LINCOLN, NE – Four Nebraska Cattlemen members have been appointed to serve as policy committee leaders at the national level for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Ken Herz of Lawrence was named the agriculture and food policy committee chair, while Jaclyn Wilson of Lakeside was appointed international trade committee chair.

Mike Drinnin of Clarks was named vice chair of the live cattle marketing committee, and Barb Cooksley of Anselmo will be the vice chair of the property rights and environmental management committee.

There are a total of seven committees at the national level.

NCBA policy committees allow cattle producers to discuss key issues facing the beef cattle industry and pass policy resolutions to direct their advocacy efforts in our nation’s capital. 

The Agriculture and Food Policy Committee has jurisdiction over the Farm Bill, transportation, labor, farm programs, nutrition, disaster relief, food safety, and related issues.

“I feel very honored to be appointed Chairman of the NCBA Ag and Food Policy committee,” Herz said. “I am confident that this committee will pass and promote policy that will be very beneficial to the beef industry.” 

Wilson has been a state committee member, having served as vice chair of Nebraska Cattlemen’s cow/calf council in 2015.

“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,” Wilson said.

Drinnin has also served at the state level, doing so as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2019.

“The opportunity to serve NCBA as Vice Chair of Live Cattle Marketing is an honor,” Drinnin said. “I look forward to working with Chair Troy Sander and members as we strive to enhance live cattle marketing opportunities for our industry.” 

Barb Cooksley also served as Nebraska Cattlemen president previously, having done so in 2016. 

“As Vice Chair of the NCBA Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee, we will be working with Congress and regulatory agencies regarding laws and regulations that impact private landowners and their natural resources,” Cooksley said. “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.