Stephen Diebel, a fifth-generation rancher and manager of Diebel Cattle Company, was officially elected as the new president of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) during the organization’s 2026 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo held this past weekend in Fort Worth. This leadership transition marks a significant chapter for the 149-year-old trade association as it continues to advocate for the interests of over 28,000 members across Texas and the Southwest.
A New Era of Ranching Leadership
Diebel, who hails from Victoria, Texas, has been an integral part of the association since his election as a director in 2011. His elevation to the presidency comes at a time when the cattle industry faces evolving challenges related to private property rights, agricultural policy, and environmental stewardship. Succeeding Carl Ray Polk Jr., whose two-year tenure was marked by strong advocacy, Diebel is expected to leverage his extensive on-the-ground experience to maintain the association’s role as a potent voice in state and national policy discussions. During the convention, the organization also appointed Dan Gattis of Georgetown as first vice president and Wayne Cockrell of College Station as second vice president, rounding out a robust executive team tasked with leading the organization through the next two years.
Strategic Advocacy and Membership Growth
Beyond the election of officers, the 2026 convention served as a hub for industry collaboration. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed attendees for the second consecutive year, highlighting the vital partnership between federal agencies and the regional cattle community. Under Diebel’s guidance, the association intends to sharpen its focus on protecting rural priorities and ensuring the economic viability of cattle production. The board also expanded its reach by electing nine new directors and adding three members to the executive committee, signaling a strategic effort to incorporate diverse geographic and professional perspectives from across the Southwest into its decision-making processes.
Sustaining the Legacy
As he begins his term, Diebel emphasized a commitment to ensuring the cattle industry remains sustainable for future generations. His background in managing his family’s cattle operations provides him with a pragmatic understanding of the daily hurdles faced by landowners. This leadership transition is not merely a change in title but a continuation of the association’s long-standing dedication to the, often difficult, work of property rights protection and agricultural innovation. By fostering unity among its thousands of members, the new leadership team is positioned to confront regulatory and climate-related challenges with a unified, industry-first approach that defines the TSCRA’s legacy.
