SAN ANTONIO (DTN) -- As Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein moved into his new role as president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), he noted there are both challenges and opportunities ahead, while providing opportunities for the next generation of cattle producers.

"They're ahead of where we were in my time. They understand the issues, and they're ready to make a difference," he said during CattleCon 2025, held in San Antonio last week.

High beef prices have led to positive attitudes for the cattle industry; however, Wehrbein highlighted some of the issues facing cattlemen.

He said securing tax relief provisions and pushing back on regulatory overreach is crucial for the year ahead.

At CattleCon, Wehrbein expressed confidence that the organization will continue to address key issues facing farmers and ranchers like advocating for profit opportunities while strengthening the freedom to operate.

"A few years ago, there was talk of doing away with the deduction of expenses, and that would have been devastating. We also have to keep pushing on the death tax. With what land values have done, if families are forced to sell or split up land to pay taxes, it would put a lot of people out of business," he added.

NEW PRESIDENT BRINGS EXPERIENCE

As he begins his new role as NCBA president, Wehrbein brings in decades of dedication to the industry and leadership experience from his 45-year career in the cattle feeding sector.

According to NCBA's website, he grew up on a farm in eastern Nebraska that raised cattle, hogs and chickens. He managed custom feedlots in Nebraska and Texas since 1984 and fed his own cattle since 1980. "He worked outside Amarillo on a custom feedlot for many years before moving back to Nebraska," NCBA stated. "Wehrbein has been active in the beef industry and served as both chairman and treasurer for the Nebraska Beef Council. He also served on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. He participated in the Young Cattlemen's Conference in 1993."

REST OF THE NCBA TEAM

The rest of the 2025 NCBA officer team includes President-Elect Gene Copenhaver, of Virginia; Vice President Kim Brackett, of Idaho; Skye Krebs, of Oregon, was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division; Nancy Jackson, of Mississippi, was elected chair of the NCBA Federation Division; and Brad Hastings, of Texas, will continue to serve as NCBA treasurer. (See more at https://www.ncba.org/….)

AWARDS PRESENTED AT CATTLECON

Many awards were also presented during the convention. Downey Ranch, of Wamego, Kansas, was recognized by the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP), for their outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements with commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources.

ESAP awards were given in seven regions total, with the other six operations receiving regional awards being Angus Glen Farms LLC, of Watkins Glen, New York; Kempfer Cattle Company, of Deer Park, Florida; Little Timber Farms, of Blackduck, Minnesota; Blue Ranch, of Moore County, Texas; LeValley Ranch, of Hotchkiss, Colorado; and Cottonwood Ranch, of Wells, Nevada.

Beef Quality Assurance awards were given to recognize beef and dairy producers, marketers and educators for demonstrating high-quality animal care and handling principles as part of their day-to-day operations and show a strong desire to continually improve their operations.

The 2025 winners include: Cow-Calf Award to Parker Ranch, of Hawaii; Dairy FARM Award to VanBedaf Dairy, of North Dakota; Feedyard Award to Grimmius Feeder, of California; Marketer Award to Producers Livestock Market, of Utah; and Educator Award to Dr. Keith Belk, of Colorado.

Texas rancher Emma Coffman was named 2024 Advocate of the Year by NCBA's Masters of Beef Advocacy program. Coffman received this honor for engaging with consumers who want to learn more about beef and raising cattle. She is the owner of Double E Ranch Advocacy LLC, where she works to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities through education and storytelling.

The 2026 CattleCon will be held Feb. 3-5, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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