National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) member and California rancher Kevin Kester testified at a House Ways and Means Committee field hearing on the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The One Big Beautiful Bill contains numerous wins for cattle farmers and ranchers, thanks to the tireless advocacy of NCBA.
“As a fifth-generation rancher, I feel blessed to raise cattle alongside my wife, children, and grandchildren. I want to see this way of life continue for future generations, which is why it was so important for Congress to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Kester. “I know what it’s like to see your farm or ranch burdened by a massive tax bill, and the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers the tax relief we need to save money, grow our operations, and make sure our children and grandchildren can make a living in the cattle business. I’m proud to deliver this message to Congress and appreciate the opportunity to highlight NCBA’s work to protect the cattle industry.”
Over a year ago, NCBA recognized the risk of a massive tax hike on the cattle industry if Congress failed to enact new tax legislation by the end of 2025. NCBA went to work meeting with policymakers, testifying at congressional hearings, and submitting tax comments to make sure that Congress protected family farmers and ranchers from higher taxes. Thanks to NCBA’s hard work, the One Big Beautiful Bill contains numerous pro-agriculture tax provisions, including:
- Increasing the Death Tax exemption to $15 million per individual or $30 million per couple, adjusted annually for inflation. As land values skyrocket and farms appear to be worth more on paper, increasing the Death Tax exemption protects cattle producers from an additional tax burden when passing their operation on to the next generation. The bill also protects Stepped-Up Basis which helps producers minimize their Death Tax liability.