NCBA to make sure that can ’ t happen ,” Eisele stated . “ Grazing is good , and beef is a valuable protein . We need flexibility in the way we produce it . Those are the simple messages I want to get across to decision makers .”
When he got into the cattle business , Eisele found that to both survive and thrive , he had to rely on both the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the NCBA . He credits his family ’ s ranch being intact today because of those associations . Therefore , Eisele ’ s responsibility as NCBA president hits close to home . He wants to open as many opportunities as possible for people who want to participate and succeed in this business .
“ There ’ s a lot of concern about the age of the average producer and the transition of ranches and farms . I ’ m guardedly optimistic because I think there are a lot of opportunities . In my case , I found a mentor and a niche market to start in and grew from there . We have producers looking to retire and who maybe don ’ t have a direct line for transition ; I think they ’ re going to be stepping away and looking for younger , or just interested , people to take over . We have to open avenues to make that simple and make sure we have a tax code that isn ’ t prohibitive ,” he said .
Eisele highlighted the significant challenge posed by federal government tax policies , particularly the Death Tax , and emphasized the financial strain it places on those with valuable assets but limited cash liquidity . Eisele has seen how family disputes and a lack of estate planning can be more detrimental than adverse weather or market conditions . He stresses the importance of investing time and effort in developing a comprehensive plan to navigate these challenges successfully .
“ I know from personal experience transition can be complex , especially in a situation as non-blood heirs , but this underscores that success can be achieved through collaborative planning . We need proactive planning and the ability to connect producers with shared experiences or similar interests to address transition planning and the tax code . We also need tools to help alleviate fears associated with taking the initial steps ,” he said .
This year , one of the issues Eisele expects to tackle is the ongoing Farm Bill negotiations . This is top of mind for NCBA as the organization works to secure reauthorization of animal health provisions , expand the accessibility and funding of risk management and disaster relief programs , and protect voluntary conservation programs . Conservation is always top of mind for Eisele .
He also emphasized the importance of recognizing and preparing for challenges posed by animal and environmental activists .
“ You may not always recognize a wolf in sheep ’ s clothing , but they ’ re out there , and they ’ re coming for us . So , our industry must be prepared . We have to be willing to offer up our own stories , knowledge and science to counter them . You have to participate in the industry to help yourself ,” he stressed .
Eisele is committed to advocating for producers in all segments of the industry . He sees it as his opportunity to pay back the efforts of those who fought for him , believing in the industry and its people . Acknowledging the influence of past leaders , Eisele asserts the need for current leaders to take initiative and lead .
“ I believe in this industry . I believe in its people . I want to meet as many members as I can and hear stories about good things that have happened , and I want to hear some stories about bad things that have happened . I want to find out how NCBA can help , and how we can open opportunities for young leaders ,” he said .
Eisele asserted the importance of connecting with each other , acknowledging individual strengths and weaknesses , and creating a sense of unity . He ’ s seen this mentality and collaborative effort make organizations he ’ s been a part of successful , but he ’ s also seen it play out in his own family , which is what drives him .
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