THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
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this as a rancher; I’ m older in age, but young in experience,” Lehning reflected.“ It’ s still a lot of learning, and there are some great organizations to really learn from and grow in.”
Although New York is known for small farms with fewer head of cattle, producers have leveraged niche markets and local demand to promote and sell their product to consumers within the state. The state’ s massive population lends itself to an important audience for beef promotion, especially information about beef’ s rich nutrition and farmer’ s prioritization of animal welfare. Lehning appreciates the grassroots work of producers across the country contributing to reach millions of consumers, and he’ s proud to play a role as a voluntary leader and believes it is important to give back.
“ You’ ve got to step up, and if you don’ t tell your story and if you don’ t get involved, then I think someone else will do it,” Lehning concluded.“ It’ s my responsibility to the beef industry and being part of New York to represent us and engage.”
12 APRIL 2026 www. NCBA. org