National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association
MARCH 2026 | Vol. 42, No. 5 | NCBA. org
MEET YOUR OFFICERS
Gene Copenhaver, President Washington County, Virginia Gene Copenhaver’ s focus for the year ahead is on the next generation, and he is ready to advocate for policy and practices that lay solid groundwork for future cattle producers to succeed. He puts this into practice as he and his son, Will, operate Copenhaver Brothers Farms which has been in the family since the 1850s. Copenhaver also spent 38 years as an agricultural loan officer, primarily serving cattle clients in five eastern states.
In the upcoming year, Copenhaver will guide NCBA to continue the work of his predecessors, building upon wins and continuing to push back on burdensome regulation as well as elevating the application of risk management tools.
Watching families teach and raise the next generation of cattle producers excites Copenhaver for the bright future of beef production. To him, keeping clear communication a forefront amongst all sectors and participants of the industry is key to providing nutrient-dense beef for the world.
Kim Brackett, President-Elect Three Creek, Idaho Kim Brackett and her husband, Ira, operate Brackett Ranches Limited Partnership, a cow-calf and stocker operation based on the Idaho / Nevada border where their primary goal is to produce superior calves while improving range health.
A longtime member of NCBA, Brackett has seen her own family operation benefit from the work NCBA leads in Washington, D. C., and she serves as an officer to give back and contribute to similar efforts. She wants to see the regulatory
L to R: Skye Krebs, Dan Hanrahan, Travis Maddock, Brad Hastings, Kenny Rogers, Buck Wehrbein, Kim Brackett, Gene Copenhaver, Scott Anderson.
burden on cattle producers reduced to improve profitability for cattlemen and women. Brackett views her leadership role as an opportunity to thoughtfully serve NCBA members by helping guide strategic decisions that will prepare the association to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
The best part of ranching for Brackett is creating memories with her family, watching her kids’ love for animals grow, whether that be their favorite horses, their first dogs or when newborn calves hit the ground.
Skye Krebs, Vice President Eastern Oregon Skye Krebs is a long-time leader in both the cattle and sheep industries, with more than 40 years of experience guiding progress in livestock organizations. Through advocacy and leadership with the Public Lands Council and Oregon
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CASH ON THE BARRELHEAD | PG. 10
Conservation easements for cattle producers should be created with a trusted partner whose priorities match the landowner’ s.
HENRY RIFLE BREAKS RECORDS | PG. 13
During the annual NCBA-PAC auction at CattleCon, an American Cattleman rifle broke records for the highest bid on a single item.
FEDERATION | PG. 17
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize the importance of beef in a healthy diet and the value of science-based Checkoff research.