SPEARFISH, S.D. — Eric Jennings, a Spearfish cattle rancher, was recently appointed as vice chair of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Agriculture and Food Policy Committee.

Jennings owns and operates his ranch along with his wife, Michelle. After graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural education, he taught vocational agriculture in Lennox, South Dakota, before returning to his family’s ranch in 1988. The ranch includes permitted grazing land in the Black Hills National Forest and along Spearfish Creek, which has made Jennings a passionate advocate for public lands grazing and responsible, sustainable land management.

Jennings is a current Lawrence County commissioner, president of the Spearfish Rural Fire Protection District, treasurer of the Black Hills Regional Multiple Use Coalition, and past president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association.

“From his time as an agricultural instructor to his decades of work on his family ranch, Eric Jennings has seen firsthand how important it is to protect the ranching way of life,” said Kim Brackett, NCBA Policy Division chair, in a press release. “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. As vice chair, Eric will help NCBA protect key farm bill programs, invest in animal health initiatives, and strengthen the cattle industry for future generations.”

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

“Eric Jennings has long been an advocate for the cattle industry and now he is using his experience to help guide the creation of our new Leadership Academy that will empower the next generation of advocates,” said Taya Runyan, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association executive director, in a press release. “The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is proud that our past president is now in a national leadership position to help advocate for policy that will benefit the entire cattle industry.”

Jennings is eager to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As vice chair of the Agriculture and Food Policy Committee, Jennings will work closely with fellow committee members to guide discussions and ensure that policies are effectively brought forward and approved.

“The main duties of the chair and the vice chair of the committee is to conduct the meeting in a manner that the members can be heard, and the policies that that they propose are lifted up through the system and end up in the policy book,” Jennings said. “It’s very much a grassroots approach and NCBA takes that very seriously.”

The Agriculture and Food Policy Committee is one of seven committees within the NCBA, handling a broad array of issues from food safety and nutrition to labor and transportation.

“It’s a catch-all committee,” Jennings said. “Anything that doesn’t fit into the other categories generally ends up here. That’s what appealed to me about this position. It covers a wide range of issues, and there’s a lot of work to do.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, Jennings said there are several critical areas the committee is tackling, including the ongoing struggle to keep red meat in the U.S. dietary guidelines.

“It’s been a real battle,” he said. “They keep trying to replace red meat with plant-based protein sources like nuts and beans. Our goal is to make sure that red meat continues to be recognized for its nutritional value.”

In addition to dietary guidelines, Jennings emphasized the committee’s involvement in the farm bill, particularly with regard to disaster programs and farm support. These are policies that directly impact cattle producers, providing safety nets during difficult times.

“We’re working to protect and preserve these programs,” he said.

Beyond policy discussions, Jennings also shared his personal passion for the policy process.

“This is the part of association work that I really enjoy,” he said. “It’s about having a voice and representing the members in the regulatory and governmental spaces.”

For Jennings, the new role offers more than just professional growth — it’s also an opportunity to represent South Dakota at a national level.

“It’s great for South Dakota to have a voice on the NCBA’s policy committee, especially with the leadership of Jeff Schafer, who’s from North Dakota. Together, we represent a strong Northern Plains presence,” he said.

Jennings said the policy process at the NCBA is highly collaborative. Members from various states share their concerns and ideas, which are then discussed and crafted into policies that guide the industry. Jennings’ deep understanding of South Dakota’s agricultural challenges gives him a unique perspective when interpreting and advocating for policies that impact cattle producers in his region.

The term for Jennings as vice chair is a two-year appointment, with the potential for further leadership opportunities if he chooses to move up to the role of chair.

“It’s a great honor, and I’m looking forward to working hard for our members and continuing to advocate for policies that support cattle producers across the country,” he said.

Kennedy is a reporter for Agweek based out of South Dakota. She grew up on an organic crop farm where her family also raises cattle in eastern South Dakota. She graduated from South Dakota State University in 2023 with a major in agricultural communication and minor in agricultural business. She enjoys connecting with producers and agribusinesses across the region while reporting on all things agriculture.