National Cattlemen's Beef Assn history

In 1901, one such splinter group formed the American Cattle Growers Association whose purpose was to solely represent cattle producers, particularly against sheep growers.

Frank J. Hagenbarth, NLSA president from 1904-05, persistently worked for harmony between the divided groups.

In 1905, an attempt was made to eliminate railroads from NLSA membership, but to retain the commission men, stockyards and packers as members.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933 and initiated a number of "New Deal" programs, including the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which was the first attempt by the government to manage agriculture.

The American National Livestock Association celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1947.

These factors, coupled with low prices and drought in the Great Plains lead to the “Great Cattle Bust of 1953.” Cattlemen accepted government aid without the customary battles.

Jay Taylor, ANCA president from 1954-55, was an advocate of self-help through beef promotion.

By 1956, 17 state beef councils had formed in support of the National Beef Council.

However, emotional and economic strain was too great and in 1963 the groups compromised and formed the Beef Industry Council (BIC) of the National Live Stock and Meat Board.

The American Cattlemen’s Foundation was first organized in 1972 with the stated purpose of providing “Charitable, scientific and educational activities to benefit the cattle industry.” The foundation was later renamed the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF).

His 1973 price freeze on beef inadvertently caused "The Wreck" - a severe crash in the cattle market and dramatic herd reduction.

NCA members-of-the-day faced issues like packer concentration, frustration over the futures market and the 1985 Farm Bill's dairy herd buy-out.

A beef checkoff program was finally passed on its third attempt, more than 10 years later, in 1986.

In January of 1996, the Beef Industry Council of the Meat Board and the National Cattlemen's Association were merged into one unified organization representing all segments of the beef industry.

In 1998, the NFC played a critical role in the planning and execution of the 100-year celebration of NCBA and its predecessor organizations.