Matt Macfarlane | (916) 803-3113 m3cattlemarketing@gmail.com
BILLING SERVICES
Lisa Brendlen lisa@calcattlemen.org
SERVING CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS SINCE 1917
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Ventura County Cattlemen's Fall Dinner & Meeting
Oct. 5 | Camarillo
CCA Convention
Internship Deadline
Oct. 10
Madera County Cattlemen's Dinner
Oct. 17 | Madera
Modoc County Cattlemen's Dinner
Oct. 17 | Calpines Lodge | Alturas
Merced-Mariposa Cattlemen's Fall Dinner Meeting
Nov. 1 | Merced Fairgrounds | Merced
CalWATRS Workshop
Nov. 5 | 12-4:30 | Lunch & Presentation
Adin Community Center | Adin
RSVP at calcattlemenfoundation.org/events
Siskiyou Cattlemen’s Fall Dinner
Nov. 8 | Yreka Community Center | Yreka
Amador/ El Dorado/ Sacramento Fall Dinner Meeting
Nov. 11 | Amador Co. Fairgrounds | Plymouth
109th Annual CCA/CCW Convention
Dec. 3-5 | Atlantis Casino Resort | Reno, NV
WHAT’S GOING ON?
7PROPERTY & LIABILITY CONCERNS FOR RANCHERS
1) Rising Costs from Natural Disasters:
Increased frequency of wildfires, hurricanes, and floods is raising claims costs, leading insurers to hike premiums or exit high-risk markets.
2) Inflation and Supply Chain Issues:
Higher construction material and labor costs, along with supply chain disruptions, are straining insurers' profitability.
3) Reinsurance Market Struggles
Reinsurers are raising rates or reducing coverage, leaving primary insurers with higher costs to pass on to consumers.
4) Coverage Gaps in High-Risk Areas
Insurers are withdrawing from regions prone to disasters, limiting homeowners' options and pushing them towards costly state-backed plans or self-insurance.
5) Regulatory Pressure
Governments are scrutinizing insurers' rate hikes and coverage withdrawals, complicating efforts for financial stability.
6) Technological Challenges
Integrating AI and data analytics to assess risk and streamline claims is difficult and costly.
7) Litigation and Fraud
Increased claims disputes and fraud in disaster areas are inflating costs and complicating underwriting.
ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES
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16 32 40
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CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN
CCA President attends Washington wolf meeting
BUNKHOUSE
Persistence is paramount to working through cattle production challenges
DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
CCA takes part in D.C. Fly-in
COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR
Education builds bridges between ranchers and consumers
CHIMES
CattleWomen get down to business in Central Coast meetings
NATIONAL STAGE
NCBA working to mitigate screwworm impacts
As the season transitions to cooler weather, bulls are turned out and California cattle producers make plans for the winter season ahead. This idyllic aerial photo from south of Sacramento captures fall at its finest as cattle migrate across a pasture on a warm fall evening.
ELECTION INSIGHT
A rancher's view on gubernatorial candidates in 2026
AT THE TABLE
Feeder Q&A about hot button topic in Washington, D.C.
BEEF-ON-DAIRY ANALYSIS
CattleFax market assessment of beef-on-dairy sector
CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN
CCA REPRESENTS YOU NEAR AND FAR
by CCA President Rick Roberti
As I write this article, several members of California Cattlemen's Association, along with staff, just returned home from Washington, D.C. Last year was my first trip to our Nation's Capital, and it was a learning experience for me as I listened to others in our group speak at essential meetings. Few of us like to think of ourselves as politicians, but we are. Everything we do and say these days in such a divided country is political. Those of us in agriculture must tell our side of the story.
This year's trip to D.C. was different. There are a lot of things spiraling out of control in California that need fixing. Your leadership held back nothing in our meetings with government agencies and legislators. We lobbied on numerous topics concerning the cattle industry, including the New World screwworm (NWS). NWS poses a significant threat, given its history in our country. It is also a political pawn in our government, used to put pressure on Mexico for other reasons. We asked government officials to
do the right thing to protect our industry and US citizens along the southern border states. Additionally, our delegation spoke with officials from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and veterinarians from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) about concerns members have in California. We spoke with the U.S. Forest Service rangeland management program manager about wildfires, grazing vacant federal allotments, and increasing cattle on underused allotments.
In comparing this year's trip to last year's, there was truly a big difference in how the leaders of this new administration received our group. They were up to speed on most issues and eager to be of help. The predator issue was at the top of the list for many in our group. Director Brian Nesvik, the newly appointed head of U.S. Fish and Wildlife, was aware of our wolf problem and assured us he was working on it. It was a very frank conversation, basically telling him the State of California is not planning to do anything to help, but intend to protect the wolf until it occupies the entire state. This Administration must step up and do what’s right, or we will. I think he understood what we were saying.
Most meetings with legislators and staff were good. We had a private breakfast with Congressman Vince Fong: he updated us on Proposition 50 and told us that it would be a close fight in the election. CCA staff did a great job setting up the meetings and guiding us country folks around D.C. It takes a lot of time and energy to work out all the details for a group of our size.
This year, my wife Carolyn and I, along with CCA Wolf Policy Subcommittee Chair Paul Roen and his wife Sheri, spent an extra day seeing many monuments and historical sites, including the Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery. It was overwhelming to learn about the men and women who paid the ultimate price to keep our country free. Our country's freedom is worth fighting for today.
Whether our leadership made a difference is yet to be seen, but we will keep trying our best. Thanks for your support. It is an honor to represent such great people.
Rick Roberti and Paul Roen in Washington, D.C.
BUNKHOUSE
PERSISTENCE, HARD WORK AND PATIENCE
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
by Jack Rice for the Ranchers Technical Assistance Program
One thing I have always appreciated about working on agricultural policy issues is that they are almost always interesting and challenging. The problem with interesting and challenging issues is that they rarely lend themselves to simple and easy solutions. Instead, the path forward invariably requires persistence, hard work, and more time than anyone anticipated.
While this can be frustrating, it shouldn’t be surprising. I believe that the secret to the remarkable success of American agriculture has always been the persistence, hard work and time invested by farmers and ranchers. While I know this to be true, in the age of Amazon and InstaCart it still is hard to resist the desire for quick and easy solutions. Unfortunately, like our predecessors, we will have to continue to invest time, energy, and creativity to adapt to new issues and new challenges.
One place I see all of this, namely the hard work and creativity along with the complexity and difficulty, is how farmers and ranchers in the Salinas and Imperial Valleys are grappling with food safety.
In a nutshell, the issue is that fresh produce can be contaminated by E. coli O157:H7 and cattle can be a reservoir for E. coli O157:H7. Whether and how the E. coli may get from the cattle to the fresh produce field is not definitively understood. But because the problematic E. coli O157:H7 can live in healthy cattle, and because in the Salinas and Imperial Valleys fresh produce production occurs near cattle, there is pressure to do something. The critical issue is what that “something” will be.
Will it be to simply establish ever increasing buffers between a produce field and any type of cattle operation? This simplistic approach may be favored by grocery store attorneys, but it
isn’t supported by scientific research and could have catastrophic effects on individual farmers and ranchers as one or the other would be required to take land out of production.
Here is where foresight by Secretary Karen Ross and her team at the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), working closely with various state and local trade organizations, is paying dividends. Instead of waiting for some simplistic approach to be imposed, CDFA is working with industry partners to push forward conversations and research to come up with a better plan than one imposed by someone that has little concern for either farmers or ranchers.
But this is also where it gets interesting, which in this instance is code for really complicated.
The first complexity is that it isn’t possible to completely eliminate the risk of E. coli contamination as long as food is grown outdoors. Instead of silver bullets, the best we can hope for is to identify feasible actions likely to result in meaningful reductions of contamination risk. This means that the whole effort is more about heading a particular direction rather than reaching a certain destination.
A second complexity is that no one is quite sure whether or how the E. coli O157:H7 may get from cattle into a field. The CDC has found the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 that made people sick in cattle feces not too far away, but it isn’t clear how the contaminate made it to both places. Since
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cows aren’t wandering in lettuce fields, people have speculated that it could be wildlife, dust, runoff, compost and various other factors. But even after a tremendous amount of research, there isn’t a clear answer.
A third complexity is that every situation is different. The circumstances in the Salinas Valley, where yearlings are typically grazing rangeland in the hills surrounding the valley’s fresh produce fields, is very different from the Imperial Valley where feedlots and produce fields are spread across the valley. And both of these areas differ significantly from Arizona or other regions where cattle and fresh produce are near one another. Every region, indeed every farm or ranch, has a different set of factors.
A fourth complexity is that the pressure for fresh producer growers to do something often comes from the fresh produce buyers, not the farmers. These buyers are a long way from the farm and probably don’t fully understand the regional variability mentioned above. What the buyers want to see is something done to satisfy their attorneys and insurance companies. But without knowing what is feasible and reasonably effective, mandates developed by buyers may be practically impossible and pointless.
A fifth complexity is that…well you get the idea — it's complicated.
So what do we do with all this complexity? This is where the CDFA led effort to proactively engage on food safety issues across commodities and regions offers a path forward.
The California Ag Neighbors process has provided a place for farmers and ranchers to communicate about food safety. While there aren’t any silver bullets, this process has shown that in some instances it may be possible to take actions that may reduce risk while not imposing a significant cost. For example, if a cattle rancher and a fresh produce grower share a farm road, a phone call could ensure that cattle trucks and fresh produce aren’t being hauled at the same time. While the odds of contamination are likely very low, this is an example where communication can help reduce risk through feasible actions.
Another way communication can help is simply by providing information. Earlier this year Joe Dan Cameron and I spoke at the Center for Produce Safety Research Symposium on a panel moderated by Tim York, CEO of California’s Leafy Green Marketing Agreement (LGMA). When this crowd of mostly technical experts learned what Joe Dan and other feedlot operators
in the Imperial Valley did to manage dust and run-off, they were impressed with the extent and thoroughness of care given to managing things that may be a concern in other states. I believe this went a long way to answering questions some may have had relating to a recent study from Arizona. Just by communicating what he already does, Joe Dan helped relieve concerns.
For the past several years the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with CDFA and UC Davis’ Western Center for Food Safety, has been conducting a longitudinal study “to identify environmental factors that significantly contribute to the introduction, persistence, growth and spread of foodborne pathogens that could contaminate produce during production and harvest.” The results of this study will be coming out later this year. While I don’t know any of the findings, I believe two things are a safe bet. First, there will be no quick and easy solutions. Second, for both farmers and ranchers it will require persistence, hard work and more time than anyone anticipated.
But please don’t interpret that as a down note. Persistence, hard work and patience are essential elements of our agricultural heritage. We should embrace that heritage and carry on.
2025 CCA AND CCW ANNUAL CONVENTION
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER
3RD
8
9
9
9 - 10 am CCA Officer’s Mtg. 10:30 am - Noon California Cattlemen’s Foundation Mtg.
11 am - Noon YCC Networking in the Tradeshow
11 am - Noon A Calif. Cattlewomen Heritage Foundation Mtg.
10 am - Noon Cattle Marketing & International Trade
10 am - Noon CCA Federal Lands
11 am - 1 pm Cowbelle of the Year Lunch
Noon - 1 pm Lunch in the Tradeshow
Noon - 1 pm Past Presidents Lunch
1 - 2 pm General Session #3
2 - 4 pm Cattlemen’s Poster Session
2 - 4 pm CCA Property Rights & Enviro. Mgmt.
2 - 4 pm CCA Ag & Food Policy/Tax and Credit
3 - 5 pm CCW Board and Membership Mtg.
4 - 5 pm Local Presidents and Secretaries Mtg.
5 - 6 pm CCA President’s Reception
6:30 - 9 pm CCA + CCW Reception & Awards Banquet
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
6:45 - 8 am CCA Nominating Committee
7 - 9 am CCW Awards Breakfast
8:30 - 10 am CCA Board and Membership Mtg.
9:30 - 11:30 am CCW New Executive Board Workshop
Our room block at the Atlantis is open!
Make reservations to stay in an all new premier room for as low as $141/night (includes taxes and fees). Scan the QR code or visit CCA’s website to reserve your room!
A LA CARTE REGISTRATIONS
CCW Awards Breakfast: $40
CCW Cowbelle of the Year Lunch: $47
CCA & CCW Awards Banquet: $75
Registration prices increase on Nov. 13.
Registrations are non-refundable.
Initial tradeshow booth reservations will be taken through Friday, Oct 10.
Visit calcattlemen.org/convention2025 to see pricing details and reserve your booth. Booth assignments are made based on membership status and participation in CCA events throughout the year. While we value all industry partners, organizations that participate more in CCA are given priority in terms of booth placement.
CCA has multiple items available to sponsor at this year’s event on a first-come, firstserve basis.
Secure your sponsorship by contacting Gracie in the CCA office at (916) 444-0845.
YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
D.C. FLY-IN A PRODUCTIVE EVENT FOR CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS
by CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur
On Monday, Sept. 15 and Tuesday, Sept. 16, CCA staff, leadership and members gathered in Washington, D.C., to lobby federal regulators and legislators on a wide array of home-state priorities.
Attending the “D.C. Fly-in” were CCA President Rick Roberti and wife Carolyn, Loyalton; CCA First Vice President Mike Williams, Acton; Feeder Council Chair Mike Sulpizio, Brawley; immediate CCA past president Steve Arnold and wife Debbie, Santa Margarita; former CCA president and current National Cattlemen's Beef Association International Trade Committee Chair Tony Toso, Hornitos; former CCA and NCBA president Kevin Kester, Parkfield; CCA Wolf Policy Subcommittee Chair Paul Roen and wife Sheri, Calpine; and San Diego County cattleman Jim Kemp, Campo. Members were joined by CCA Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin, CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur and California Cattlemen's Foundation Director of Education Lisa Brendlen
In some ways this year's CCA Washington, D.C. “Fly-in” was very similar to last year's excursion: it occurred amid the specter of a looming government shutdown and highlighted many of the same policy issues.
In other ways, it was a very different experience: with the National Guard deployed within Washington, D.C., the Georgetown neighborhood that was the temporary CCA home-base was peppered with guardsmen in groups of twos and threes. More substantively, the CCA delegation reported a much warmer reception during the first day's regulatory meetings, with Trump appointees much more receptive to their concerns (and much more enthusiastic about addressing them) than were regulators during last year's trip.
The first day of the Fly-in, Monday, was almost wholly dedicated to lobbying regulators on a wide range of federal issues impacting California cattle producers. The day began at 9:30 a.m. with a trio of half-hour meetings at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters. The CCA delegation first met with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Brooke Appleton, who oversees the Natural Resources Conversation Service, Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency. The conversation was wide-ranging and previewed many of the
topics that would be addressed in more detail in the subsequent two meetings.
Next, the CCA delegation met with NRCS Deputy Chief for Programs Karen Woodrich. Among the topics discussed were the inconsistent delivery and staffing of NRCS programs from county to county and the need for additional resources within NRCS programs to mitigate the threat of livestock loss to predation (of course, ranchers also praised NRCS for the valuable services they provide California's agricultural producers). NRCS leadership noted that the agency is working to update outdated information technology infrastructure to improve the agency's efficiency and thus staff's ability to serve farmers and ranchers. (Two days later, on Wednesday morning, the Robertis and Roens pressed NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt, a Californian herself, on the need for additional non-lethal tools, such as telemetry, to more effectively deter wolves that are decimating herds in areas like Siskiyou County and the Sierra Valley.)
The final USDA meeting was with Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam, where ranchers again pressed the agency on inconsistent and sometimes-delayed delivery of agency programs and funding.
While most of the CCA delegation was meeting with NRCS and FSA leadership, the Robertis, Roens and Sulpizio (joined by his daughter, Annie Sulpizio) headed to the Department of the Interior to meet with US Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. There was only one topic on the agenda: gray wolves. Rick Roberti and Paul Roen discussed with the Director the need for both long-term and short-term solutions to problems posed by growing wolf populations in California. In the short-term, USFWS must work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to address rampant livestock depredation by the Beyem Seyo Pack, which between March 7 and September 12 had been confirmed or deemed probably responsible for a devastating 76 livestock kills in the Sierra Valley. In the long term, delisting or downlisting wolves at the state and
federal levels is necessary, possibly with greater structural changes to the federal Endangered Species Act.
In the afternoon, the majority of the delegation met with leadership of USDA’s Marketing a Regulatory Programs – including Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Michael Watson – to discuss New World screwworm control and prevention measures and to advance the Association’s international trade priorities relative to cattle imports. Topics discussed on the trade front included how to minimize the impacts California feedyards are suffering as a result of the southern border's closure and concerns about beef imports from Paraguay and Brazil.
CCA ended the day in meetings with Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service leadership. At BLM, CCA leadership lent support to the agency's recent proposal to rescind the Biden-era “Conservation and Landscape Health Rule,” which established conservation as a “use” of BLM-managed lands under the agency’s multipleuse mandate, allowing entities to lease BLM ground for “restoration or land enhancement” or for mitigation (and thus presenting a threat to traditional multiple use priorities, such as grazing). At USFS wildfire mitigation and postfire restoration were central topics. At both meetings, Kemp pressed the agencies to more quickly authorize grazing on vacant allotments and other lands within and adjacent to San Diego County, with leadership from both agencies suggesting that they are exploring more tools –such as categorical exclusions from the National Environmental Policy Act – to do just that.
The day ended at Centrolina, an Italian restaurant in the city center where members met with Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), an ag-friendly
Democrat who often works to advance the priorities of farmers and ranchers in his Central Coast district. It was a fitting transition, as the following day would bring a flurry of CCA activity on Capitol Hill.
Tuesday kicked off at 8am with breakfast at the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill, better known as the Capitol Hill Club. There, CCA's delegation was joined by Congressman Vince Fong (R-CA-20), representing the southeastern Central Valley. Fong spoke with the delegation about a wide range of topics, including Proposition 50 (California Democrats' ballot initiative to draw liberally-gerrymandered Congressional maps ahead of the 2026 Midterms), energy production, gas prices and the quagmire of California's high-speed rail project.
Kester, Toso and Williams departed the Capitol Hill Club early to join Republican Congressional leaders for the House Republican Leadership Stakeout. The trio were joined at the weekly press conference by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA-01), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI-08) and Iowa cattleman Eythan Blair.
Congressman Wied spoke at the Stakeout of the “major small business wins in our working families tax cuts” provisions of H.R. 1, better known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. After highlighting the Act's benefits for small businesses in Wisconsin's 8th District, Wied introduced Kester, noting his prior roles “as president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, California Cattlemen's Association and San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen's Association.” ...CONTINUED
California had great representation from producers in Washington, D.C. Pictured (left to right) are: Kevin Kester, Paul Roen, Sheri Roen, Carolyn Roberti, Mike Williams, Annie Sulpizio, Mike Sulpizio, Debbie Arnold, Steve Arnold, Jim Kemp, Tony Toso and Rick Roberti.
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
Speaking without notes, Kester thanked House Republican Leadership and President Donald Trump, noting that “I cannot overstate how important it was for this One Big Beautiful Bill to get passed and signed by the President.” Specifically, Kester praised the estate tax provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which increases the estate tax exemption to $15 million per person (or $30 million for married couples), indexed annually for inflation. Unlike prior legislation, the Act importantly includes no sunset provision, meaning the exemption is permanent.
“With our family ranching operation, I had to suffer 30 years ago when my grandfather passed away,” Kester recalled. “We had to pay a death tax to the federal government; it took us years and years to overcome that hurdle and not have to sell our family ranch. My family – we couldn't hire enough people like we should, we couldn't invest back in the community or our operation, so the increase and permanence of the estate tax exemptions – the death tax – [is] hugely important for us.”
Last to speak at the Stakeout was Speaker Johnson. Framed by Tony Toso to his left and Mike Williams to his right, the Speaker addressed several topics, most substantively efforts to fund the government ahead of a looming Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a shutdown.
While Toso, Williams and Kester were at the Capitol Building, the remainder of CCA's delegation headed out to a briefing at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue. There, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government
Affairs Ethan Lane and several members of NCBA's Government Affairs team briefed members on NCBA's federal priorities, including opposition to the PRIME Act (which would permit interstate sales of non-USDA-inspected meats), a wide array of wildfire priorities (including support for the Fix Our Forests Act) and New World screwworm monitoring, control and prevention efforts.
In the late morning and afternoon, CCA's delegation took those issues – as well as districtspecific concerns (e.g., gray wolves in Rep. Kevin Kiley's district (R-CA-03) and border issues in Rep. Darrell Issa's district (R-CA-48)) – to Capitol Hill to lobby several members of California's Congressional delegation. Specifically, CCA leadership sat down for detailed policy discussions with Congressman Kiley, Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA-05), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA21), Rep. David Valadao (R-CA-22), Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Congressman Issa. Tuesday's end didn't exactly go according to plan. A scheduled reception with Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA-13) had to be canceled after the Congressman came down with COVID-19. A farewell reception on NCBA's Pennsylvania Avenue rooftop overlooking the Capitol Building and several other D.C. landmarks likewise required some last-minute flexibility as pouring rain forced the event indoors. NCBA Executive Director for Government Affairs Kent Baucus still barbecued up some Harris Ranch tritips, and CCA staff and leadership spent the evening in NCBA's office space mingling with representatives from NCBA Region III, which spans Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.
It's too early to gauge the success of this year's D.C. Flyin, of course – CCA staff will continue lobbying federal regulators and legislators well beyond the two days spent physically present in the Nation's Capitol, and will likewise continue to track progress on the Association's priority issues. At the very least, though, there is inherent value in forging relationships with the seniormost agency leadership who will continue to dictate federal policy for the next three years and in maintaining existing relationships with CCA's Congressional delegation. California Cattleman will continue to keep you apprised of the fruits of CCA's recent labors in Washington, D.C.
California rancher Kevin Kester speaks at a press conference alongside Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Scalise and Majority Whip Emmer. CCA 1st
VP Mike Williams, CCA Past-President Tony Toso and Iowa cattle producer Eythan Blair also stood behind the podium. Photo credit: NCBA
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Top Consignments from throughout California and Nevada will be Showcased during These Upcoming Special Sales ...
UPCOMING CLM SPECIAL WEDNESDAY FEEDER SALES
October 15 & 29
November 5 & 19
December 3 & 17
CLM ANNUAL BRED COW AND REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE AND PARNELL’S 57TH ANNUAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ‘WORLD OF BULLS’ SALE Saturday NOVEMBER 1
Females at 9:30 a.m. • Bulls at 12:30 p.m. Featuring Top Angus, SimAngus, Hereford, Red Angus and Charolais Bulls from Top Seedstock Producers from throughout the West
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December 2 – Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, CA Consignment Deadline: November 13
57th Annual
REGISTER TODAY FOR CATTLECON 2026
It’s time to find those dancin’ boots and get ready to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of the “songwriting capital of the world.”
Registration is now open for CattleCon 2026, which will be held for the first time in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Music City Center, home of CattleCon 2026, is walking distance from wellknown attractions like Lower Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and so much more.
Don’t get distracted by the many honky tonks in the heart of Nashville, because education will be a primary focus during the event. A new highlight is that all registration options include access to Cattlemen’s College education sessions and demonstrations. Attendees can also look forward to a variety of other educational opportunities including the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, consumer insights session and industry updates.
“We are excited to make Cattlemen’s College available to all CattleCon 2026 attendees,” said Buck Wehrbein, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “We have made the 2026 event one not to be missed.”
Pre-convention activities begin on Monday, Feb. 2 with the D.C. issues update, regional meetings and policy committee meetings. CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and will feature two-time Daytona 500 and NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as well as the winner of the NCBA National Anthem Contest performing the “StarSpangled Banner.”
The Prime Cut Awards Ceremony will recognize industry leaders including the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program national recipient and Beef Quality Assurance award winners. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet will celebrate those who contribute to the ongoing success of the cattle feeding industry.
The general session on Wednesday will feature New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff. Wednesday night’s event will be at Category 10, the home of Luke Combs, featuring southern bites and entertainment by Paul Bogart. Cowboy’s Night at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday will bring the Grand Ole Opry back to its historic roots as country music fills the air. Post-convention tours will
round out the week.
More than seven acres of the NCBA Trade Show will provide plenty of room to engage with exhibitors, listen to educational sessions, and enjoy entertainment and daily receptions. In addition, the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will hold annual meetings during the event.
Getting to Nashville is easy with discounted flights on United, a registration payment plan, and free Thursday registration for FFA and 4-H members. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2026 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit: www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant. Boot scootin’ boogie over to convention. ncba.org to register and reserve housing today.
ONE RANCHER'S ANALYSIS OF THE CANDIDATES, QUALIFICATIONS AND COMMITTMENT TO CALIFORNIA
by California Cattle Rancher Jack Lavers, Kern County
California’s 2026 Governor’s Race: A California’s 2026 race for governor is already shaping up as one of the most wide-open contests in decades. With Gov. Gavin Newsom termed out, a crowded Democratic field is jockeying for position, and a few Republicans are hoping to crack the state’s “top-two” primary system.
From the perspective of agriculture and business, the race reveals stark contrasts in how each candidate would steer California’s economy, its regulatory framework, and its balance between environmental and economic priorities.
Katie Porter: From Whiteboard to
Hay Bales
Katie Porter, the former Orange County congresswoman famous for her whiteboard takedowns in congressional hearings, has been on a statewide listening tour. Recently, she spent time out on our ranch — listening, asking questions, and seeing firsthand the challenges that cattlemen and rural Californians face.
That visit highlighted a more pragmatic side of Porter than many expected. While her
congressional record is unmistakably progressive — Medicare for All, a zero percent NRA score, strong environmental ratings — her more recent rhetoric has leaned toward cutting red tape, streamlining permitting, and lowering costs for everyday Californians. Those stances dovetail with her appearance at the California Chamber of Commerce dinner earlier this year, where she promised to be a governor who would “take on special interests but also clear roadblocks for entrepreneurs.”
For agriculture, her ceiling is still limited by her climate-first voting record. But the fact that she’s willing to walk pastures and meet with producers shows a recognition that winning statewide in California means engaging rural voters who’ve too often been written off by Democrats.
Antonio
Villaraigosa:
A Builder’s Instinct
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is carving out a moderate lane. Known as a pro-infrastructure mayor, Villaraigosa has signaled a willingness to streamline big projects — which could extend
to long-delayed water and storage projects if pressed. He has credibility with both organized labor and business leaders, having shared the stage with the state Chamber in June.
For ag and business, he currently looks the most centrist Democrat in the field — open to conversations about building and permitting that others shy away from.
Xavier Becerra: The Enforcer
Former state attorney general and Biden’s first HHS Secretary, Xavier Becerra is now back in California politics with his gubernatorial bid. Becerra made his name enforcing environmental and health regulations — famously suing to block water rules that Central Valley farmers saw as necessary for deliveries. He frames his candidacy as being the “health care governor,” signaling a willingness to expand coverage even if it means new taxes.
For agriculture and business, that means a cautious relationship at best: more regulations, more enforcement, and little relief on costs.
Toni Atkins, Betty Yee, Tony Thurmond: The Party Stalwarts
All three carry long résumés in Democratic politics.
Atkins, a former Senate leader, built her brand on housing legislation but also shepherded through many of the same regulatory frameworks that frustrate business and ag.
Yee, the former State Controller, endorsed the split-roll tax (Prop 15) to raise commercial property taxes — a red flag for business.
Thurmond, a state schools chief, has little to say on agriculture and runs as a labor-aligned, education-first candidate. They each poll in the single digits today, but their party connections and union support mean they can’t be dismissed entirely.
Rick Caruso: The Dark Horse
One name outside the immediate Sacramento circle is Rick Caruso — the billionaire mall developer and former Republican who ran a strong campaign for Los Angeles mayor in 2022, finishing just behind Karen Bass. Caruso has since registered as a Democrat and could emerge as a dark horse if the moderate lane stays uncluttered. His business credentials are unquestionable, but statewide races in California are a different animal than Los Angeles municipal contests.
Chad Bianco: The Republican Lane
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has positioned himself as a law-and-order conservative with appeal in the Inland Empire and Central Valley. Polls show him hovering around 10 percent, enough to keep him in contention for the “top two” runoff spot. Still, in a state where Republicans make up barely a quarter of the electorate, he’s unlikely to win statewide — even if he advances to November.
The Road Ahead
Right now, polls show Katie Porter at the front of the Democratic pack, with Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, and a handful of others jostling behind her. Chad Bianco could realistically sneak into the top two, but history suggests California won’t elect a Republican governor without a once-in-a-generation shift.
For agriculture and business, the choice is shaping up less about partisan identity and more about who is willing to tackle California’s regulatory gridlock, water shortages, and high costs head-on. Porter is showing new outreach, Villaraigosa leans pragmatic, and Caruso — if he jumps in — could be the unexpected competitor who forces the conversation toward growth and competitiveness.
And it’s worth noting: Katie Porter’s roots run deeper in agriculture than many Californians know. She was raised on a cattle farm in Iowa, where she showed cattle in FFA — giving her at least a personal understanding of ranch life that few other candidates can claim.
EDITOR'S NOTE: These views are expressedly those of the author and do not reflect the views of the California Cattlemen's Association.
Bred for Balance
•
FROM THE FEEDYARD TO CAPITOL HILL
In this feature, Mike Sulpizio of Superior Cattle Feeders shares about the priorities he took to Washington, D.C. a few weeks ago as CCA Feeder Chair. Note: The answers in this Q&A have been edited for brevity and clarification and all details about New World screwworm were current as of press time and may have changed as this fluid situation evolves.
QWhat was the top issue that you advocated for in D.C. on behalf of cattle feeders and as a cattle feeder yourself?
AThe main topic that we wanted to express our concern about is obviously the Mexican border being closed to imports at this time. We understand and we support the USDA's decision to close it. For one, we want to protect the herd in the United States from the New World screwworm. And so, we totally support all the activities that have gone on. But we wanted to express our concern or at least get some indication on when it may open—specifically, the Imperial Valley. We are a very feeder deficit area, and the Holstein market has been kind of crazy, like, all the feeder markets have been. We would like the opportunity to diversify in some of the cattle that we feed and the Mexican cattle, being in close proximity crossing at the Port of Nogales in Arizona and/or Douglas, provides that opportunity for us.
We just wanted to relay our concerns that we are in need of some of those cattle and some relief. Most all the yards down here are 30 to 40 percent lower capacity today, just given the economics of everything that's going on, so to have that opportunity to potentially buy those
by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti
cattle, we just wanted to express our concerns on that, but yet support the USDA in protecting the herd.
And some of the other conversation was when it does reopen, when and if, there was some talk about maybe only the port of Douglas being open. We truly need both ports, Nogales and Douglas, to adequately supply the Southwest region, not just California. I feel like those concerns were heard.
The USDA is obviously keeping their cards close to their vest and not giving us any indication of an opening at this juncture, but made it very clear that it's going to be more procedures and protocols and cattle movement restrictions in Mexico. They mentioned to us that they did have a delegation of USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulators down there to follow up on all the things that need to be done, and it seemed very positive. That's really all they would tell us, but no indication of a timeline.
Obviously, a lot of cattle feeders have heard that maybe the first freeze could help because it'll kill off the flies in the larva. Well, it's a little more complicated than that—it goes into soil temperature, how widespread is that freeze, is it a deep freeze, and so on. So, we can't really hang our hats on that. It's going to be more the confidence that Secretary Rollins has in the policies and procedures in cattle movement in Mexico before she makes her decision.
QSo, did you feel like you got to meet with the right people at USDA to have those conversations?
AOh, absolutely. We met with Lauren Stump, Ph.D. She is the Deputy Under Secretary of USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs. We also met with two APHIS administrators and veterinarians as well, so I feel like we had the right people in the room. They were sympathetic, they understood, they were very aware of the supply issue within the United States in general, and that we do need numbers. I felt like it was received very well.
QWe've been dealing with New World screwworm concerns for a while now. How have feeders been handling it in California? I know Texas is super concerned. Is it a growing concern for California cattle feeders? Is it something you feeders in the Imperial Valley think about every day?
AWe are very concerned about it because Mexico's largest cattle feeder and cattle processor, SuKarne, has a feed yard in Mexicali, which is just three to four miles from the border. There were some credible rumors that they made ship cattle from Guatemala on a boat through Ensenada. They were rumors, but it was enough to cause us to get in touch with NCBA and the state veterinarian’s office. That hits a little too close to home.
So, part of our conversation with Under Secretary Stump was on the monitoring programs and that we had reached out to our state veterinarian here in California to work with Arizona so that we could monitor this border. The reason for that is 80 to 90 percent of the cattle in this valley go to the JBS plant in Tolleson, Ariz. If New World screwworm was found in California, the border would automatically be closed, and
we know that. What our call was about a couple months ago with the state veterinarian was, how do we do we forward think and start to plan for that scenario so we can minimize a disruption. We know there's going to be a disruption in commerce, but can we work with Arizona because it's a significant economic impact if we can't ship cattle for a month. And it's not just here in the Imperial Valley. There are feedyards from Bakersfield, Visalia, etc., that ship to JBS. So, we wanted to start to have those conversations ahead of time and the under secretary was aware of those conversations.
There is a monitoring program that they're starting along the border to look for this fly. To the layman's eye, we wouldn't be able to tell a difference. But an entomologist would be able to. We felt good that that was happening and we need to follow up with our state vet to see if there are conversations with Arizona. Are there protocols? Do we need a veterinarian to inspect the cattle prior to shipping to slaughter? What's the protocol once it's here to minimize the disruption? Those are some of the next steps that we need to navigate, how we move forward.
QI'm sure we're unfortunately going to keep talking about screwworm in the months ahead. I know a couple months ago, it was only about 300 miles away from the Mexican/U.S. border. Did they give you any update on how close they think it is now?
AIt sounds like it's still the same. We have not heard of anything moving closer. And again, the last month, there really hasn't been much information broadcasted. That's some of
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the concern, is that we haven't heard much. As mentioned, that delegation was down there this week, and will report back to Secretary Rollins. I think every five to six weeks, they're sending folks down to investigate and double check that everything's being done correctly. But no indication on an opening at this juncture that we were aware of.
QI know you had a lot of other meetings and did a lot of other things while you were in D.C. Were you talking about screwworm in those other meetings or what went on in them?
AMy primary goal was to discuss the border. But also, you know, our first meetings of the trip were with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). While my experiences with the NRCS here in Imperial Valley on some environmental projects has been mostly good, it was kind of interesting to hear of people in the northern part of the state that maybe aren't getting the support that they need or getting the help they need for some of the environmental programs, whether it be watershed management or whatever. I think some of the consensus from these meetings is this Administration is here to listen to the concerns of the farmer and the rancher. You could tell that by body language, you could tell that by interaction, and so I think it was well received.
That meeting was very interesting, and some of the things I had not experienced as far as, you know, maybe a negative attitude by someone that works for NRCS or maybe not willing to help or, you know, the time it takes to get something done, that was very well received, and you could tell that didn't land okay for the secretary that we met with for FPAC. She was very concerned by that. I thought that was very helpful and
beneficial for those guys to get that off their chest and communicate that to her.
Q What else did you learn from the meetings in Washington?
AThe meeting that I found the most interesting, and it's nothing that I deal with, was the meeting with the Department of Fish Wildlife on the gray wolf issue up in Sierra Valley. I was just there to learn more and support Rick Roberti and Paul Roen in their conversation with the director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife. What a dire situation that is and complicated situation, I understand. I felt like they did a wonderful job communicating the concerns and the scenarios that they've had to deal with, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the federal government and just communicated their concerns, I think, perfectly.
Q Any other big issues that you're looking ahead to, or feeders are talking about that other CCA members should know about?
AI just think this market is so uncertain and so volatile that a lot of what we talk about in the industry is just hedge protection. And can you do it economically and where it's such lofty levels? We know a down's coming. It's just when it's going to come. When's the herd going to rebuild? At these levels, I just don't see a lot of guys keeping more heifers than they need to at these prices. I think this thing could last a little longer, and the equity that it requires to participate is at pretty scary levels. Those are the conversations that we talk about. When's the turn coming? Because it will come at some point. Obviously, we're probably going to exceed losses that we saw back in 2014 and 2015, and that's a scary thought to lose $1,200 to $1,400 a head, but that potential is there. Not a whole lot regulators can do about that, just something we have to manage as individuals the best way we can.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR
HOW NUTRITION EDUCATION IS CONNECTING CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES TO BEEF ROOTED IN RANCHING
from the California Beef Council
Across California, farm to school efforts are creating stronger connections between students, educators, and the people who produce their food. At the same time, these efforts ensure that families and communities are receiving practical, consistent nutrition messages, from the cafeteria to the healthcare setting. Together, these programs help kids understand where their food comes from while supporting the communities who grow and raise, they food they eat. With October being Farm to School Month, it serves as a timely reminder of how important these efforts are in bringing nutrition, agriculture and education together for California communities.
California has made a significant commitment to ensuring that students are not only wellfed but also well-informed. Through the state’s Farm to School Grant Program, the largest of its kind in the country, schools are gaining the tools, resources, and support needed to serve nutritious meals and build food literacy into the school day. That includes helping students explore a variety of foods, including protein sources like beef, and understand the role they play in fueling healthy, active lives.
During the most recent school years, thousands of schools across California reported
serving foods grown and raised within the state. Many also hosted classroom cooking activities, student taste tests, garden lessons, and visits from local producers.
These experiences help students connect the dots between what they eat, how it is produced, and why it matters to their health and their communities. For many students, it is an opportunity to learn how beef gets from the pasture to the plate and how it fits into a balanced diet.
California’s investment opens the door, but it takes strong partnerships to bring this work to life. By collaborating directly with school districts, educators and school nutrition leaders, we help bring agriculture and nutrition into the everyday school experience in ways that are engaging,
accurate, and practical.
Farm trips, both virtual and inperson, give students a firsthand look at life on a working ranch. These experiences help students connect what they learn in science and environmental lessons with real-world examples of land stewardship, animal care, and food production. One recent virtual farm trip to a California cow-calf ranch reached nearly 7,000 students across the state.
Classroom connections continue with nutrition education resources that support balanced meals and reinforce key concepts about food groups, including high-quality protein like beef. These materials extend learning beyond textbooks and help students see how nutrition shows up in their daily lives, including how beef contributes not just nutrients but also flavor and satisfaction to meals. For student-athletes, added resources emphasize how good nutrition supports energy, strength, recovery, and overall performance, fueling their day both in and out of the classroom.
and cafeterias. Providers like nurse practitioners often spend meaningful time with families, and when the guidance they give matches what students are learning in the cafeteria and classroom, it builds trust and reinforces positive choices around beef.
Our support extends to menu development and sourcing strategies, working closely with school nutrition teams to incorporate beef into meals that meet federal standards and reflect each district’s cultural and operational needs. This includes recipe development, staff training, and guidance on how to highlight beef’s nutritional benefits on menus and promotional materials. These efforts help ensure students not only receive nourishing meals, but also gain a deeper understanding of beef’s role as a flavorful, nutrient-rich protein that can be part of a wholesome and enjoyable dietary pattern.
Much of this work starts in schools, but its impact reaches beyond the classroom. As the school year gets underway, families are also attending wellness visits, sports physicals and routine checkups, key moments when healthcare professionals can reinforce the same nutrition messages students are seeing in their classrooms
That is why we work with healthcare professionals across California by offering educational toolkits, packages of ready-to-use materials designed for medical offices, and community settings, along with science-based resources that highlight the nutritional value beef provides. These materials support patient education and help providers talk about how foods like beef can contribute to a balanced diet from early development through adulthood.
Whether it is through a ranch visit, a classroom lesson, a school lunch tray, or a wellness appointment, our goal remains the same: to keep beef part of the conversation around food, health, and learning. With the support of beef farmers and ranchers, we are helping communities understand where their food comes from and the value beef can bring to the plate. This work helps ensure the next generation grows up with knowledge they can use and the tools to make informed choices for themselves and their families.
2025 CATTLEMEN'S BEEF BOARD PRODUCER SURVEY
The Cattlemen's Beef Board wants to share information about the Beef Checkoff that is important to you! Please take a moment to share a little more about your operation, and what stories and topics you'd like to hear about from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. All survey participants will be entered to win one of 50 Beef Checkoff Klean Kanteen insulated 16-ounce drink containers.
When retail prices for any consumer product reach record high levels, the corresponding drop in demand usually materializes in short order. Beef appears to be among the few exceptions to that rule, having defied common expectations surrounding price elasticity. Retail grocery prices for beef skyrocketed in recent years and show no signs of descending any time soon. But surprisingly, demand has not softened – it’s actually edged upward. According to USDA data, the all-fresh retail beef demand index in the second quarter climbed to its highest level in at least 25 years.
The remarkably steady allure of beef, even at current prices, is likely a result of several factors currently shaping consumer food buying behaviors, according to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. Key among those factors is the heightened interest in dietary protein, changing health perceptions surrounding beef, and the availability of restaurant-quality beef at retail grocery stores.
“Twelve months ago, the question was whether beef demand would hold up at higher prices, but today most analysts are fairly certain that beef value risk is to the upside,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “Retail per capita beef consumption is headed for 60 pounds this year. U.S. consumers can’t seem to get enough protein these days, and among animal proteins beef remains king.”
According to the most recent inflation data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, core inflation was up 2.9 percent year-over-year. Beef
COBANK: HUNGRY FOR PROTEIN AND QUALITY, US CONSUMERS SHRUG OFF HIGH BEEF PRICES Power
price increases towered in comparison. The allfresh retail beef prices surged by 9 percent for the year, hitting an astonishing $8.90 per pound. Even at those levels, prices have been unable to tame unyielding consumer interest in beef.
Improvements in beef quality and the increased availability of premium grade cuts at retail have played a big role in driving demand. The U.S. beef industry is producing a much higher quality product today than it did 30 years ago. Recognizing quality issues in the 1980s, cattle producers began selectively improving herd genetics to produce beef with higher fat marbling and better taste for improved customer experience. Those efforts have paid off as 95 percent of U.S. beef production is now grading Choice or higher.
Earnest said access to high-quality beef has never been better and American consumers have developed a taste for it. “The COVID-19 pandemic led us to a place where ‘leveling up’ through access to luxury goods is prioritized over luxury services. And beef, specifically high-quality beef, is a luxury good that can be accessed for at-home consumption at a fraction of the cost at fine dining establishments.”
Consumer perceptions surrounding the health aspects of eating beef have also improved in recent years. Fitness-conscious consumers who laud protein content for muscle production often favor beef. The advent of GLP-1 medications for weight loss have also sparked more widespread consumer interest in increasing the amount of protein in their diets.
Tight cattle supplies keep beef prices elevated
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The USDA mid-year cattle inventory report released on July 25 revealed the biannual cattle inventory was the lowest mid-year count on record at 94.2 million head – a 75-year low. Analysts are mixed on whether the beef herd is still in contraction or beginning to rebuild. But most observers suggest the nation’s cattle supply will remain strained through at least 2026, and likely through 2027. That means retail beef prices will remain elevated for the foreseeable future. While larger macroeconomic shifts could influence purchasing behavior in the future, so far consumers have shown little appetite for sacrificing beef.
Last 3-5 years longer than other breeds
20-25% WW boost with Brangus cross 93% grade choice or higher
USDA, DOI ANNOUNCE FEDERAL REFORMS TO IMPROVE WILDFIRE RESPONSE SYSTEM
On Sept. 15, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Brooke L. Rollins issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America's wildfire prevention and response system. This policy direction enacts reforms that streamline federal wildfire system. Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued his own memorandum to streamline capabilities and strengthen federal, state and local partnerships.
“Time and time again, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of wildfires caused by mismanagement and a lack of preparedness. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking bold action to modernize wildfire response systems, streamline federal wildfire capabilities, and strengthen their effectiveness. We started this work in the spring and have continually updated our policies and programs to properly manage our forests through common-sense timber production and management, protecting our national forests and grasslands for generations to come,” said Rollins.
“For too long, outdated and fragmented systems have slowed our ability to fight fires and protect lives. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are cutting through the bureaucracy and building a unified, modern wildfire response system that works as fast and as fearlessly as the men and women on the front lines,” said Burgum. “By streamlining federal capabilities and strengthening our partnerships with state, tribal and local teams, we will deliver the common-sense reforms needed to safeguard our communities, our lands and our future.”
The memorandum marks a decisive shift away from outdated systems and fragmented responses that have often hindered federal firefighting and wildfire response efforts. In response to President Trump’s Executive Order 14308 – Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention
and Response, USDA will unify operations, strengthen partnerships with state, Tribal and local governments, and modernize tools and training to better protect American communities from the escalating threat of wildfire.
Through this plan, USDA and DOI will work in lockstep to unify federal wildland fire capabilities, eliminate fragmentation, and deliver a forwardlooking, mission-ready system that prioritizes common sense, efficiency and results.
BEEF ON DAIRY
A MATURING MARKET WITH STEADY VALUE AND RISING EXPECTATIONS OUTLOOK
by CattleFax's Patrick Linnell for Purina Mills' Beef on Dairy Report
After years of fast-paced growth, the beefon-dairy sector is entering a new chapter, one marked by steadier numbers, tighter margins and a sharper focus on quality. What started as promising opportunity to add value to dairy herds has matured into an essential and more predictable part of the U.S. beef supply chain.
TRANSITIONING FROM GROWTH TO MATURITY
The practice of breeding dairy cows to beef sires surged initially, offering a solution to add value to non-replacement calves while also reducing dairy replacement surpluses. However, the initial enthusiasm appears to have outpaced replacement heifer needs.
Many dairies may have overcorrected, prioritizing beef genetics at the expense of maintaining a healthy pipeline of replacements.
As a result, the sector has reached a practical ceiling. That’s not to say the segment has lost value — that’s far from it. Instead, we’re seeing producers and supply chain stakeholders move from rapid growth into a phase where efficiency, animal performance and supply chain alignment matter more than ever. The dairy industry is seeking a balance between producing dairy replacement heifers and beef-dairy cross calves.
MARKET OUTLOOK: TIGHT SUPPLY, STRONG DEMAND
Looking out over the next several years, the value of beef-on-dairy cattle will continue to support overall beef supply. Beef cow herds still are recovering from a multi-year cattle population decline, driven by tight margins and persistent drought.
Current projections indicate that beef-ondairy crossbred calf volumes have likely reached their peak, with a gradual decline of 300,000 to 400,000 head expected in the coming years. As the dairy industry seeks to amend the shortage of replacement heifers, breedings for beef-
on-dairy calves were down approximately 5 percent in 2024, setting the stage for declining numbers ahead.
Domestic and global beef demand remains remarkably strong. Despite economic headwinds and inflation, consumers continue to prioritize beef, especially when job markets are strong. That continued appetite helps support the role of beef-on-dairy cattle in the supply chain.
A NARROWING PRICING GAP REFLECTS CONFIDENCE
The price spread between beef-on-dairy calves and native beef cattle is narrowing significantly. Three years ago, beef-on-dairy calves were sold at steep discounts. But that’s changed, thanks in large part to better genetics and smarter breeding decisions. Genetic suppliers have zeroed in on beef sires that are well suited for dairy cows. And, producers are making more targeted selections.
The result? Stronger, more consistent cattle in which feedlots and packers are increasingly confident in. While there’s still a small discount
compared to native beef cattle in some weight classes, it’s far less dramatic and often offset by the reliability and feedlot performance of these crossbred cattle.
THE FUTURE: VALUE OVER VOLUME
As the beef-on-dairy segment matures, it’s clear that the market’s next phase will require more strategic thinking and adaptability from producers. While market growth may be slowing, the focus has shifted from volume to value. The future of this market will be shaped by those who can produce high-quality, efficient animals that align with the evolving needs of packers, feedlots and consumers.
CHIMES
CATTLEWOMEN UNITE IN PASO ROBLES FOR MIDYEAR BUSINESS MEETING MIDYEAR MEETUP
from
California CattleWomen, Inc.
The California CattleWomen (CCW) conducted their midyear meetings in conjunction with the California Cattlemen's Association at the Mid-State Fairgrounds in Paso Robles in August. The CCW Executive Board and the general board each conducted business meetings and most members attended the Cattle-PAC Dinner and Fundraiser that helped raise funds to support ag friendly politicians across the state. Here are the highlights of the meetings.
CCW President Debbie Costa presided over all the meetings. The respective committee chairmen for each CCW committee reported on the success of events, activities and promotions under their direction.
At Capital Ag Day in March, the CattleWomen partnered with the California Cattle Council and Buckhorn Grill Restaurants of Sacramento and served 360 pounds of tritip sliders to legislators and staff. The California FFA Convention booth provided CCW with an interaction between students and advisors to promote membership and scholarship opportunities.
The CattleWomen proudly awarded five $1,000 scholarships to students who completed at least one year of college. The Scholarship Committee is revising the application process and encourages feedback.
CCW Membership Chair reported that California has 1,846 members. There was an election for the Second Vice President for 2025-2026. Ginger Fowler from Igo, in Shasta County, was elected as the lead officer for Unit Engagement. She is responsible for
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communicating with Unit presidents and District Directors.
Fowler has been a member for 30 years and has served in every officer’s role in her Unit. She is currently serving as president of the Shasta County CattleWomen.
Costa provided an update on the American National CattleWomen (ANCW), sharing details about the summer meeting in San Diego and the spring Region VI meeting in Utah. It was noted that CCW will host the ANCW Region IV meeting in March of 2027. The committee reported that the three-day event will take place in Sutter Creek and will include a tour of the Gold Country.
Laura Gregory, the newly selected California Senior Beef Ambassador from Shasta County, spoke to the membership. Gregory gave the 10-minute presentation she prepared for the Beef Ambassador Contest regarding animal identification. She demonstrated eartag application and discussed various methods of branding, including hot irons heated over a fire, electric irons, and freeze brands made with alcohol and dry ice.
2025 Junior Beef Ambassador Collette Hansen from San Joaquin-Stanislaus CattleWomen also attended the meeting. She delivered her prepared presentation about all types of by-products made from cattle.
The CCW will be partnering with the California CattleWomen Heritage Foundation, Inc., to host the annual Powder River Fundraiser. Details of the fundraiser will be released in mid-September.
CCW was encouraged to attend the State Convention Dec. 3-5, 2025, at the Atlantis Casino in Reno, Nev. The CattleWomen will honor the Unit’s CowBelles, conduct executive and board meetings, and award members and Units with awards and prizes for their efforts to promote cattle successful treatment plans.”
Junior Beef Ambassador Collette Hansen talked to CCW members about cattle by-products.
CCW President Debbie Costa at the annual Midyear Meeting.
Senior Beef Ambassador Laura Gregory shares a presentation on livestock identification.
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
WHAT NCBA IS DOING TO PROTECT
THE CATTLE
INDUSTRY FROM NEW WORLD SCREWWORM
by NCBA President Buck Wehrbein
This year, NCBA has talked a lot about the threat of New World screwworm (NWS). We were the first national organization involved when screwworm was moving through Central America, and we raised alarm bells when it appeared in Mexico at the end of last year. In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) detected screwworm north of Veracruz, Mexico — about 370 miles from the U.S. border.
NCBA and our state affiliate partners have been continuously working to combat the threat of New World screwworm, and we are focusing on a broad strategy to eradicate the pest and protect cattle health that involves everyone from the individual farm or ranch up to our international partners.
Our first priority is increasing sterile fly production. New World screwworm flies only mate once, so we can release sterile male flies into the environment to mate with female flies, ensuring no offspring. In time, this eradicates the population. Right now, the COPEG sterile fly facility in Panama is producing about 100-117 million flies per week, but we need closer to 400-500 million a week to fully cover the current outbreak. During the height of screwworm eradication efforts in the 1960s, the U.S. was releasing 500-600 million sterile flies per week.
In mid-August, the USDA announced a major step in addressing NCBA’s top priority for combating screwworm: the construction of sterile fly production and distribution facilities at Moore Air Base in South Texas. This initiative will increase weekly output to more than 300 million flies, strengthen domestic oversight and address challenges in Mexico and Central America — protecting cattle herds across borders.
Another focus for NCBA is readiness for a possible incursion of screwworm into the U.S. NCBA is seeking coordination between state animal health officials. In any animal health emergency, USDA may defer to state veterinarians and state ag commissioners who make decisions on the ground for their state based on perceived risks. If New World screwworm is detected anywhere in the U.S., state animal health officials need to be communicating and working with one another on establishing interstate animal movement controls. They should be implementing rules and inspections that keep cattle safe, while also ensuring commerce continues.
By establishing these relationships early, we can
make sure state animal health officials and USDA understand what steps to take in case an outbreak appears in our country.
Currently in the U.S., no FDA-approved medications are labeled to treat or prevent New World screwworm myiasis in cattle. Right now, if you were to experience an outbreak in your cattle, treatment may rely on extra-label use of approved drugs under veterinary guidance. A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declaration now allows the FDA to issue Emergency Use Authorizations for animal drugs targeting NWS infestations. Bottom line: This gives FDA greater flexibility to quickly update labels for approved products and evaluate unapproved ones. NCBA is continuing to push FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to expedite the review of new animal drugs that could treat cattle suffering from screwworm infestation. In the meantime, I encourage you to maintain a relationship with a veterinarian, to alert your veterinarian of any health issues in your cattle herd, and to make sure you have a biosecurity plan in place as a precautionary measure.
Finally, we are working with USDA to make sure Mexico is an active partner in the fight against screwworm. Screwworm is endemic in many South American countries, which means there is always the threat of screwworm moving north. We have spent many hours with Mexican government officials andindustry representatives to make sure Mexico steps up their eradication efforts by establishing surveillance with fly traps, supporting sterile fly release to control screwworm populations and initiating construction on a fly production facility in Mexico as well as instituting movement controls and rigorous inspection and standardized treatments for cattle at their borders.
NCBA is doing everything we can to prevent an outbreak in the U.S. We will keep pushing to get more sterile flies, get approvals for new screwworm treatments, and hold Mexico accountable to fight against screwworm too. This is a rapidly changing situation, so for the latest updates be sure to follow NCBA on social media and visit our website at: www.ncba.org.
CATTLEMEN’S REPORT
July, August and September 2025 California Cattleman advertisers are represented in this sale report.
VINTAGE ANGUS RANCH
31st Annual "Carcass Maker" Bull Sale with Sierra Ranches Sept. 4, LaGrange
Les Vogt, well-known California horseman, passed away suddenly the evening of Saturday, Sept. 6 of a heart attack.
Les was larger than life and gave his all to everything he touched. He was known for his many titles - rodeo cowboy, World Champion, Hall of Fame horseman, reined cow horse trainer, legendary bit and spur designer, drag racer, motorcycle rider, and even a fiercely competitive team roper. His passion burned bright in every arena he entered.
He has 31 championship titles to his name, including two at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity. He’s hosted television programs; his image has graced the cover of countless magazines and he’s put on clinics and produced videos for Non Pros and Amateurs. Currently, he travels the world putting on clinics for performance horsemanship and has made a business of designing intricate bits and spurs.
Beyond the competition and the accolades, Les loved history and carried a depth of knowledge about vaquero traditions, horsemanship, bit making and reined cow horse history unlike anyone else. Most of all, he loved helping people achieve their goals with their horses. His students, friends, and fans know that intensity, generosity, and unique spirit well. He truly was one of a kind.
Though his friends and family mourn deeply, his legacy will not end here. His business will continue uninterrupted—his bits, spurs, videos and training wisdom will remain available so that future generations of horsemen can learn from him.
Les will be greatly missed, but he leaves behind not only championships and craftsmanship, but stories and memories that will last forever.
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