National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Welcomes New Leadership

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the premier lobbying organization for the American cattle industry, has recently appointed Buck Wehrbein as its new president. A seasoned Nebraska cattleman, Wehrbein has committed to advocating for opportunities that will benefit the next generation of cattle producers.

Wehrbein’s appointment was announced during CattleCon, the NCBA’s largest annual event, which took place this year in San Antonio, Texas. This prestigious role within the NCBA is typically earned over many years of dedicated service, culminating in a one-year term as president.

Mark Eisele, last year’s president and a cattleman from Wyoming, successfully fostered relationships with the Australian cattle industry during his tenure. He participated in the Beef 2024 event in Rockhampton and hosted the Societal Role of Meat conference in Denver, demonstrating the NCBA’s commitment to global collaboration.

Wehrbein is especially passionate about empowering the next generation of cattle producers. He recognizes their unique capacity to drive innovation and advance the industry. “They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he stated. “They understand the issues, and they’re ready to make a difference.” This perspective underscores his dedication to ensuring that future cattle producers have the tools and opportunities necessary to thrive.

Advocating for Profitability and Regulatory Freedom

During his presidency, Wehrbein intends to focus on enhancing profitability for cattle producers while simultaneously advocating for the freedom to operate without excessive regulatory burdens. He considers the issue of tax relief to be paramount for the agriculture sector and aims to combat regulatory overreach that could stifle industry growth.

“The tax issue is critically important for agriculture,” Wehrbein emphasized. “A few years ago, there was talk of eliminating the deduction of expenses, which would have been devastating for our industry. We must also continue to address the Death Tax. With rising land values, families could be forced to sell or divide their land to pay taxes, which could drive many producers out of business.”

Leadership Guided by Faith and Family

Wehrbein’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in his faith, family, and vocation. A devout Christian, he attributes his success and resilience to the guidance and strength provided by his faith throughout his career and in raising his family. He and his wife Sandy have been married for over 52 years and share a close-knit family that includes two daughters, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Wehrbein looks forward to collaborating with NCBA members to forge a stronger future for the industry.

“The overarching principle and aim of NCBA is to make things better for our members and create an environment where we can all focus on our farms and ranches,” Wehrbein explained. “That’s a significant strength of the NCBA—we represent not only large feedlots or expansive ranches, but the entire spectrum of cattle producers.”

Looking Ahead

As Buck Wehrbein steps into his role as president of the NCBA, he carries with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering growth within the cattle industry. His vision for the future emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of opportunities that will benefit both current and future cattle producers.

With a clear focus on the pressing issues facing the industry, including taxation and regulatory challenges, Wehrbein is poised to lead the NCBA into a new era of growth and prosperity. As he embarks on this journey, he remains dedicated to ensuring that the next generation has the support and resources they need to succeed.

In conclusion, Wehrbein’s tenure is not just about leadership; it is about fostering a community that thrives on shared values and mutual support. The NCBA’s mission under his guidance will continue to center around improving conditions for all members of the cattle industry, thereby reinforcing the importance of agriculture in the American economy.

Source: NCBA