Beef industry meets in San Antonio at CattleCon 2025, NCBA Trade Show
The “it” event in the beef industry often draws many cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders to a warmer climate in early February.
This year was no different as San Antonio, Texas, hosted CattleCon 2025 and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show. NCBA reported more than 8,400 attendees.
The opening general session featured Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a decorated F-16 fighter pilot, professional golfer, philanthropist and best-selling author.
Also, during CattleCon, the 32nd annual Cattlemen’s College featured educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics. Other special segments were a D.C. Issues update, Today’s Beef Consumer market research update and Beef Industry Forum.
Regional winners showcased
NCBA recognized seven of the top cattle operations as Environmental Stewardship Award Program regional winners for their conservation efforts. NCBA President Mark Eisele praised the winners.
“Conservation practices of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country help to preserve natural resources and provide wildlife habitat,” he said. “The stewardship efforts of these award recipients confirm our industry’s commitment to protecting the land and water for future generations.”
Regional ESAP winners undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. Established in 1991 by NCBA, the ESAP is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.
The 2024 regional winners were:
• Region I: Angus Glen Farms, LLC, Watkins Glen, New York
• Region II: Kempfer Cattle Company, Deer Park, Florida
• Region III: Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minnesota
• Region IV: Blue Ranch, Moore County, Texas
• Region V: LeValley Ranch, Hotchkiss, Colorado
• Region VI: Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada
• Region VII: Downey Ranch, Wamego, Kansas
For more information, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.
BQA award winners recognized
On Feb. 5, NCBA announced winners of the 2025 Beef Quality Assurance Awards, sponsored by Cargill, Sam’s Club and Certified Angus Beef.
The BQA Awards annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers and educators who best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of day-to-day activities. Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability, said the winners not only benefit from the practices, but so does everyone else.
“BQA Award winners not only incorporate BQA best management practices into their operations, but they also share the benefits of the program with their peers,” he said. “Their commitment to quality and animal care transcends their physical locations.”
The 2025 BQA Award winners:
• 2025 BQA Cow-Calf Award, Parker Ranch, Hawaii
• 2025 BQA Dairy FARM Award, VanBedaf Dairy, North Dakota
• 2025 BQA Feedyard Award, Grimmius Feeder, California2
• 2025 BQA Marketer Award, Producers Livestock Market, Utah
• 2025 BQA Educator Award, Dr. Keith Belk, Colorado
Committees made up of BQA certified representatives from universities, state beef councils, sponsors and affiliated groups make up the selection committee. The nominations are assessed based on their commitment to BQA practices, service and dedication.
For more information, visit www.bqa.org/beef-quality-assurance-awards.
CME Group scholarships announced
Ten emerging beef industry leaders received $1,500 scholarships from the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and were recognized at CattleCon 2025. NCF Chair Dave True said it’s a privilege to recognize a passionate group like these students.
The 2025 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship recipients are:
• Mattie Flohr of Danville, Indiana, Oklahoma State University
• Bennett Gordon of Whitewood, South Dakota, Oklahoma State University
• Mia Jess of Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech University
• Ty Jones of Scottsville, Kentucky, Oklahoma State University
• Taylor Lacek of Brookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University
• Chase Litton of Boonville, Missouri, Oklahoma State University
• Whitney Peck of Fredonia, Kentucky, University of Kentucky
• Hailey Rydberg of Essex, Iowa, University of Northern Iowa
• Wyatt Stowell of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
• Spencer Walahoski of Overton, Nebraska, West Texas A&M University.
Introduced in 1989 and sponsored by CME Group, the scholarship identifies and encourages talented students who play a vital role in the future of food production. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship program.
For more information, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.
Policy priorities announced
Policy work is a large part of CattleCon 2025, and the NCBA executive committee approved the group’s policy priorities. Producer profitability was top of mind, as the focus was on engaging President Donald Trump’s administration and Congress to expand opportunities.
NCBA President-elect Buck Wehrbein said NCBA will continue to advocate for the passage of a long-term farm bill with extended tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Wehrbein said government overreach has prevented meaningful conservation efforts, leaving America’s treasured natural resources in worse condition and hurting cattle producers.
Some of NCBA’s 2025 policy priorities include:
• Work to retain core wins in the 2024 House Agriculture Committee-passed farm bill.
• Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.
• Fight for meaningful long-term relief from the burdensome reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act.
• Enhance wildfire prevention utilizing targeted grazing, controlled burns and forest management practices to protect grazing lands.
• Keep working lands working by protecting family farms from undue regulatory burdens under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act and many other key regulations.
Advocate of Year announced
First-generation cattle rancher Emma Coffman, Temple, Texas, was selected as the 2024 Advocate of the Year at CattleCon 2025.
The award recognizes Coffman for her creative use of storytelling across social media platforms, along with breaking down barriers as a first-generation cattle rancher.
“As a first-generation agriculturalist, what I initially saw as my biggest disadvantage has turned out to be the greatest blessing the Lord could have given me,” Coffman said. “It has provided me with the unique opportunity to break down complex topics and present them in ways that are more relatable and understandable to everyday consumers.”
According to a news release, as a modern-day influencer, Coffman has a knack for creating approachable and educational social media content that bridges the gap between consumers and producers. With more than 80,000 followers across social media platforms, Coffman uses her platform to educate viewers about sustainable and innovative ways farmers and ranchers care for their animals and produce high-quality beef.
Coffman’s passion goes beyond simply reaching consumers. She also strives to inspire the next generation of ranchers through sharing stories that will motivate and guide them as they build their operations. Coffman also works to encourage producers and industry stakeholders to join the conversation to help grow consumer trust in the beef industry and establish a firm foundation for future beef advocates to flourish.
Find Coffman on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or TikTok, or visit her website, Double E Ranch.
Wehrbein becomes new NCBA president
Bringing 45 years of cattle feeding experience and leadership to NCBA, Wehrbein became the new NCBA president at CattleCon 2025.
Confident in NCBA’s unifying presence, Wehrbein believes it’s critical to address key issues facing farmers and ranchers. Passion for fostering the next generation of cattle producers and recognizing their ability to drive innovation and progress is something he believes in.
“They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he said. “They understand the issues, and they’re ready to make a difference.”
Wehrbein’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for profit opportunities while also strengthening the freedom to operate. Securing tax relief provisions and pushing back on regulatory overreach is also crucial during the year ahead.
He looks forward to the year ahead, working with NCBA members toward a stronger, more viable future.
The 2025 NCBA officer team, approved by the NCBA board of directors, took office at the end of this year’s convention. Gene Copenhaver, of Virginia, was named president-elect and Kim Brackett, of Idaho, was elected vice president. Skye Krebs, of Oregon, was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Kenny Rogers, of Colorado, was elected policy vice chair. Nancy Jackson, of Mississippi, and Travis Maddock, of North Dakota, were elected as chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation Division, respectively. Brad Hastings, of Texas, will continue to serve in the role of NCBA treasurer.
Award honoree recognized
The Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award recognizes agricultural journalists who exemplify the values Henderson championed throughout his career. This award celebrates those who embody these principles and carry forward his legacy of impactful journalism in service to agriculture.
The inaugural recipient, Ron Hays, has set the standard for excellence in agricultural reporting through his outstanding work with the Oklahoma Farm Report. With a career spanning more than four decades, Hays has become a trusted voice for producers, known for his ability to deliver accurate, timely and insightful information on critical issues affecting the cattle and beef industry.
For more information, visit www.ncba.org.
CattleCon 2026 and the NCBA Trade Show will be Feb. 3 to 5, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
