Nebraska Cattleman is New NCBA President
Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman, ascended to the role of NCBA president during CattleCon 2025, held this week in San Antonio, Texas. Wehrbein, with a 45-year career in the cattle feeding sector, brings decades of dedication to the industry and leadership experience to NCBA’s top leadership post.
He is particularly passionate about fostering opportunity for the next generation of cattle producers, recognizing their ability to drive innovation and industry progress. “They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he noted. “They understand the issues, and they’re ready to make a difference.” Another important issue is taxes. “The tax issue is critically important for agriculture,” Wehrbein said. “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.”
Here is an interview I did with him prior to the change in officers:
Interview with Buck Wehrbein (3:08)
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.
RFA CEO on the State of the Ethanol Industry
As is tradition, the 30th annual National Ethanol Conference kicked off with the State of the Industry address from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, who highlighted the industry’s pivotal role in American agriculture and outlined how ethanol can once again help the farm sector thrive in the face of current economic challenges.
Cooper reflected on the industry’s rich history while also looking toward the future under the leadership of President Trump and a new Congress.
“From the early days of ‘gasohol’ during the Carter administration to the transformative passage of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2005, the ethanol industry has evolved into a cornerstone of both U.S. energy security and agricultural prosperity,” Cooper said. “The success of ethanol, driven by the RFS, has had a profound impact on American consumers and farmers alike, helping lower pump prices, enhance energy independence, and bolster rural communities.”
Click here for Cooper’s remarks as prepared.
State of the Industry Address – RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper
RFA CEO Geoff Cooper, Industry Address (35:56)
Time To Register for NAMA Palooza
I’m all signed up to go to Kansas City this spring for the 2025 NAMA Agri-Marketing Conference! I can’t wait to join my fellow agri-marketers for this incredible event. Join me!
The NAMAPalooza will take place at the Sheraton Crown Center Hotel, 2345 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri. Get registered if you haven’t yet. The hotel cutoff is March 17, 2025. Git-R-Done.
CattleFax Forecast is Continued Strong Demand & High Price Outlook
The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, shared expert market and weather analysis. Pictured are Jerry Adams, CattleFax President who is shown giving Randy Blach, CEO, CattleFax some recognition for his many years of service.
Here are some excerpts and their remarks on stage. I’m starting with Matt Makens, Meteorologist / Atmospheric Scientist at Makens Weather LLC.
Weather conditions will remain a critical factor influencing grazing availability, herd expansion and cattle prices. Meteorologist Matt Makens said La Niña this winter brings rather volatile weather changes across North America with the majority of weather extremes affecting those in the Central to Eastern U.S. For Mexico and the Southwestern U.S., producers will see drought acreage increase as it has nationwide since June.
“Drought will likely increase across the Western U.S. this spring and into the Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains, and Canadian Prairies through this summer. To watch will be the North American monsoon and how much drought relief it can provide to Mexico, the Southwest, and parts of the Plains,” he said. “Current data show the monsoon is likely to produce more moisture this year than last. A strong enough monsoon can decrease precipitation across the central Corn Belt, watch July closely. Late in the year, the focus turns to the development of La Niña or El Niño.”
Listen to his remarks here:
Matt Makens presentation (20:56)
Next is Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax. He reported that U.S. beef cow herd is expected to see the cycle low to start 2025 at 28 million head, 150,000 head below last year and 3.5 million head from the 2019 cycle highs.
“We expect cow and bull slaughter to continue declining in 2025, with overall numbers down by about 300,000 head to 5.9 million head total. Feeder cattle and calf supplies outside of feedyards will also shrink by roughly 150,000 head, while cattle on feed inventories are starting the year slightly below 2024 levels at 11.9 million head,” he said. “With a tighter feeder cattle supply, placement pace will be more constrained, leading to a projected 700,000-head drop in commercial fed slaughter to 24.9 million. After modest growth in 2024, beef production is expected to decline by about 600 million pounds to 26.3 billion in 2025, ultimately reducing net beef supply per person by 0.8 pounds.”
Beef prices continued their upward trend in 2024, averaging $8.01/lb., the second-highest demand level in history. While demand may ease slightly in 2025, retail prices are still expected to rise to an average of $8.25/lb. Wholesale prices will follow suit, with the cutout price projected to reach $320/cwt.
Listen to his remarks here:
Kevin Good presentation (22:54)
Concluding the session is Randy Blach, CattleFax chief executive officer.
He has an overall positive outlook, and noted that strong margins in the cow-calf sector have set the stage for cowherd expansion to begin, with heifer retention likely back near a more normal pace, relative to minimal retention in recent years. Drought and pasture conditions are now the key factors influencing the rate of expansion with a slower herd rebuild anticipated compared to the last cycle. This more measured expansion pace implies a positive outlook for producer returns over the next several years. Strong consumer demand also remains a bright spot for the industry.
“We have to remember where we came from,” Blach said. “Continued improvements in quality and meeting consumer expectations with a safe, nutritious product and a consistently good eating experience have had tremendous impacts on moving the needle for this industry. We’re moving in the right direction, and we need to keep paying attention to that signal.”
Listen to his remarks here:
Randy Blach presentation (17:25)
Animal Ag News 2/17
Industry Ag News 2/14
Secretary Rollins Goes to Work at USDA
After being confirmed by the Senate yesterday, Brooke Rollins was immediately sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a private ceremony today at the Supreme Court building.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture — and a privilege beyond description to have the trust of President Donald J. Trump, and the opportunity to advance his agenda. I am thrilled to lead the United States Department of Agriculture and to serve the people of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that U.S. Agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”
During a welcome reception at USDA Friday morning, Rollins gave her first official address as Secretary. “We understand that we are not just federal employees here at. USDA. We are servants to the people and to all Americans. And we understand here at USDA that we do not just have a job, we have a mission,” said Rollins.
Rollins made it clear that the department would “be aligned with the intent, the vision and the purpose of President Trump and the Americans who elected him” including cooperating with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). “They’ve been here for a few weeks, but we are welcoming the efforts because we know that that work will make us better here at USDA. It will make us stronger, it will make us faster and it will make us more efficient,” Rollins said.
Later in the day, Rollins took questions from reporters at the White House regarding issues including Avian Flu and egg prices, layoffs at USDA, DOGE and SNAP.
Listen to her comments:
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins - first address (11:37)
Sec. Rollins’ first press availability at the White House
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins - first press avail (8:35)
Precision Ag News 2/13
Breedr Is New AgTech With Launch of Full Circle Beef ™
The CattleCon 2025 Industry News Center was sponsored by Breedr, the Austin-based global leader in precision livestock technology. I interviewed Founder and CEO, Ian Wheal. He talks about how and why he got the company started.
Here’s the company’s mantra: “In God we trust; everyone else…bring data,” Full Circle Beef™ connects independent producers across the entire beef supply chain-from cow-calf producers and seedstock ranchers to feed yards and packers-giving powerful real-time feedback, verified performance, and premium Watch how Breedr works prices.”
In addition to talking about Breedr’s Full Circle Beef™ model we also discussed the Future of Beef Show podcast. “The Future of Beef Show is THE place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry.
Hey, folks! I’m Jim Johnson from the Brands and Barbed wire podcast, and I’m inviting you to join Ian Wheal, Jess Sperber, and I for The Future of Beef Show. Produced in partnership with American Cattlemen and Breedr.
Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, we’ll share stories from the forefront of modern beef production – and show you how technology and data can make all the difference – while staying true to the values that define our industry.”
Listen in to my interview with Ian:
Interview with Ian Wheal (5:50)