NCBA names 2026 president

Virginia cattleman Gene Copenhaver has been elected president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), following the conclusion of CattleCon 2026, held Feb. 3–5 in Nashville.

Copenhaver, who manages his family’s stocker operation in southwest Virginia, officially began his term at the close of the event, according to an NCBA release. His family has been involved in agriculture for generations, raising crops and livestock, and Copenhaver has spent nearly four decades working as an agriculture loan officer alongside his production background.

The 2026 NCBA officer team was approved by the NCBA Board of Directors and includes Kim Brackett of Idaho as president-elect and Skye Krebs of Oregon as vice president. Kenny Rogers of Colorado was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division, with Scott Anderson of Oklahoma serving as policy vice chair. Travis Maddock of North Dakota and Dan Hanrahan of Iowa were elected chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation Division, respectively. Brad Hastings of Texas will serve as NCBA treasurer.

Copenhaver has a long history of involvement in cattle organization leadership, beginning with the formation of a county cattlemen’s group roughly 25 years ago. He later served as president of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association and has held multiple national roles with NCBA, including service on the Tax & Credit and International Trade committees, as well as several task forces and the officer team.

A central theme of Copenhaver’s leadership approach is grassroots engagement.