From the President
Buck Wehrbein
WHAT WE’ VE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER
I know, I know. Time goes by fast. We all say it, but still, it’ s hard to believe I’ m sitting down to write my final column to NCBA members.
NCBA has existed for more than 125 years for one simple but vital reason: to stand up for America’ s cattle producers— the men and women who care for the land, raise cattle and put in long days to keep this business moving forward. None of that work happens without engaged cattlemen and women like you. Your involvement is the foundation of everything we do and, as I close my term as president, I’ ve never been more proud to stand alongside you as members of this association.
Because of that strong grassroots presence, NCBA was able to deliver meaningful results this past year. Together, we have voiced strong opposition to increased beef imports from Argentina, secured tax relief to help producers keep more of what they earn, and defended private property rights by pushing back against regulatory overreach through WOTUS. We’ ve fought for commonsense reforms to the Endangered Species Act, worked to create a more favorable tax and regulatory environment for future generations of cattle producers, led the effort, along with our state affiliate partners, to keep New World Screwworm out of the U. S., and advanced trade opportunities that promise long-term benefits— including Australia opening its doors to imports of U. S. fresh beef. We made some meaningful progress with Secretary Rollins as our government works with grassroots producers to understand the true needs of rural America and how our business contributes to the fabric of our communities.
This past year also reminded us that market signals matter. We’ re experiencing record prices for cattle and beef, reflecting both historically low cattle numbers and strong demand for our product. For generations, cattle producers have worked to deliver the safest, highest-quality beef in the world, and today we are finally seeing fair prices for our products. Even amid market turbulence and political rhetoric surrounding prices, our markets proved resilient, just as they always do. To witness this level of demand is truly remarkable. It’ s something I wish my dad could see. For everyone to recognize what we’ ve always known— that our product is exceptional— is nothing short of incredible.
Of course, our work as an association is never finished. There will always be more to accomplish, especially as we continue to invest in the next generation of leaders, because the future depends on them just as much as it depends on us. At the same time, NCBA continues to grow and adapt, evolving to meet the changing needs of our members and the business we serve. As the German proverb reminds us,“ Food is never eaten as hot as it’ s cooked.” In other words, things often seem more daunting in the moment than they truly are. We can get bent out of shape and scared to death, but when we arrive at the challenge, it’ s rarely as bad— or as good— as it first appeared. Perspective matters, and with steady leadership and collaboration, we navigate uncertainty and keep moving forward.
When I began this year, I wrote that I was truly honored to serve as your NCBA president. That hasn’ t changed. Your trust in me has been humbling, and I am deeply grateful for it. From day one, I said my confidence didn’ t come from what I could accomplish alone, but from the incredible people I stand alongside and you have proven that true at every turn.
The true strength of this association lies in its members. You are the backbone of our industry, the driving force behind our advocacy, and the reason we continue to grow and adapt. Your engagement, insight and commitment to our shared mission— to improve the business climate, grow beef demand, and expand the world’ s access to U. S. beef— are what make NCBA so effective.
This year reinforced something I said early on: leadership is about listening. I’ ve endeavored to hear you, to respect every voice and to lead with honesty. Together, we’ ve faced emerging threats, navigated policy shifts, and secured wins that will shape the future of our industry. As I prepare to pass the gavel, I’ ll leave you with this: your membership matters more than ever. Every voice and every perspective strengthens our ability to fight for your interests. Stay engaged. Share your ideas. Encourage young producers to get involved.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your president. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.
God bless, and happy trails.
From day one, I said my confidence didn’ t come from what I could accomplish alone, but from the incredible people I stand alongside and you have proven that true at every turn. www. NCBA. org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 5