(NAFB.com) – Virginia cattleman Gene Copenhaver takes the helm as the new president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. His new leadership role began with the end of CattleCon 2026. Copenhaver currently manages his family’s stocker operation in southwest Virginia and was an agricultural loan officer for 36 years. Copenhaver said his father taught him early to be “at the table,” especially when policy decisions were being made. About 25 years ago, he helped launch a county cattlemen’s group, which kicked off his climb from local to both state and national level involvement. “I’ll go to my grave saying our greatest strength is grassroots,” he said. “We also can’t build the future if every good year gets taxed away before we can shore up our infrastructure.” The NCBA 2026 officer team was approved by the Board of Directors and includes Kim Brackett of Idaho, the president-elect, and Vice President Skye Krebs of Oregon.