REGION UPDATES our industry weaves together cattle, soil, forages and wildlife to not only protect but improve the land and entire ecosystem. Resilience in action— producers making decisions on managing their resources today by how they want their operation to look for the next generation. And of course, our affiliates are right there supporting every step. Thank you for this opportunity.
REGION V
Jim Steinbeisser
We have some positive news coming out of Washington, D. C., lately. The new Dietary Guidelines were released in January, and it’ s good news for us in the livestock industry. The old food pyramid has been turned on its head, literally. The Dietary Guidelines placed an emphasis on protein and nearly doubled the daily recommended servings of beef, along with encouraging consumers to focus their diet on more whole foods and less highly processed foods. Red meat was specifically mentioned as a healthy source of protein in a balanced diet, and the use of fats like beef tallow for cooking were also recommended by USDA and HHS.
Some other good news, the House of Representatives passed two key pieces of legislation recently. First, the Pet and Livestock Policy Act which would delist gray wolves in the lower 48 states. If passed in the Senate, ranchers will be better able to realize relief by having the ability to manage wolf populations. Second, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development( SPEED) Act would streamline the National Environmental Protection Agency( NEPA) process, allowing cattle producers to complete important conservation work more quickly. This legislation speeds up the federal permitting process and avoids NEPA weaponization using frivolous litigation— something we’ re all too familiar with.
It was great to see many of you in Nashville.
REGION Vl
By Jeff Young
Beef producers in Region VI and across the country will encounter a mix of opportunities and challenges in 2026 that will shape the future of the industry. One of the most significant opportunities lies in the expanding global demand for highquality protein. As populations in emerging markets grow and incomes rise, beef consumption is expected to increase, particularly in regions such as Asia and Africa. Producers who can meet the rising demand with consistent quality and safety standards will be well-positioned to capture new markets.
Technological innovation is another key area of potential opportunity. Advances in genetics, virtual fencing and data analytics enable producers to increase efficiency, improve animal health, and reduce labor costs. Moreover, digital marketing platforms and e-commerce allow producers to reach consumers directly, opening new revenue streams and branding possibilities.
However, beef producers will also face considerable challenges in 2026. Unpredictable weather patterns, drought and extreme temperatures affect feed, water resources and overall productivity. Producers should consider investing in resilient infrastructure and flexible management strategies to mitigate these risks.
Regulatory pressures are expected to continue, particularly around animal welfare, food safety and environmental impacts. Compliance with evolving standards can increase operational costs and require significant changes to production practices.
Labor shortages and rising input costs— such as feed, energy and transportation— remain persistent challenges. The industry must find ways to attract and retain skilled workers while managing costs and maintaining profitability. Collaboration, innovation and investment in workforce development will be critical for long-term success.
REGION Vll
By Phil Perry CattleCon 2026 ends my term as Region VII Vice President, the charge for my final article is to recap my time on the Executive Committee. It has been an exciting time and an experience I will always value very much.
The first two years we struggled with the Biden administration; then we thought we had the world by the tail when President Trump was elected but that has certainly not always been the case. Our team in Washington, D. C., are top notch; I have no idea how they handle the stress and struggles they encounter as they watch over our industry.
Probably the thing I am going to miss the most are the monthly calls with NCBA volunteer leaders. More than once, we were made aware of issues concerning the beef industry well ahead of it making the headlines and the public becoming aware. The staff both in Denver and D. C. are very much respected within the industry and are the first to be called and asked for answers when a problem surfaces. A couple of issues that come to mind are H5N1( bird flu) that caused problems for the dairy industry. Then, the most recent is the darn New World Screwworm showing up in Mexico. I have no idea where the beef industry would be today without NCBA’ s leadership and its members.
In closing, I’ d like to thank Kansas and all of Region VII for allowing me to serve of your Policy Vice President. It has been a great honor to serve the industry!
And it was great to see all you folks in Nashville.
www. NCBA. org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 17