The National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) has selected four Nebraska Cattlemen members including one from Nuckolls County to serve as policy committee leaders at the national level. Nebraska Cattlemen now has leaders in four of NCBA's seven policy committees. The policy committee appointments are as follows.

Ken Herz from Lawrence is the chairman of the agriculture and food policy committee.

Jacylyn Wilson, of Lakeside, is chair of the international trade committee.

Mike Drinnin of Clarks is vice chairman of the live cattle marketing committee.

Barb Cooksley of Anselmo is vice chair of the property rights and environmental management committee.

The policy committees allow cattle producers to discuss key issues facing the beef cattle industry and pass policy resolutions to direct their advocacy efforts.

The Agriculture and Food Policy Committee has jurisdiction over the Farm Bill, transportation, labor, farm programs, nutrition, disaster relief, food safety, and related issues. While discussing the opportunity, Ken Herz, who previously served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2020, said,

"I feel honored to be appointed chairman of the NCBA Ag and Food Policy committee. I am confident this committee will pass and promote policy that will be very beneficial to the beef industry."

Jaclyn Wilson, who served as vice chair of Nebraska Cattlemen's Cow and Calf Council in 2015 said, "Trade provides a great benefit to the beef industry and having the opportunity to be at the forefront of policy development that focuses on trade is exciting." NCBA's International Trade Committee develops policy on issues related to international trade including market access, trade laws, and trade agreements.

While discussing his new leadership position, Mike Drinnin stated, "The opportunity to serve NCBA is an honor. I look forward to working with Troy Sander and members as we strive to enhance live cattle marketing opportunities for our industry." The live Cattle Marketing Committee develops policy on issues related to industry structure, price discovery, futures markets, cattle and beef market price reporting, grading and transportation. Drinnin served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2019.

Barb Cooksley, who served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2016, said, "We will be working with Congress and regulatory agencies regarding laws and regulations that impact private landowners and their natural resources. The work we do in committees; discussions and votes, is what directs the actions of the association. I look forward to working for you."

NCBA policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2024.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Association serves as the representative for the state's beef cattle industry and represents cattle breeders, ranchers and feeders, as well county and local cattlemen's associations. Its headquarters are in Lincoln with satellite offices around the state.