From the President
Gene Copenhaver
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
Over the last several years, our industry has worked tirelessly to strengthen the global reputation of U. S. beef, and today we’ re seeing the results of that effort in real time. Last month, I had the privilege of representing the National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association( NCBA) as we hosted a stop on the United Kingdom Embassy Farm Tour at Whitestone Farm in Loudoun County, Virginia. It was an opportunity not only to welcome our international guests, but also to demonstrate what sets U. S. cattle producers apart: our commitment to quality and stewardship.
The tour brought together an impressive group of leaders and stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic. We were joined by the U. K.’ s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt. Hon. Emma Reynolds MP; Virginia Agriculture Secretary Katie Frazier; Deputy Secretary Ben Rowe; leadership from the U. K.’ s National Farmers Union; and our partners at the Virginia Farm Bureau. These conversations reaffirmed, loud and clear, that British and American producers share many of the same values and priorities. That alignment matters, because common values build the foundation for strong, lasting trade relationships.
As I shared with our guests, U. S. beef continues to resonate with British consumers, who increasingly seek the top-quality product our producers work hard to deliver every day. Demand for American beef is growing in the U. K., and last month marked a major milestone: the first shipments of U. S. beef officially reached U. K. ports. That is an achievement worth celebrating— for our members, our trade partners, and the broader beef community.
This moment didn’ t happen overnight. Last May, the United States finalized a trade deal with the United Kingdom that
Demand for American beef is growing in the U. K., and last month marked a major milestone: the first shipments of U. S. beef officially reached U. K. ports.
significantly increases market access for U. S. beef. That agreement was the product of years of work including persistent engagement by NCBA with British industry, Members of Parliament, the British Embassy, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and countless other officials and stakeholders. We laid the groundwork one meeting at a time, strengthening relationships and building trust in the high standards of American cattle and beef production.
Trade agreements like this one are essential to fulfilling one of my key priorities as your NCBA president: sustaining the strong momentum we’ ve built around beef demand— both at home and abroad. Growing global demand doesn’ t happen on its own. It requires intentional outreach, robust relationships and continued advocacy to ensure our product has access to new and expanding markets. That’ s why NCBA’ s work on international trade is so important, and why we will keep engaging with British consumers and decision makers to further build confidence in U. S. beef.
The event at Whitestone Farm showcased exactly what makes our industry successful. We are transparent. We are forward thinking. And we are united with producers around the world who share our mission to feed a growing population responsibly. The U. S.-U. K. trade agreement opens new doors for our product, and with the first shipments already delivered, we are just getting started.
Thank you for everything you do as NCBA members, leaders and advocates for U. S. beef. Together, we will continue driving demand, expanding opportunities and strengthening the future of our industry.
6 APRIL 2026 www. NCBA. org