54 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 PEOPLE Nebraska Cattleman Becomes New NCBA President Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman and Nebraska Cattlemen member, ascended to the role of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president during CattleCon 2025, held in early February 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. Over the past decade, Wehrbein has served the beef industry in a variety of national capacities, including as a member of the Federation, Operating Committee, Executive Committee and officer team, and says those experiences taught him a great deal. “I look back at my time in this field and am struck by the many people I respect and look up to who encouraged me to serve and grow along the way,” Wehrbein said. “Every position I have held has been spurred by their encouragement.” As president, Wehrbein sees both challenges and opportunities ahead, but he’s confident that NCBA’s unifying presence will remain critical to addressing key issues facing farmers and ranchers. 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,” Wehrbein noted. “They understand the issues, and they’re ready to make a difference. “I realize how many young folks we have and the many ways they can contribute if we allow them. Those of us with more wet saddle blankets need to be aware of the potential leaders in our midst. We need to invite, encourage and mentor them to be willing to serve and assist them through the process.” Wehrbein’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for profit opportunities while also strengthening the freedom to operate. Securing tax relief provisions and pushing back on regulatory overreach is also crucial during the year ahead. “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.” In addition to tax issues, Wehrbein says other issues of focus in the coming year include animal disease traceability, keeping beef at the center of consumers’ plates and regional issues as well. “I don’t have room to name all these challenges but know that NCBA is tackling all of them on our behalf,” he said. “As you can see, there is plenty to do, and I’m certain that won’t change. I anticipate building on the wins we’ve had recently, as well as the foundation laid by those before us.” Wehrbein is continually impressed by the talent and dedication of the leadership and staff involved with NCBA. “Our association is strong because of the strong leadership and staff,” he said. “The best is yet to come and, together, we’ll continue to build on the good work done long before we got here.” For Wehrbein, leadership is guided by faith, family and vocation. A devout Christian, he credits his faith with providing direction and strength throughout his career and in raising his family. Married to his wife, Sandy, for more than 52 years, Wehrbein cherishes the support of his family, including his two daughters, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He looks forward to the year ahead, working with NCBA members toward a stronger, more viable future. “The overarching principle and aim of NCBA is to make things better for our members and create an environment where each of us focuses on our farms and ranches,” Wehrbein explained. “That’s a big strength of NCBA – we’re not just big feedlots or big ranches. We’re everybody.” Wehrbein emphasized that it is an honor to serve as NCBA president, but also looks forward to enjoying all that is to come. “Always remember, food production is a godly vocation, and I’m pretty certain God’s favorite animal is the bovine,” Wehrbein said. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Let’s have some fun.” ~NC~
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