By Blake Jackson
Peter Lehning, a cattle producer from Honeoye Falls, New York, has been elected to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) during CattleCon 2026, held February 3-5 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The committee oversees national beef promotion initiatives funded through the Beef Checkoff, guiding strategy, evaluating program performance, and ensuring funds are used effectively to strengthen beef demand, support producers, and maintain consumer confidence.
“The Beef Checkoff is invaluable to all of us and unites us in spreading the word about beef,” said Lehning. “I’m proud to serve in this key national role, as voluntary leadership is important and giving back is essential.” His appointment enhances New York’s presence in national beef industry leadership.
The BPOC consists of 20 members, with 10 elected by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 chosen by the Federation of State Beef Councils. Lehning is among those selected to represent the Federation.
The 10 producers elected by the Federation of State Beef Councils are:
- Brian Amundson, North Dakota
- Randall Debler, Kansas
- John Ferry, Utah
- Dan Hanrahan, Iowa (Federation Vice Chair)
- Justin Iverson, Montana
- Scott Lake, Wyoming
- Peter Lehning, New York
- June Loseke, Nebraska
- Travis Maddock, North Dakota (Federation Chair)
- John Schroeder, Nebraska
Founded in 1963, the Federation represents 43 state beef councils and operates as a producer-led organization dedicated to strengthening beef demand through coordinated state and national efforts.
Photo Credit: new-york-beef-council
Categories: New York, Business, Livestock, Beef Cattle