Last week, we visited with NCBA President Buck Wehrbein about his outlook for the future of agriculture. Today, we continue that discussion, focusing on some of the issues cattle producers are closely watching — from strong but complicated markets to animal health concerns, and policy debates still pending in Washington.
Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman and feedlot operator, said the high markets are rewarding, but they come with challenges when it’s time to restock. He added that while feedlots are feeling the squeeze of high replacement costs, cow-calf operators are finally getting the break they need to pay down debt and strengthen their operations.
Animal health is another concern producers are watching closely. Wehrbein said screw worm — a pest that impacts all mammals — remains a particular concern along the southern border. He noted that NCBA is confident in the safeguards put in place by APHIS and its Mexican counterparts, but producers are eager to see the border fully reopened.
Wehrbein explains further about the shortage of head of cattle versus the tonnage of the animals, and how that affects what we see in the stores.
Looking at policy, Wehrbein pointed to progress made on tax relief, indemnification, and animal health issues in the recent “big, beautiful bill.” However, he emphasized that NCBA is still working to push a full Farm Bill across the finish line.
As Wehrbein explained, the work of NCBA is far from finished — but strong markets, careful attention to animal health, and a continued presence in Washington are keeping cattle producers positioned for the future.
