As CattleCon 2026 kicked off this week in Nashville, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced its 2026 policy priorities following approval by the organization’s Executive Committee. NCBA’s focus centers on policies that directly impact producer profitability, including reducing regulatory costs, defending free markets, expanding trade opportunities, and maintaining strong beef demand.

NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says producers are enjoying high prices right now but that comes with challenges. “It’s time to figure out where we go from here, right?.. And this is the meeting where that policy process really kicks off so that there can be some real discussions about how to make things work better, how to close some open gates, how to make sure that we’re putting that government affairs horsepower from NCBA on the target, where it needs to be to make sure that we’re making it easier for producers to sustain that run, make sure that we’re rebuilding the herd in a responsible way and creating that stable environment, especially for young producers that are looking for that entry point into the supply chain and don’t necessarily have an operation to inherit,” said Lane.

NCBA’s policy priorities for 2026 include:
– Continue to press the administration to roll back harmful regulations to keep working lands working.
– Enhance and strengthen U.S. mitigation measures against the incursion of New World Screwworm.
– Protect the U.S. cattle herd from foreign animal diseases and pests through heightened awareness and preparedness actions.
– Expand market access for U.S. beef exports and hold trade partners accountable to ensure equivalent animal health and food safety standards for imported beef.
– Promote scienced-based nutrition policies and sound, fact-based information for consumers.
– Push for further hours-of-service flexibility, increased truck weights, and continue delaying ELD requirements for livestock haulers.
– Safeguard the U.S cattle and beef supply chain by working with the administration to ensure there is a strong workforce to limit processing disruptions for producers.

Learn more in this interview.
CattleCon Interview with Ethan Lane, NCBA (7:43)