategies and most recently an analyst for the Congressional Research Service, died suddenly on Thursday, USCA announced over the weekend.

"It is with incredible sadness that the U.S. Cattlemen's Association shares the sudden and tragic news of the passing of our dear friend and former colleague, Lia Biondo. Lia lost her life doing what she loved most … riding horses with friends in Montana on July 24, 2025," USCA said.

Lia's journey into the cattle industry was uniquely her own. Though she did not grow up immersed in ranching traditions, she was a proud horsewoman from Michigan whose passion for the cattle industry burned fiercely. She was never one to back down from a challenge, always approached her work with boldness, and fought fiercely for the causes she believed in. Lia poured her heart and soul into advocating for U.S. cattle producers and brought an energy and authenticity that inspired everyone around her.

"Lia served the USCA in many capacities, including as our Director of Federal Policy and later as Executive Vice President. Her unwavering commitment, fearless leadership, and determined spirit left an indelible mark not only on our Association, but on the broader cattle industry and all who had the privilege to know her. Lia was – and will always remain – at the heart of the USCA Family."

Since April 2024, Lia had been working for the Congressional Research Service as an analyst writing about agricultural policy issues. She also held a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University where she was a member of the MSU Rodeo Club and MSU Horse Judging Team.

To honor Lia's memory and her steadfast belief in supporting women in agriculture, Western Skies Strategies, where Lia worked for almost a decade, will establish a scholarship in her name. The scholarship will support women pursuing education in agriculture and natural resources.

A memorial service celebrating Lia's life will be held on July 29th at the home of Jess Peterson, 4030 Thunder Ridge Road, Billings, Montana.

"We invite you to keep Lia's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. From all of us at the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, thank you for joining us in honoring the legacy of a woman who truly made a difference."

In lieu of flowers and as a remembrance to Lia, donations to this scholarship may be mailed to WSS at 100 N. 27th St., Suite 600 D, Billings, MT 59101. Checks may be payable to Western Skies Strategies; please ensure that the note field states" "In memory of Lia."

USCA statement:

https://uscattlemen.org/…

Chris Clayton can be reached at Chris.Clayton@dtn.com

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SENATE AG HEARING ON REORGANIZATION

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., ranking member on the committee, have scheduled a hearing Wednesday on Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' announced plan to reorganize the Agriculture Department, close USDA facilities including the South building and the Beltsville research station, and move 2,600 of the 4,600 positions in the Washington area to other locations around the country.

The witness will be Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden.

When Rollins announced the reorganization last week, Boozman said, "The Department of Agriculture plays a critical role in supporting America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The best way to serve our agriculture community is by working together, so it's disappointing USDA didn't share its plans in advance of this announcement."

Jerry Hagstrom can be reached at jhagstrom@nationaljournal.com

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