President Donald Trump delivers remarks at an event promoting his Administration’s “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act”, Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the East Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Gabriel B Kotico)
(WASHINGTON D.C.) — Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump recognized California rancher Kevin Kester and Virginia farmer Jeb Cullipher at the White House during an event supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill. Since that announcement, members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and its state affiliates have continued echoing strong grassroots support for the bill.
Kevin Kester, Fifth-Generation California Rancher and Past-President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now. When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every dollar and sacrifice basic purchases so that we could pay off that tax bill. To protect our food security and national security, we need to make sure no other farming family experiences that same burden, which is why Congress must pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and deliver lasting tax relief.”
Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Brandon Reeves: “Cattle producers like Jeb Cullipher are the reason why we must repeal the Death Tax. As a 7th generation cattleman, Jeb does not deserve to have the future of his family farm placed at risk due to an arbitrary tax law. The Death Tax jeopardizes the future of family farms and should, appropriately, die a quick death. The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association thanks President Trump for recognizing producers like Jeb and fighting to protect American family farmers and ranchers.”
California Cattlemen’s Association President and Rancher Rick Roberti: “Increasing the estate and gift tax exemption has been a critical need for cattle producers for decades. Passing this tax package is one of the most important actions Congress can take to ensure the future of multi-generational family farms in our country. Every rancher knows a farmer or rancher, like Kevin, who had to fight their hardest to keep their family operation due to the Death Tax. This has gone on far too long, for too many generations. It is encouraging to know the Trump Administration values farmers and ranchers and wants to support us. Now it is up to Congress to do the right thing and pass the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Montana Rancher Garrett Harshbarger: “Lowering taxes is extremely important to keeping ranching lands in ranching hands.”
Missouri Cattle Producer Bruce Mershon: “Our son, Chris, is deployed currently with the Marines in Africa. He plans to come back here and farm with us when he’s done with his deployment. I would hate to think…he and his brothers would have to sell half the cattle herd to pay the inheritance tax.”
Ohio Cattle Farmer Zane Gross: “Every year, taxes continue to increase and being taxed left and right in everything that we do truly affects our ability to be profitable and to grow our operation. We love our way of life, and we want to do our part in feeding the world and being stewards of the land. And now it’s time to do your part. As a cattle producer in Ohio, I’m asking Congress to step up and pass the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Florida Cattle Producer Thomas Bryant: “As a [cattle] producer, I do rely on consistent tax policy to allow me to reinvest, invest in my business of cattle producing, hay business, and seed business. This a lifeblood to my business operation, and how I plan to move all of my succession planning with my grandkids, and moving the whole industry forward.”
Wisconsin Cattle Farmer Michael Hunt: “The single biggest threat to family farm operations in the United States right now is the estate tax limitations. There’s no possible way with the rising real estate values that are occurring in rural America, for production agriculture to shoulder the cost burden of estate tax when the first generation passes on.”
Pennsylvania Cattle Producer Michael Cliver: “We are losing ranches in agriculture because of taxes, so we need to have this Big Beautiful Bill that helps and supports farms to reduce some of these tax liabilities.”
SOURCE: NCBA News Release
