Nebraska Cattle Beef Association
WASHINGTON (January 22, 2025) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that Anselmo, Nebraska cattle producer Barb Cooksley will serve as chair of the association’s Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee (PREM). Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the oldest and largest national trade association representing America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.
“Barb Cooksley is a lifelong advocate for the cattle industry and a leader we are proud to have at the forefront of our Property Rights and Environment Management Committee,” said NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “Our policy committee leaders serve NCBA by helping us develop the association’s policy book—a collection of policy positions that guide NCBA’s advocacy in Washington, D.C. This grassroots policy process ensures that cattle producers are the ones making decisions on NCBA’s priorities. Barb’s career both on the ranch and with the Natural Resources Conservation Service make her an incredible asset to NCBA as we continue protecting private property rights and telling the cattle industry’s sustainability story.”
As a grassroots organization, NCBA policy committees provide a venue for cattle producers to discuss issues facing the cattle industry and pass policy resolutions that direct the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The PREM committee has jurisdiction over NCBA policies involving land private property rights, conservation practices, and environmental policy.
Cooksley earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in range management at the University of Nebraska. She then joined the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for 14 years. Cooksley has served in numerous leadership roles with Nebraska Cattlemen and most recently served as vice chair of the NCBA PREM committee. Cooksley has also remained involved in policy by serving as an agriculture policy staff member for U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and former U.S. Congressman Tom Osborne (R-NE).
“As a conservationist for NRCS, a congressional staffer, and a dedicated rancher, Barb Cooksley is the leader the cattle industry needs to protect our private property rights, show the cattle industry’s dedication to conservation practices, and highlight our sustainability for consumers,” said Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President Laura Field. “Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to have one of our most dedicated leaders now join the ranks of NCBA and advocate for the cattle industry nationwide.”
Policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2026. To learn more about NCBA’s grassroots policy process, visit ncba.org/policy.