FOCUSED ON FAMILY
Will Derting grew up on a cow-calf operation in north central Washington with no television, no cell phones and no internet; nothing but cows and family. He had the best childhood, spending much of his time either trailing cows or playing sports.
After graduating from college, he looked for new opportunities, which took him to Colorado to work in commercial feedlots. He eventually returned to the Pacific Northwest to work at another commercial feedlot operation, however, when presented with an opportunity to go out on his own, Derting took that chance and established Post 5 Cattle with his wife, Nicole.
The couple leased a small commercial feedlot where they backgrounded and finished custom calves while they also developed a sound commercial cow herd by selecting for beef quality traits to produce consistently marbled and high-grading beef. Over time, Post 5 grew in both feedlot scale and cowcalf numbers and now includes three feedlots, the cow-calf operation, as well as a direct-to-consumer component.
From breeding to processing, the Dertings provide a“ birth to box” experience for their customers who purchase whole, halves and quarters. The family also sells their beef to restaurants in north central Washington. Whether in person or via their website, they are always providing information about their life’ s work raising beef cattle as a family.
Derting’ s kids are at the age when they are busy with sports, but rural life is what it’ s all about. Whether it’ s horses, tractors or equipment, all four kids love being on the ranch.
“ We’ re willing to do a lot of things so we can protect this land, so our kids have a future,” Derting explained.
While things are busy in the household, Derting remains committed to serving the beef community. He’ s currently the chair of the Washington State Beef Commission and is a member of the Washington State Cattle Feeder’ s Association, as well as the
Washington Cattlemen’ s Association. He is also involved nationally, serving as Washington’ s Federation representative, serving on the Research Checkoff Committee, and acting as vice chair of NCBA’ s nominating committee for the Federation Division.
“ If you want to see change and if you want to Will Derting and his family. have an impact, you have to volunteer,” Derting said.“ You have to show up because things are run by the people who show up. And you can’ t sit at home and complain about this or that without doing something.”
Part of what Derting enjoys about his leadership roles is meeting producers from across the country and working together for the future of farming and ranching families. How cattle are raised may look different in Washington than it does in Florida, but he appreciates that producers come together to make decisions to advance the industry.
“ Producers in Washington need somebody to be at the table and speak for them,” Derting said.“ I’ ve been selected to serve producers in my area, and my job is to show up, be engaged and provide feedback.”
In addition to engaging with other producers to benefit the future of the cattle business, Derting recognizes consumers want a consistent product that is safe and flavorful. He understands the work cattle producers have done in the last four decades to improve quality has made a difference.
“ I appreciate the grassroots work producers across the country conduct,” Derting said.“ In part, that is helping to create an opportunity for my kids to have a future in the beef industry.”
INVITE YOUR NEIGHBOR TO JOIN NCBA TODAY!
Encourage them to join the association defending U. S. cattle producers. Recruit your friends and family to become a part of NCBA’ s Top Hand Club!
Fill out and mail back this form to: PO Box 173778, Denver, CO 80217
NAME
BUSINESS / RANCH NAM E ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP
CELL PHONE
OFFICE PHONE
BIRTHDATE
EMAIL
RECRUITED BY
NCBA PRODUCER COW-CALF PRODUCER
HERD SIZE 1-100 $ 180 101-250 $ 360 251-500 $ 540 501-750 $ 779 751-1000 $ 1.080 1001-1250 $ 1,381 1251-1500 $ 1,679 1501-1750 $ 1,980 1751-2000 $ 2,281 2001 +
$ 2,181 +($ 0.4560 x # of head over 2000) =
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
STOCKER / FEEDER $ 180 +($ 0.4560 X # of head) =
LIVESTOCK MARKETING COUNCIL
Fixed Facility Livestock Auction Market
Order Buyer / Dealer / Broker
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
NON-CATTLE OWNERS, NON-VOTING
Individual $ 180 Business $ 239
Student $ 59( 24 or younger)
$ 245
$ 245
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NCBA policy priorities defend the free market, promote free trade, reduce regulatory burdens, and elevate the voices of real cattle producers through grassroots-driven policy.
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8 AUGUST 2026 www. NCBA. org