Will Derting grew up on a cow-calf operation in north central Washington with no television, no cell phones and no internet; nothing but cows and family. He had the best childhood, spending much of his time either trailing cows or playing sports.

After graduating from college, he looked for new opportunities, which took him to Colorado to work in commercial feedlots. He eventually returned to the Pacific Northwest to work at another large commercial feedlot operation, however, when presented with a chance to go out on his own, Derting took that chance and established Post 5 Cattle with his wife, Nicole. 

The couple leased a small commercial feedlot where they backgrounded and finished custom calves while at the same time, developed a sound commercial cow herd by selecting for beef quality traits to produce consistently marbled and high-grading beef. Over time, Post 5 grew in both feedlot scale and cow-calf numbers and now includes three feedlots, the cow-calf operation, as well as a direct-to-consumer component.

From breeding to processing, the Dertings provide a “birth to box” experience for their customers as they purchase whole, halves and quarters. The family also sells their beef to restaurants in north central Washington. Whether in person or via their website, they are always providing information about their life’s work raising beef cattle as a family.

Derting’s kids are at the age when they are busy with sports, but rural life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s horses, tractors or equipment, all four kids love being on the ranch. 

While things are busy in the household, Derting remains committed to serving the beef community. He’s currently the chair of the Washington State Beef Commission and is a member of the Washington State Cattle Feeder's Association, as well as the Washington Cattlemen's Association. He is also involved nationally, serving as Washington’s Federation representative, serving on the Research Checkoff Committee, and acting as vice chair of NCBA’s nominating committee for the Federation Division.

“If you want to see change and if you want to have an impact, you have to volunteer,” Derting said. “You have to show up because things are run by the people who show up. And you can't sit at home and complain about this or that without doing something.”

Part of what Derting enjoys about his leadership roles is meeting producers from across the country and working together for the future of farming and ranching families. How cattle are raised may look different in Washington than it does in Florida, but he appreciates that producers come together to make decisions to advance the industry.

“I appreciate the grassroots work producers across the country conduct,” Derting said. “In part, that is helping to create an opportunity for my kids to have a future in the beef industry.”

In addition to engaging with other producers to benefit the future of the cattle business, Derting recognizes that consumers want a consistent product that is safe and flavorful. He understands the work cattle producers have done over the last four decades to improve quality through the Beef Checkoff has made a difference. 

“The heart of the Federation is beef councils from across the nation coming together, giving direction, and providing input at the national level,” Derting explained. “That input is vital to bringing a quality product to consumers that they demand.” {Hear from Will.}