From the President
Gene Copenhaver
Every once in a while, Washington, D. C., produces a moment that clearly illustrates why engagement matters— how a strong, unified voice for cattle producers delivers real results back home. For NCBA members, the past several weeks provided exactly that reminder.
Recently, NCBA leaders and producers joined a White House event recognizing the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. While the setting carried historic symbolism, the impact of these policies is anything but abstract. For cattle producers across the country, these tax provisions directly affect whether family farms and ranches can survive, grow and be passed on to the next generation.
For years, NCBA has worked steadily to explain how the Death Tax threatens family-owned operations. When land values rise but cash flow doesn’ t, heirs are often forced to sell land, livestock, or entire operations just to pay a tax bill. That’ s not theoretical. It’ s happened to neighbors and friends in every cattle-producing state.
At the White House event, lawmakers heard directly from NCBA members about what these policies mean in real life. A first-generation ranching family from South Dakota described how small-business provisions and Section 179 deductions allowed them to expense equipment and fencing— giving them the opportunity to expand their cow herd and launch a direct-to-consumer beef business. A cattle producer from Pennsylvania shared how predictable, commonsense tax policy helps his family plan for the long term and bring the next generation home to the operation.
Those stories highlight something cattle producers already understand instinctively: smart tax policy isn’ t about politics. It’ s about stability, planning and thinking beyond the next year.
Earlier that same day, NCBA participated in a tax roundtable with U. S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, continuing the behindthe-scenes conversations that shape how policy is written and implemented. These meetings don’ t always grab headlines, but they are where outcomes are decided. Being at the table early, before decisions are locked in, is one of the ways we work to protect your operation.
SHOWING UP, STAYING ENGAGED, AND DELIVERING
FOR CATTLE PRODUCERS
Those stories highlight something cattle producers already understand instinctively: smart tax policy isn’ t about politics. It’ s about stability, planning and thinking beyond the next year.
That same principle was on full display during NCBA’ s 2026 Legislative Conference, when our nationwide network of state affiliates brought producers from across the country to Washington, D. C. Throughout the week, NCBA members met with policymakers on Capitol Hill and engaged directly with key federal agencies, including USDA, FDA and EPA.
Priority issues were discussed, like passing a Farm Bill, delisting the gray wolf by passing the Pet & Livestock Protection Act, and securing funding to combat the Longhorned tick and the diseases it carries.
This is what grassroots advocacy looks like: real producers, from real operations, sharing first-hand experience with decision-makers who craft policies that affect us every day. Policy decisions made hundreds of miles away can have immediate consequences at the ranch gate. That’ s why showing up matters.
For cattle producers, NCBA membership may be the cheapest risk management tool you can buy. Think of NCBA membership as catastrophic coverage. One overreaching regulation, one lost market access opportunity, or one harmful tax change can cost far more than years of dues. Advocacy doesn’ t eliminate every challenge, but it dramatically improves the odds that cattle producers aren’ t blindsided.
These wins don’ t happen overnight. Legislation like the Working Families Tax Cuts builds on years of persistent effort by NCBA and, most importantly, NCBA members being willing to engage. Credible data, trusted relationships, and producer voices who are willing to show up make all the difference. That continuity only exists because thousands of producers invest in NCBA year after year. Outcomes like these happen because producers decide that standing together matters.
As president of NCBA, and as a cattle producer myself, I take that responsibility seriously. Our job is to protect your ability to operate, grow and pass your ranch on to the next generation. Engagement in Washington, backed by the strength of our state affiliates and grassroots members, is one of the most effective tools we have to do exactly that.
6 MAY 2026 www. NCBA. org