Virginia farmer Jeb Cullipher and NCBA past President Kevin Kester (left) with President Trump at White House event
President Donald Trump welcomed National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Past-President Kevin Kester from California and Virginia Cattlemen’s Association member Jeb Cullipher to represent those in the agriculture industry who will benefit from provisions in the legislation.
“The one big, beautiful bill will also be an incredible victory for American farmers, another group that we did great with, especially family farmers,” said President Trump. “Our bill will provide 100 percent expensing so they can buy a new farm, new farm equipment. And by the way, the expensing is good for everybody, not just farmers. And it will virtually eliminate the so-called estate tax or the death tax.”
Kester raises cattle with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Over 30 years ago, he inherited the ranch from his grandfather and faced a $2 million Death Tax from the IRS.
“It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now,” said Kester. “When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every dollar and sacrifice basic purchases so that we could pay off that tax bill. To protect our food security and national security, we need to make sure no other farming family experiences that same burden, which is why Congress must pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and deliver lasting tax relief.”
The Cullipher family has been farming in the area for almost 200 years and Jeb added cattle to the farm. For his business to thrive, farmers like Cullipher need Congress to support small business tax deductions, credits, and other provisions that help farmers invest in the success of their operations.
Listen to Trump’s comments here.
Pres. Trump on bill's benefits for farmers 1:53