The National Cattlemen's Foundation

Our Mission

The National Cattlemen's Foundation is advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency.

We do this by:

  • Providing scholarship opportunities to inspire young people to pursue careers in agriculture
  • Offering a means for people to invest in the beef industry’s legacy and lifestyle
  • Providing disaster and emergency support to producers in crisis situations

Leadership Programs

  • W.D. Farr Scholarships—Two $12,000 graduate scholarships awarded annually honoring the life's work of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colorado.  
  • National Collegiate Beef Quiz Bowl—Four teams compete annually for the championship at the Beef Industry Convention.  Presented in cooperation with the American Society of Animal Science.
  • Environmental Stewardship Award—Recognizes cattle producers who have made long-standing contributions to the preservation of our natural  resources. Annual national and regional winners representing all areas of the country.
  • Disaster Relief—Funds raised with 100% distributed to cattlemen needing a hand-up when faced with natural disasters. Raised $120,000 in 2006 for Katrina Disaster Relief; raised $96,000 for High Plains Winter Storm Relief in 2007.

Contributions

The National Cattlemen's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Contributions are tax-deductible and will support the mission and programs of the Foundation.  Individuals, corporations and foundations are encouraged to contribute to the National Cattlemen's Foundation. 

Areas of Strategic Focus

The areas of Strategic Focus of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation are as follows:

Crisis Assistance – We need to be well-positioned to assist fellow cattlemen when disaster strikes or when faced with industry challenges and issues that threaten profitability. The Foundation can help to raise funds for cattlemen who face unexpected adversity through a Cattlemen's Relief Fund.

Legacy Preservation – We can take a leadership role in the exploration of solutions to save the rural lifestyle that is so important to those who live it. The transition of the family farm/ranch from one generation to the next is critical.  Another area of concern is healthcare in rural areas in terms of access, cost and quality. The National Cattlemen’s Foundation can help  bring information benefiting cattlemen to the forefront.

Environmental Stewardship –  The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers. For nearly two decades, regional and national award winners have been honored for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitat, while operating profitable cattle operations.  The Foundation can support the need for continuing education in this area.

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I believe we are at a similar point that the late W.D. Farr was 35 years ago when his vision  directed us to move forward with the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.  The next 35 years will  be as exciting as the past.  We want you to join us on this valuable journey in preserving the  cattlemen’s legacy.

Bob Josserand
Board of Trustees

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