
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of key cattle industry leaders to serve on the association’s policy committees. The policy committees review, discuss, and vote on resolutions brought forward by NCBA members. These grassroots policies become part of NCBA’s policy book, which directs advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
“What sets NCBA apart as an organization is our grassroots policy process,” said NCBA President-Elect Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattle producer. “Our volunteer committee leaders serve an important role by providing a venue for cattle producers from across the country to discuss the critical issues facing our industry and make decisions on how to move forward. I am proud of this highly distinguished group of cattlemen and cattlewomen, and I know they will serve the entire cattle industry well.”
As part of those committees, Madill, Oklahoma rancher and veterinarian Troy Shelby, D.V.M., will serve as vice chair of the organization’s Cattle Health and Well-Being Committee. Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the oldest and largest national trade association representing America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.
“Dr. Shelby has distinguished himself as a leader in the Oklahoma cattle industry, culminating in his current role as president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association,” said NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “Our policy committee leaders serve NCBA by helping us develop the association’s policy book—a collection of policy positions that guide NCBA’s advocacy in Washington, D.C. This grassroots policy process ensures that cattle producers are the ones making decisions on NCBA’s priorities. Dr. Shelby’s experience as a veterinarian will be critical as NCBA remains focused on cattle health, countering foreign animal disease, and protecting our ranching way of life.”
As a grassroots organization, NCBA policy committees provide a venue for cattle producers to discuss issues facing the cattle industry and pass policy resolutions that direct the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The Cattle Health and Well Being Committee has jurisdiction over NCBA policies involving animal health, animal welfare, veterinary research, disease prevention, and related issues.
Dr. Shelby is a large animal veterinarian and the owner of Shelby Veterinary Services, a private practice focusing on beef cattle herd health. He earned his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Shelby currently serves as the market veterinarian for the historic Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City. He also runs Shelby Cattle Company in Marshall County, along with his family. In addition to serving as president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Dr. Shelby has served on numerous cattle industry boards and committees. He is a past president of the Marshall County Livestock Association.
“The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is thrilled to see our President, Dr. Shelby, take on this new leadership role at NCBA,” said Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey. “Healthy cattle are essential to our livelihood as ranchers, and we know that Dr. Shelby’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue strengthening animal disease preparedness programs and promoting policies that protect our herd.”

The other new committee leaders include:
Agriculture and Food Policy Committee
- Jeff Schafer, chair (North Dakota)
- Eric Jennings, vice chair (South Dakota)
Cattle Health and Well Being Committee
- Barbara Jackson, chair (Arizona)
- Troy Shelby, DVM, vice chair (Oklahoma)
Federal Lands Committee
- Alisa Ogden, chair (New Mexico)
- Lesley Robinson, vice chair (Montana)
International Trade Committee
- Tony Toso, chair (California)
- Will Mayfield, vice chair (Tennessee)
Live Cattle Marketing Committee
- Mike Drinnin, chair (Nebraska)
- Bruce Mershon, vice chair (Missouri)
Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee
- Barb Cooksley, chair (Nebraska)
- Leroy Startz, vice chair (Texas)
Tax and Credit Committee
- Jeff Magee, chair (Mississippi)
- Thomas Bryant, vice chair (Florida)
Additionally, NCBA made appointments to the NCBA-PAC Committee and the Resolutions Committee. NCBA-PAC is the political arm of the association while the Resolutions Committee provides technical review of policy resolutions moving through other committees. The NCBA-PAC Committee leaders will take office following CattleCon in San Antonio, Texas.
Political Action Committee
- Donnie Lawson, chair (Indiana)
- Charlie Swanson, vice chair (Oklahoma)
Resolutions Committee
- Margaret Ann Smith, chair (Virginia)
- Cary King, vice chair (Kentucky)
“NCBA’s staff takes our marching orders from our policy book, which is crafted through the grassroots policy process with the oversight of our committee leaders,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA’s grassroots policy process helps ensure that this association is advocating for policies that support farms and ranches of all sizes and in every part of the country. We look forward to working with this group of cattle industry leaders as we fight for policies that protect cattle producers from overregulation, increase profitability, and secure our legacy for the next generation.”
Policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2026. To learn more about NCBA’s grassroots policy process, visit ncba.org/policy.