Center for Beef Excellence announces director

The National Center for Beef Excellence (NCBE) announces the hiring of Jake W. Renner as executive director, effective April 1, 2026. Renner brings a background spanning extension, breed association work, and agricultural business development, positioning him to lead the organization’s next phase of growth and industry engagement.

The National Center for Beef Excellence is a producer-focused organization that supports breed associations and cattle producers through registry services, data management, industry collaboration, and program development. By working across multiple breeds and segments of the beef industry, NCBE helps streamline operations, improve access to tools and resources, and create opportunities that strengthen both seedstock and commercial operations.

A 2013 graduate of Fort Hays State University, Renner holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and obtained a Master of Science in Agriculture Education and Communications from Kansas State University in 2020. Renner’s research defense included a study on how to build consumer confidence in the beef industry through strategic efforts across various communication platforms.

Renner shared that he was drawn to the role by the opportunity to work directly with producers and further strengthen connections across the beef industry.

“I am most looking forward to the opportunity to work with ranchers from across the country to help them achieve the data, marketing, and registry goals they have for their operation,” Renner said. “Being a voice for those individuals and families, and helping make connections for resources, funding, education, and market access, are services I’ve worked to build my career around, and I’m excited to be able to execute those services every day in this role.” 

His professional experience includes nearly six years in Kansas State Extension, where he developed a strong foundation in producer education and community engagement, followed by his time with the American Gelbvieh Association, where he led junior activity efforts. Most recently, Renner served as the Agribusiness Development Manager for the Kansas Department of Agriculture.