Buck Wehrbein reflected on a remarkable year serving as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association with senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays at CattleCon26. Wehrbein noted how rare it is to see historically high cattle prices alongside strong consumer demand. He emphasized the industry’s efficiency, pointing out that despite cattle numbers being at a 43-year low, production has only declined slightly. “To think the size we can make these cattle… we got a 43-year low on numbers, but we’re only down two and a half percent on production. That’s just amazing,” Wehrbein said, calling the current state of the industry deeply gratifying after decades in the business.
Wehrbein also highlighted the importance of recent dietary guidelines, contrasting today’s environment with the demand struggles of the 1980s and 1990s. He noted that earlier efforts to promote beans, peas, and lentils as preferred protein sources ultimately failed after scrutiny and input from the cattle industry. “That got enough grief over that, plus some good, good evidence from the cattle industry and others, that that got flipped,” he said, crediting a fair review of the science for the outcome.
Discussing the role of USDA leadership, Wehrbein stressed that the industry wasn’t handed a win but was given an opportunity to be heard. “Secretary Kennedy gave us a fair hearing,” he said. “He took the information and research, all the nutrition information that the checkoff has gathered up for decades, and actually gave it a fair hearing.” Wehrbein said that process reinforced the credibility of beef’s nutritional value and validated years of research and outreach.
As he traveled the country visiting producers, Wehrbein observed widespread optimism, fueled by strong prices and steady demand. “If you have good prices and rain and grass, you got people really happy,” he said, acknowledging regional challenges but underscoring the big picture. Consumer demand, he added, has been “rock solid,” and carcass quality trends reflect that strength. “I’m giddy about that,” Wehrbein said, referencing projections that prime carcasses could soon outnumber select.
Looking back on his term, Wehrbein said the speed of the year and the dedication of industry volunteers left the biggest impression. “I’m struck by the velocity of the passage of time and the amount of good, solid people out there that are willing to volunteer and help,” he said. As he steps away from the presidency, Wehrbein said he hopes producers recognize the value NCBA delivers through its work in Washington and as a beef checkoff contractor, reinforcing both demand and confidence in the product they produce.
Coverage of CattleCon 2026 is powered by Farm Data Services of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
