Iowa Cattle Producer Elected Vice Chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils

Dan Hanrahan of Cumming, a fifth-generation Iowa cattle producer, was elected vice chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils during CattleCon 2026, held Feb. 3–5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Hanrahan’s election expands Iowa’s leadership footprint within the national Beef Checkoff and ensures the priorities of Iowa cattle producers help shape how Checkoff investments build beef demand in the U.S. and globally.

Hanrahan operates a cow-calf herd in the rolling hills of central Iowa and has served nine years on the Iowa Beef Industry Council board. He has held multiple leadership roles within the Federation and previously represented state beef councils on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, which directs national Checkoff funding.

“It’s a remarkable time for the Beef Checkoff, with beef demand at an all-time high,” Hanrahan said. “That success has been built by the work and dedication of producers and their investment in the Checkoff.”

He said decades of Checkoff-funded research have helped move beef from a defensive position into a leading role in today’s nutrition conversation.

As vice chair, Hanrahan will work with Federation leadership, regional vice presidents and industry stakeholders to strengthen coordination among the 43 Qualified State Beef Councils and help guide national program planning and funding decisions through the Beef Promotion Operating Committee.

“I’m truly honored to serve alongside leaders who have steadily advanced this effort for producers,” Hanrahan said. “The Checkoff is delivering real value, and we have an opportunity to keep that momentum moving forward.”

“Iowa producers play a vital role in the success of the Beef Checkoff, and Dan’s election ensures their voice remains strong at the national level,” said Mike Anderson, executive director of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “His experience and commitment to the Checkoff will help drive demand for beef and return value to cattle producers.”

The Federation of State Beef Councils represents 43 Qualified State Beef Councils and provides a unified, grassroots voice that helps guide national Checkoff strategy through a coordinated partnership with state programs.

For more information about the work of the Federation of State Beef Councils and the Beef Checkoff, visit www.ncba.org/federation.

###

About the Federation of State Beef Councils: Created in 1963, the Federation of State Beef Councils represents the 43 Qualified State Beef Councils and is committed to its vision, which is to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. State beef councils voluntarily invest in the Federation to enhance the national Checkoff and leverage producer dollars through a coordinated partnership. Housed at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, the Federation is a grassroots organization run by producers across the country.

About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff.  Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.