Gene Copenhaver

Let’ s Pass the Baton

In September’ s National Cattlemen, I shared about new tools developed by NCBA to support succession planning for cattle farmers and ranchers. Without a well-planned transition, we expose ourselves to the possibility of losing valuable farms and ranches across the country. If we want to safeguard the future of American beef production, we must prioritize succession planning today.

Just as we need strong hands and sharp minds to take ownership of our operations and cattle businesses, we also need the next generation’ s insight and

I know that it can be easy to leave our sons and daughters on the farm to care for the cattle and handle day-to-day challenges while the older generation attends important meetings like state cattlemen’ s conventions or CattleCon. But I urge you to rethink that approach. While it is valuable for the incoming generation to manage daily operations so we can network with fellow producers and vote on important issues, the decisions made in those rooms, where producers come together, will shape their future far more than our own. They deserve a seat at the table and to be heard in those conversations.

Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement, a clear invitation or an introduction to help a young leader build industry connections and gain confidence to step into leadership roles. Having served as a volunteer leader for many years, I have seen firsthand how change is made by those who show up. That’ s why I believe the first step is giving the next generation the opportunity to be present. The next step is ensuring they have clear pathways into leadership.

I remember cattlemen who encouraged me to attend my first county cattlemen’ s meeting and I remember taking on responsibilities that felt greater than I was ready for. Their confidence helped me find my place and taught me leadership is learned by doing— not by waiting until you feel fully prepared. Looking back, those initial opportunities shaped my role within the cattle industry today.

In my conversations with young cattlemen and women throughout my travels this year, I am consistently impressed with their understanding of industry issues and their eagerness to be a part of the solution. Many of them grew up hearing the same concerns: farmers are aging out and the agriculture workforce is shrinking, while access to land becomes increasingly difficult. Rather than discouraging this generation, I clearly see that they are driven by a remarkable degree of grit and determination. Because of that, they are ready to represent the cattle industry and defend the future of beef production.

I am excited and encouraged to see many young producers who are willing to give their time, resources and talents to reinforcing the future of American beef production. As a leader and a parent, I want to support them in any way I can, and I believe mentorship is one of the best methods to prepare the next generation for success. Mentorship does not have to be complex. Invite a young producer to attend a county meeting, introduce them to industry leaders, or ask them to serve on a committee. Small opportunities often lead to meaningful contributions.

To those of you waiting for your turn to step into leadership, take that step today. Don’ t wait. Join your local cattlemen’ s association. Attend national events such as CattleCon, Summer Business Meeting or Legislative Conference. And to those of you who have carried the baton for a while, turn around and offer a hand to someone coming behind you who is ready to lead our industry forward.

Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement, a clear invitation or an introduction to help a young leader build industry connections and gain confidence to step into leadership roles.

4 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN DIRECTIONS 2026