NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 4
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6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 4 REGULARS Insights ................................8 Ruminations ......................10 Consider This ....................19 Markets............................... 40 NC Dispatch.......................43 BQA...................................... 46 USMARC............................ 48 Sale & Event Calendar.....52 NC Partners.......................54 Advertiser Index...............56 FEATURES PRODUCTION Eliminating Invisible Loss.................................................12 How harvest decisions and proper storage drive silage profitability. The Other AI........................................................................24 A look at the good, the bad and the ethics of artificial intelligence. New World Screwworm....................................................34 What the NWS threat means for Nebraska producers. PEOPLE Introducing New NC Board Members............................32 Meet the newest members of the NC Board of Directors. Invaluable Experience.......................................................38 2026 NC YCC participants reflect on the start of their two-year program. POLICY Nebraska Cattlemen Policy Update.................................36 A look at six of the bills the NC Board has designated as priorities during this legislative session. PERSPECTIVES Beyond the Auction............................................................18 UNL researchers explore the social impacts of Nebraska’s livestock sale barns. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE NC Midyear Meeting Information....................................37 Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund.....................58 Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post Office ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! ON THE COVER: Schuler Red Angus bulls enjoy breakfast on sale day near Bridgeport. Photo by Hannah Borg.
8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Craig Uden*, Johnson Lake, (308) 325-0285 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 VICE PRESIDENT: Jaclyn Wilson*, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 PAST PRESIDENT: Richard (Dick) Pierce, Miller, (308) 440-2489 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 326-7743 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Bill Baldwin, Mitchell, (308) 641-5011 2 – Lydia O’Brien, Whitman, (308) 546-7349 3 – Alfredo DiCostanza, Norfolk, (612) 590-7395 4 – John Kennedy, Primrose, (308) 396-1505 5 – Weston Svoboda, Sargent, (308) 215-0244 6 – Bob Wiseman, Hershey, (308) 530-3137 7 – Todd Schlueter, Blair, (402) 533-3741 8 – Becky Funk, DVM, Lawrence, (308) 360-3179 9 – Vacant PRODUCER COUNCIL CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 VICE CHAIR: Reiss Bruning, Bruning, (402) 768-3332 FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 VICE CHAIR: Joel Weber, Dorchester, (402) 946-4551 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL CHAIR: Austin Woltemath, Lincoln, (402) 310-2294 VICE CHAIR: Kenny Stauffer, Grand Island, (402) 435-0665 ~ COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ~ AG POLICY AND RESEARCH CHAIR: Steve Wellman, Syracuse, (402) 269-7024 VICE CHAIR: Lewis Coulter, Bridgeport, (308) 631-8240 ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR: Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 VICE CHAIR: Scott Reynolds, DVM, Broken Bow, (308) 870-0970 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS CHAIR: Matt Blackford, Thedford, (402) 322-1377 VICE CHAIR: Robert Star, Hershey, (308) 520-3488 MARKETING AND COMMERCE CHAIR: Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 VICE CHAIR: Marshall Hansen, Omaha, (402) 616-4541 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 VICE CHAIR: Logan Pribbeno, Imperial, (308) 883-7770 TAXATION AND EDUCATION CHAIR: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk, (402) 750-0149 VICE CHAIR: Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg, (308) 930-2162 MEMBER SERVICES CHAIR: Quentin Dailey, Lexington, (308) 293-1144 NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION REP. Bryce Dibbern, Interior, S.D., (308) 293-7766 UNL EXTENSION REPRESENATIVE Erin Laborie, Beaver City, (419) 494-3872 UNL REPRESENTATIVE Deb VanOverbeke, Lincoln, (402) 714-5879 * member of the Executive & Finance Committee INSIGHTS A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STREAMLINES FOR THE FUTURE During the final meeting of the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors in 2024, President Dick Pierce announced the formation of a Governance Task Force. Dick asked if I would chair the task force, and the group was charged with reimagining modernization of the board structure and modifications to the annual convention schedule to better serve NC membership. In January 2025, the task force held its first meeting. Participants represented a diverse cross-section of veteran leadership and young producers including Pierce, Craig Uden, Sam Drinnin, Stephen Sunderman, Ken Herz, Barb Cooksley, Dwight Dam, Scott Reynolds, Krista Carter and myself. The task force met multiple times in person and via Zoom and presented updates to the NC Board of Directors throughout 2025. At the 2025 Annual Convention, a report was presented to modify the association bylaws to reflect the group’s work and recommendations. The task force recommended modifications to NC councils and committees. Many of these proposed ideas required a change to the association bylaws, and those proposed amendments were adopted at the NC Annual Meeting on Dec. 12, 2025. In accordance with the procedure outlined in the bylaws, the proposal was presented to the membership via the NC Chronicle on Jan. 8 and was approved by the NC Board of Directors at its meeting on Jan. 29. The adopted bylaws change the makeup of the board by reducing the number of councils from five (Feedlot, Cow-Calf, Farmer-Stockman, Seedstock and Allied Industries) to three (Feedlot, Producer and Allied Industries) with each council having a chair and vice chair and one vote on the NC Board of Directors. This change reflects the desire to break down sector-specific silos of the membership and unify with a more collaborative voice to express the needs of the cattle industry. Changes were also made to the policy committees. While six committees were maintained, titles and focuses have been updated to include Ag Policy and Research, Animal Health and Nutrition, Brand and Property Rights, Marketing and Commerce, Natural Resources and Environment, and Taxation and Education. The task force recommended these changes to better consider and review areas of policy important to the membership. Each committee will have a chair and vice chair and only one vote on the board. NC staff and leadership are reviewing all current NC policies and are making recommendations to realign existing resolutions and policy statements with the new committees. While all current policies will be maintained, some may find a home in a new committee where they more logically fit. The new NC Board of Directors will now consist of 23 voting members, including the executive officers, the membership chair and nine regional directors, along with three ex-officio members from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Department of Animal Science, UNL Extension and the Livestock Marketing Association. Meeting six times a year, this streamlined board is designed to be more efficient, ERIC HANSEN | NC PRESIDENT-ELECT CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 RUMINATIONS 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 Phone (402) 475-2333 | Fax (402) 475-0822 nc@necattlemen.org | www.nebraskacattlemen.org NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STAFF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Laura Field lfield@necattlemen.org VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING | Jeff Stolle DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | John Roberts DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS | Libby Schaneman DIRECTOR OF PRODUCER EDUCATION | Bonita Lederer DIRECTOR OF STATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS | Matthew Melchor DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES | Sawyer Willrett DIRECTOR OF PRODUCER RELATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TaraLee Hudson ACCOUNTANT | Kathy Abel OFFICE MANAGER | Ashley McClinton MEMBERSHIP FIELD STAFF | Hannah Pearson Nebraska Cattleman is published monthly, except for May and July, by the Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 – (402) 475-2333. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MAGAZINE PRODUCTION: CINCHED UP LLC ncmag@necattlemen.org EDITOR | Lisa Bard MANAGING EDITOR | Jessie Topp-Becker COPY EDITOR | Larisa Willrett DESIGNER & MATERIALS COORDINATOR | Megan Field ADMINISTRATION | Leslie McKibben CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Coe | Natalie Jones STATE & REGIONAL ADVERTISING Amber Coleman | (402) 340-1588 acoleman@necattlemen.org NATIONAL ADVERTISING Wendy McFarland | (334) 271-6100 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Working for Nebraska Beef Producers PASTURE TO PLATE TO PLATE NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN VIEW NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN DIGITAL VERSION BY SCANNING THE QR CODE. PREPARATION MATTERS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT As I put the finishing touches on this month’s column, Selection Sunday is looming ahead of the NCAA’s March Madness. By the time this hits your mailbox, there will be a handful of college basketball teams left from the field of 68, and national champions will be crowned in early April. For the last few issues of the Nebraska Cattleman magazine, you have read articles about the other AI – artificial intelligence. In full disclosure, the use of these tools leads me to more questions than answers most of the time, but my very talented, young staff talk to me about it often and share the ways they use AI tools in writing and design. Because of the timing of things, I asked one of the AI platforms to compare and contrast the beef cattle industry to March Madness. The results were really intriguing to read, and while you won’t catch me cutting and pasting its answers, I did take some of the generated ideas and summarize them on my own. March Madness is about preparation meeting opportunity. Teams spend an entire season building rosters, refining strategies, playing and preparing for the final tournament where their season of work and play is on the line. In the cattle business, preparation takes even longer. Decisions evolve over months and years. By the time cattle enter the final stage of production, the groundwork for success has already been laid. The beef supply chain can be compared to a tournament bracket. The cow-calf sector is the opening round, focusing on raising healthy calves with good genetics. Many calves then move to the backgrounding/stocker phase, where they continue developing. Finally, cattle reach the finishing stage, where feedlots put the final weight and quality on animals before they head to harvest. Each stage is a bit like advancing to the next round of the tournament. Good management, sound genetics and careful attention to health and nutrition help cattle “advance” through the system. Poor performance, disease challenges or unfavorable market conditions can knock profitability out of contention just as quickly as a buzzer-beater can send a top-seeded team home early. Of course, just like March Madness, the cattle business is never completely predictable. Brackets get busted and upsets happen. Weather swings, feed costs, consumer demand and market volatility can quickly change the outlook for beef producers. That uncertainty is part of the challenge and the excitement of both worlds. Coaches rely on scouting reports, player development and analytics to give their teams the best chance to win. Cattle producers lean on many tools to guide management decisions. Neither guarantees a championship, but both improve the odds of success. While the March Madness tournament starts and finishes in just a few short weeks, the beef cattle production journey takes years. Even with the vastly different timelines, a foundational principle remains: preparation matters. When the final buzzer sounds in April, only one team stands on top. In the cattle industry, success isn’t defined by a single champion but by thousands of producers making smart decisions that keep the entire system moving forward. I had fun considering the AI input as I wrote this. I will borrow the final statement from the chat summary – “In the pasture and on the hardwood, predictions are useful, but the real story unfolds when the competition begins.” Happy spring! ~NC~
Cow Camp Ranch Five Generations of raising seedstock and feeding cattle. Gr Ti e Sale Cow Camp Ranch GRASS TIME SALE 1:00 PM CTAp il 25 2026 120 Age-Advantaged Simmental and SimAngus™ Bulls Sell 100 Simmental and SimAngus™ Registered Fall Bred Heifers Marty Ropp 406-581-7835 Corey Wilkins 256-590-2487 Jared Murnin 406-321-1542 www.alliedgeneticresources.com Lost Springs, KS The Cow Campa v ntage • 59 years raising registered stock • Largest selection of age advantaged SimAngus™ bulls in the United States • Leader in the business for carcass data collection • Customer buyback program and custom feeding options at Cow Camp feedlot • All bulls sell with genomic enhanced EPDs and RightChoice scores COW CAMP RANCH LOST SPRINGS, KS bullsale@cowcampbeef.com www.CowCampBeef.com Kent Brunner 785-466-6475 Nolan Brunner 785-466-1129 Why Grass Time Bulls... • AGE-ADVANTAGED BULLS DEVELOPED FOR LONGEVITY • 20 MONTHS OLD AND READY TO GO TO WORK • ALL BULLS HAVE PASSED A COMPLETE BREEDING SOUNDNESS EXAM • FREE DELIVERY IN KANSAS AND SURROUNDING STATES, NATIONWIDE ON QUALIFIED PURCHASES • LARGE SELECTION OF HEIFER SAFE BULLS • TOP DOLLAR VERIFIED GW COPPERHEAD 919G ASA# 3549340 KBHR BOLD RULER H152 ASA# 3789539 CCR BEDROCK 5171J ASA# 4028738 EGL CCR RAWHIDE 137J ASA# 3887973 Progeny and service of these breed-leaders sells.
12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Eliminating Invisible Loss How Harvest Decisions and Proper Storage Drive Silage Profitability KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Silage and high-moisture corn play a critical role in cattle rations, directly influencing animal performance, feed efficiency and, ultimately, cost of gain. When managed correctly, they can be some of the most economical and effective energy sources in a feeding program. However, the success of silage isn’t decided at feedout – it’s determined long before the chopper ever enters the field. Adam Grabenstein is a fifth-generation farmer and feedlot owner near Farnam and is the District 5 Nebraska Corn Board representative. He has a long history of making, storing and feeding silage and attests that one of his favorite things while growing up on the farm was packing silage “old school” with a John Deere 4840. Grabenstein says making a great silage feedstuff starts with harvest timing and moisture management, setting the foundation for everything that follows. Why Harvest Preparation Ma ers “Nutrient density starts in the field, and harvest timing is one of the most critical management decisions a producer makes,” Grabenstein explains. “In corn silage, maturity is often evaluated by the ʻmilk line’ in the kernel, which helps determine optimal moisture and starch development. Proper moisture ensures bacteria have enough water to move and drive fermentation – but not so much that valuable nutrients are lost through seepage.” Dry matter (DM) content is the single-most important factor influencing successful fermentation, with the sweet spot typically falling between 32 and 35 percent DM. If silage is harvested too wet, the risk of clostridial fermentation increases, leading to nutrient loss and poor feed quality. If harvested too dry, the crop will not pack tightly, creating oxygen pockets that result in heating, mold and yeast growth. Getting moisture right sets the stage for stable fermentation, preserved nutrients and improved animal performance. Making Quality Silage The fermentation process is where silage quality is either protected or compromised, and it hinges on three primary considerations: length of cut, kernel processing and inoculant use. Chop length should be no more than ¾ of an inch to allow for efficient packing in the pile and optimal digestion in the animal. Proper kernel processing is equally critical. CATTLEMAN “The corn kernel has a natural ʻarmor’ that protects the starch inside,” Grabenstein says. “By cracking or smashing the kernel, those starches become far more available for digestion, significantly improving nutrient uptake and performance.” Bacterial inoculants serve as valuable jump starters for fermentation, helping establish the right microbial population quickly and promoting a stable, efficient fermentation. The last steps involve packing and sealing – often the most undervalued yet most critical steps in the entire silage process, and they must be done right. “Preserving the pile is essential to minimizing spoilage, because oxygen robs nutrient density and allows mold to destroy valuable feed,” Grabenstein explains. “Simply put, oxygen is the enemy of great silage. The goal of packing is to drive the air out as quickly as possible so lactic acid can accumulate and rapidly drop the pH, stabilizing the feed.” The most effective way to achieve a dense pack is by building the pile in short layers – 6 inches or fewer is hypercritical for proper compaction. This step is frequently rushed when loads stack up waiting to be pushed, but cutting corners costs far more in lost nutrients later. Once the pile is complete, seal it immediately with a high-quality oxygen-barrier film and weight it down securely. Every hour silage remains exposed results in lost sugars and energy that can never be recovered. Grabenstein validates that when these steps are done properly, your silage will be setup for a longer shelf life. When it is not done consistently or timely, shrink is a major challenge in quality feedstuffs. When the top layer is exposed to oxygen, aerobic spoilage and rot occurs. “In the top 3 feet of uncovered bunker, you can lose 30 to 50 percent DM. Furthermore, if this silage is not covered, you can count on a 10 to 20 percent overall DM shrink throughout the pile,” Grabenstein says. This “invisible loss” cuts feed value; a robber where carbon dioxide and the heat produced by yeast and mold consume the best nutrients. “These nutrients that disappear first are the most important to your livestock’s overall performance,” Grabenstein says. “These sugars and digestible starches are what make great corn-fed beef!” Managing High-Moisture Corn High-moisture corn (HMC) follows the same foundational principles as silage: success starts with the product in the PRODUCTION
April/May 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 field, depends on proper processing and machine settings, and ultimately hinges on packing and storage – the step that is most often overlooked. HMC is an excellent feed source and should be thought of more like “pickling” than drying, Grabenstein says. Moisture management is critical, with ideal kernel moisture between 28 and 32 percent. At this range, corn should be processed through a roller mill or hammer mill to crack the kernels, making starch more available for digestion. Roller mill processing is often preferred because it produces fewer fines or dust, reducing the risk of acidosis. The goal is to crack every kernel, leaving less than 5 percent whole kernels and less than 5 percent dust. Just like silage, oxygen is the enemy of a stable, well-conditioned HMC product. Grabenstein’s rule of thumb: “Spread 6 inches of processed corn while you’re packing it – oxygen removal and packing density are your best friends.” Finally, timely covering creates the seal necessary for proper fermentation and long-term feed quality. Left: Attention to harvest details of dry matter, chop length, kernel processing, packing and sealing will pay off. Don’t skimp on any of the steps! Photo Courtesy of Connor Agriscience. Below: Make piles only as high as the unloader can safely reach. Photo Courtesy of Connor Agriscience. It’s important to pack oxygen out of silage piles and bunkers, layering in 6 inches at a time and using heavy pack tractors from start to finish. Pack perpendicular to the pile to avoid a herringbone effect. Photo Courtesy of Connor Agriscience. Animal health can certainly be impacted by rotten feedstuffs. Mold and mycotoxin growth can reduce overall consumption, leading to poor milk production, poor weight gain and reproductive issues. Protein degradation is a real robber of overall performance. If the fermentation process is poor, the breakdown of silage into ammonia and non-protein nitrogen reduces these efficiencies within the animal. Simply removing spoiled silage is not the answer as leaching in the bunker is very much a real effect as well. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 “Nutrient density starts in the field, and harvest timing is one of the most critical management decisions a producer makes.” – Adam Grabenstein
14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Fermentation, Storage and Safety Connor Agriscience, a family-owned and managed company founded by Ron and Connie Kuber, has been helping dairy and beef producers improve silage quality and profitability through a combination of science-based products, education and hands-on support for more than 30 years. Connor Agriscience Vice President Connie Kuber shares that her family’s company focuses on helping farmers make and manage “more, better and safer” forages, silage and grains by bringing innovative products and proven scientific methods to the field and feed-storage stage. “We know producers spend a lot of money to grow, harvest and produce silage,” Kuber says. “Why waste a pound of it? Our whole goal is to educate producers to pack those piles well, get the oxygen out and then cover them with an oxygen barrier so no oxygen can get back in. Otherwise, you end up with rot and a lot of wasted feed dollars.” Silage-Preservation Technology In the early days of their company, the Kubers worked with silage inoculants and saw that there was a definite need for more information and a better way to make and manage silage, both in the dairy and beef industries. Through their work with inoculants, the Kubers were introduced to oxygen-barrier technology and saw a path forward to distribute this kind of product. The products that Connor Agriscience have researched and engineered help keep oxygen out, minimizing spoilage, surface rot and discarded feed, causing less waste. This resulted in their brand of Sealpro products, which includes different levels of oxygen barrier security. Silage Education They first started working with dairy farms in California and other western states. They’ve since grown across the United States, working with producers on how to make, manage and engineer silage piles, focusing on education from correct harvest prep through sealing. “When we began introducing these products, we made a deliberate effort to teach producers how to properly engineer and construct silage piles,” Kuber explains. She emphasizes that every detail matters – from dry-matter levels to chop length and kernel processing to packing density – all working together to give producers the best possible outcome. While Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate, the goal is to control every manageable factor: proper delivery of silage to piles and bunkers, adequate packing weight to achieve tight density and aggressive oxygen removal. “What we want to do is get the oxygen out and then cover it with an oxygen barrier so that there won’t be any oxygen coming back into the pile.” ELIMINATING INVISIBLE LOSS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
April/May 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 1/4 Verticle Nebraska Cattleman YARD 1 553 WEST ROAD 40 SCOTT CITY, KS 67871 620-872-7272 YARD 2 7721 HWY 96 SCOTT CITY, KS 67871 620-872-5377 YARD 3 71049 L ROAD ORLEANS, NE 68966 308-473-7181 PROVIDING CUSTOM QUALITY FEEDING SINCE 2006 3 Locations 1 Great Company highchoicefeeders.com /agribusiness Member FDIC ONE THAT PROVIDES. Time-tested Agribusiness banking. Schuler Red Angus Bridgeport, NE Looking to the future, Connor Agriscience is focused on driving more precise, sustainable silage management. The team is championing Flortex Silage Felt, a reusable, Velcro-linked felt system that replaces traditional black/white plastic and most tires, used with a Sealpro barrier. Silage felt has an 8 to 10 year lifespan and improves sustainability, labor efficiency and the silage consistency. The University of Nebraska Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center has relied on Sealpro films for many years and is currently in its third successful season using silage felt. “Their satisfaction is a testament to the product’s quality, and we encourage anyone to contact them for a first-hand opinion,” Kuber concludes. “While we achieve great results with large-scale operations, we take pride in partnering with producers of all sizes.” The ultimate goal is simple: provide the best possible nutrition for cattle, whether in beef or dairy systems. Properly managed silage delivers cleaner, more nutritious feed. Research consistently shows that both dairy and beef cattle perform better on high-quality rations, improving efficiency and overall productivity. In the end, better preservation simply leads to better nutrition, better performance and, ultimately, profitability. View safety videos and order free silage safety coloring books for kids and employee trainings by scanning the QR code. ~NC~ SILAGE PILE SAFETY: THE SIX ESSENTIALS 1. Build It Right at Harvest • Pack thin layers (≤6 inches) and maintain proper tractor weight. • Keep slopes safe at 1-foot rise to 3- or 4-foot run. • Never build the pile higher than an unloader can reach. 2. Stay out of the Collapse Zone • Stay three times the pile or bunker height away from the face. • Do not undercut or create overhangs during feedout. 3. Control Traffic and Equipment • Use a one-way traffic flow and a designated spotter. • Require rollover protection (ROPS) and seatbelts; limit distractions and fatigue. 4. Cover Safely • Never work alone when working around piles or bunkers. • Secure plastic immediately with gravel bags or tires. • Keep plastic close to the pile surface in windy conditions. 5. Watch for Gas Hazards • Keep people and animals away for several days after filling. • Follow confined space precautions. 6. Train and Prepare for Emergencies • Review hazards before harvest. • Post emergency contacts and have a response plan. Bottom Line: Proper harvest preparation and disciplined daily management prevent most silage pile accidents.
OXYGEN BARRIER + TOUGH SILAGE COVER IN ONE STEP 02-0099 02/26 Built for Cattle Operations That Cannot Afford Feed Loss Silage quality drives performance. FeedFresh® 1-Step and FeedFresh® HD help you protect feed with an EVOH oxygen-barrier layer paired with a tough, reinforced cover designed for real-world conditions. Cover and seal in a single pass to reduce oxygen exposure, limit spoilage and keep more nutrients where they belong, in the ration. WHAT YOU GAIN ON DAY ONE • Less Spoilage, More Feed Kept: EVOH barrier technology helps block oxygen where it matters most to protect silage quality. • Faster, Cleaner Installs: One layer replaces separate barrier film plus top cover, saving time and labor. • Built To Take Abuse: Choose FeedFresh HD when you want added toughness and durability on the pile. • Confidence on the Pile: Reinforced construction helps resist punctures, tears, UV and harsh weather exposure. Call or scan the QR code for a product information, sizing and a same-day quote: (605) 335-0174 COMMON QUESTIONS, ANSWERED WHY FEEDFRESH 1-STEP AND FEEDFRESH HD WORK Blocks Oxygen Where It Matters: EVOH oxygen-barrier performance helps cut oxygen exposure that can lead to spoilage and nutrient loss. Built To Handle the Real-World: Scrim-reinforced construction helps stop tears from spreading and stands up to harsh conditions on the pile. Choose Your Build: 1-Step or HD Toughness: FeedFresh 1-Step streamlines install in one roll. FeedFresh HD steps up durability when your site conditions call for it. Which should I choose: FeedFresh 1-Step or FeedFresh HD? If you want the simplest install with a barrier cover in one pass, go FeedFresh 1-Step. If your piles see more wear, traffic or tougher conditions, step up to FeedFresh HD. Is EVOH proven for silage?Yes. EVOH barrier technology is widely used for oxygen control and is a proven approach for protecting stored feed quality. Plus oxygen barrier film can returns $8 for every $1 invested in plastic and labor.
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18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Beyond the Auction SOCIAL IMPACTS OF NEBRASKA’S LIVESTOCK SALE BARNS MARILYN SCHLAKE AND RANDY SANER | EXTENSION EDUCATORS, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN As one pulls up to a livestock sale barn, especially on those busy sale days, the sights, sounds and smells convey a sense of commerce and agriculture at its most fundamental purpose: food production. Whether the producer is buying or selling, the livestock sale barn is a conduit for transactions. However, experiencing the sale barn is more than just transactional. It is history, it is family, it is a community of shared experiences and relationships that creates a culture unique to each sale barn, one that supports and enriches the livestock industry. A recent study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) researchers highlights the shared purpose of the livestock sale barn. This pilot study builds on a similar study by the Australian Livestock Markets Association. Their findings underscored the importance of Australian livestock sale yards to rural producers and the economy, as well as to the rural social fabric and individual physical and mental health. Do Nebraska livestock sale barns also contribute to producers’ social well-being and provide value beyond economic considerations? Armed with a variety of research tools, the UNL research team set out to assess the social value of sale barns and to explore their implications for individual and community well-being and resilience. The Sale Barn Social Experience graphic highlights key research findings and depicts the social interplay among individuals, businesses and the community. As part of the primary sale barn experience, individuals encounter and create distinct cultures at each location. Social relationships enhance personal well-being, and conversations and interactions bolster individual knowledge and confidence. Subsequently, positive social interactions and relationships extend beyond the sale barn environment, influencing farm and ranch business decision-making, expanding external business opportunities and supporting the local economy. Culture of Place Each livestock sale barn has a unique culture that integrates owners, employees, producers and family members into a single social environment. In addition to buying and selling, 60 percent of on-site survey participants said they come to the sale barn to socialize, and 63 percent said attending the sale barn has led to new friendships. Many expressed comfort in knowing how they fit in with others, whether in the café or the sale ring. The barns also provide an environment that helps newcomers assimilate through social norms and relationships. At the near-urban sale barn, interaction between groups was more limited, possibly due to language barriers stemming from a more diverse clientele. However, one interviewee said the sale barn offers a comfortable, familiar atmosphere that makes immigrants feel more at home. “I’ve never been to a sale barn where it wasn’t like a community. … It’s a pretty inviting environment,” another interviewee said. “I’m not gonna say [like a] warm and fuzzy Hallmark card. I will say caring and inviting for sure.” The livestock barn offers a multi-generational experience. Researchers observed grandparents entertaining and teaching their grandchildren, and fathers working alongside their older sons or daughters assessing livestock and prices. “As a father with kids, [I like] having them involved in asking questions, having them take an interest and actually pay attention,” another said. “I think that’s really a great place to start: take your kids.” Enhance Personal Well-Being Social relationships were also cited as important for building and enhancing personal well-being. IndividPERSPECTIVES
April/May 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 CONSIDER THIS uals discussed stressors in the cattle industry, including rising costs for feed, cattle and land, as well as weather. Sale barns offer an environment where farmers and ranchers can access and offer support during these stressful times. They also provide a place where individuals can talk to one another without the stigma associated with directly addressing mental health concerns. Help may be offered through casual recognition or through more in-depth, personal conversations. Researchers overheard sellers thanking buyers for their purchases, buyers complimenting sellers on the quality of their stock and auctioneers recognizing families for their livestock practices and support of the sale barn. “I’m pretty young yet, but to get that pat on the back, or a ʻgood job’ and ʻattaboy’ is always a good feeling when you’re doing a good job for somebody,” a younger rancher explained. In-depth conversations were more likely to take place in the café. There, longtime friends shared life events, laughed together and expressed sorrow for the passing of friends and family members. “I think that helps mentally knowing that there are other people who feel the same way you do, who are going through the same things you’re going through,” one rancher said. “I think it helps you mentally and healthwise.” Some interviewees said attending the livestock auctions helps them combat feelings of isolation, which can negatively affect mental health. “In agriculture, you know, we spend a lot of time alone, and if we’re in this, we like to spend time alone,” one producer stated. “So, by getting out and seeing others and visiting with them, it kind of helps you. Everybody needs some social interaction.” Bolster Knowledge and Trust The third component of the social sale barn experience is the value relationships provide to attendees, both financially and operationally. Interviewees noted that social connections formed at sale barns play a significant role in enhancing attendees’ farm and ranch marketing skills and their knowledge of livestock production. For example, researchers overheard conversations focused on bull quality, grass conditions and the green cattle in the ring. Young adults were mentored by older family members and were seen joining conversations about farming and ranching around the café tables. Besides buying and selling, 25 percent of survey participants said they attend livestock auctions to gain new industry information, and 55 percent conduct market research. “The livestock auction market is, I hate to say, a gathering place, but it essentially becomes that for local producers to share ideas,” one producer shared. “We can gather with a common interest, which is the livestock, and discuss those kinds of ideas.” Individuals also emphasized the importance of strong relationships among buyers and sellers, as well as with sale barn owners and auctioneers. Researchers observed buyers sharing market information with producers and overheard a buyer compliment a producer on the quality of their livestock and genetics. “I’ve got a good relationship with one auctioneer,” a producer shared. “He knows my type of cattle. He knows the bulls I buy. He takes it upon himself to get to know you. I think a good auctioneer, whether he’s a barn owner or hired as the auctioneer, makes the barn successful or unsuccessful. He can make you want to be there.” Extended Impacts As shown in the Sale Barn Social Experience graphic, the sale barn experience extends beyond the sale barn walls and affects individuals and communities. Interactions at the sale barn influence producers’ and buyers’ on-farm or ranch business decisions. Interviewees said the knowledge and skills they gained at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Call 4402-469-0599 High-Gaining Bulls that have Length with Thickness and Carcass Quality! Ad2022-NECattleman.qxp 1/28/2022 2:27 PM Page 1 Anderson Bros. Angus Floyde and Robert Anderson • Ong, Nebraska email: Andersonfloyde@yahoo.com Bulls for Sale by Private Treaty and at the Nebraska Bull Test Sale on March 25, 2026 OFFERING BULLS SIRED BY SONS OF EXEMPLIFY · GROWTH FUND · REGIMENT · 3 RIVERS 1/3 Rectangle Nebraska Cattleman Anderson Bros. Angus April/May 2026 sale barn were often applied to daily operations. Second, interacting with a diverse group of people in the livestock industry may expand a list of business contacts and referrals, leading to new business opportunities. Last, there is a spillover effect in the community, such as purchasing supplies at the local farm store or visiting other businesses. “I’m like 30, 40 miles from town, so I just can’t go in there every day,” one enterprising rancher said. “A lot of times, if there’s something I really need, well, I’ll stop and pick it up. I might come home with a horse trailer full of something. You never know.” Overall, the research underscores the importance of producers maintaining strong working and personal relationships with sale barn owners and employees. Producers want to trust recommendations, such as when to bring cattle in for a specific sale and what ideal sale weights might be. Producers need to trust business transactions and rely on price transparency – critical components of maintaining strong, professional relationships. Producers also appreciate recognition for their hard work, herd management and support of the sale barn. Buyers, producers and other attendees build professional and personal relationships that extend beyond the sale barn. Being intentional about increasing social interactions and building relationships can enhance personal self-worth and help balance feelings of isolation, especially during tough years and when one is personally struggling. As interviewees shared, supporting others can be a life-altering conversation. If you or others are struggling, professional help is available through the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at (800) 464-0258. Copies of the full report are available by scanning the QR code. ~NC~ BEYOND THE AUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 When temperatures drop and forage quality declines, a cow’s nutritional demands rise sharply. The stress of cold weather, wind, and late gestation can take a toll on body condition and overall herd health. OLS Tubs offers a simple, cost effective solution to meet those seasonal challenges. Formulated with high quality ingredients for consistent intake and backed by one of the best cost per head per day values in the industry, OLS Tubs help herds maintain condition, support reproductive performance, and stay on track through the toughest winter conditions. 1-877-OLS-TUBS WWW.OLSTUBS.COM FUEL FERTILITY WITH OLS TUBS. THE #9 BOVINE BREEDER TUB IS ONE OF THE MOST CONCENTRATED PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET that is specifically formulated with conception rates and overall herd health in mind. It’s protein, energy, vitamin, and mineral package contains high levels of AMAFERM and LACTO-MOS and is designed for use on growing and mature cattle being fed grass hay / dry grass pasture. Also available with BIO-MOS, DIATOMACEOUS EARTH, and IGR.
April/May 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 DuraCor® herbicide delivers unmatched broadleaf weed control for grazing acres—packed with benefits cattle raisers and land managers need. With proven grass safety and extended control of 140+ weeds, DuraCor® tackles those already growing and keeps working on those that germinate later. Flexible application options — broadcast by ground or air, spot treatments, or mixing with liquid or dry fertilizer in select states — make DuraCor® the smart, easy choice for pasture weed control. Visit us at rangeandpasture.com TM® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Under normal field conditions DuraCor® is non-volatile. DuraCor has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with DuraCor to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. DuraCor is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. ©2026 Corteva. RP - 37458 - NE COR (02/26) DuraCorHerbicide.com SCAN TO VISIT
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April/May 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 Upcoming Sales: I-70 Gateway Spring Sale April 2, 2026 | Kingdom City, MO Buckeye “Racehorse Style” Sale April 23, 2026 | Online Only Grasstime Bull & Female Sale May 2, 2026 | Meriden, WY Private treaty bulls also available! When Every Trait Matters, Stabilizers® Deliver. CAT T L E BULLS THAT BUILD BETTER COW HERDS Stabilizer® cattle were built with one purpose: to make commercial ranchers more profitable. Designed through disciplined crossbreeding and decades of performance testing, Stabilizers® deliver the traits that matter most in today’s marketplace. Fertility Growth Calving Ease Carcass Quality Feed Conversion Hybrid Vigor WWW.LEACHMAN.COM/SALES | 970-568-3983 CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES JERROD WATSON (WESTERN) | 303-827-1156 AARON RASMUSSEN (MIDWEST) | 308-763-1361 KURT SCHENKEL (EASTERN) | 740-503-6270 Scan to view full 2026 sale schedule, or request a catalog! A-11380585435 I get paid more for Stabilizer® sired calves. It’s all about value! Mike Inglish, Senatobia, MS
24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 THE OTHER AI The Good, the Bad and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Part 4 TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER PRODUCTION In the past three months, we have covered what artificial intelligence (AI) is, some programs that might be useful in your operation, as well as examples of Nebraskans using AI in the beef industry. We have discussed some of the benefits of using AI, including increased efficiency, reduced human error and streamlined data analysis. As with any new technology or product, you have to weigh the negatives with the positives. With AI being relatively new and constantly evolving, the regulations and legislation surrounding it are murky and lagging. Legislation The competition to be on the leading edge of AI has been likened to an international arms race, meaning that the U.S. government has been hesitant to regulate AI in hopes of staying at the forefront of the industry. “The argument with implementing regulations around AI is, do we think Russia and China have these guardrails on their AI? Doubtful,” says John Winkler, director of the Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District. “If there were international guardrails, how do we police them to verify that somebody is not cheating? And what are the ramifications to us for following those rules if others don’t? Does that put us far behind or at a disadvantage? So, that is a huge issue.” The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of data privacy regulations internationally. The EU passed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2016, which set the standard for data protection worldwide. The GDPR includes things such as being able to ask a company to delete your data. International tech companies such as Microsoft and Google applied those policies to their companies worldwide in an effort to streamline their compliance even before standards were adopted internationally. It is anticipated that any regulations the EU sets for AI moving forward will eventually trickle down to other countries. Individual states, including South Dakota, Montana and Utah, have enacted legislation surrounding the regulatory and compliance frameworks for AI. In Nebraska, there are multiple AI-related bills being introduced in the Legislature this year, including the “Conversational Artificial Intelligence Safety Act” and “Transparency in Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act and Related Amendments,” which is a priority for this year’s Legislature. This has created a patchwork of varying regulations for tech companies to try to comply with. States are passing legislation surrounding AI and privacy; however, enforcing compliance may be challenging for tech companies, because the internet and AI do not magically stop at or recognize state lines. Environmental Impact AI is powered by data centers. These data centers are often massive warehouses that house rows upon rows of server stacks, which take an astonishing amount of energy to power. According to Congress.gov, in 2023, AI data centers used approximately 4.4 percent of the United States’ annual electricity consumption. That number is expected to jump to 12 percent by 2028. Roughly half of that energy is used to actually power the IT equipment inside, with the other half being used for equipment cooling. The servers and other equipment produce heat as they work, raising the ambient temperature and requiring cooling systems to run almost constantly, and those cooling systems require water. Water that evaporates during the cooling process is considered consumptive water, and water that is flushed out of the system and back into wastewater facilities is considered non-consumptive. There are various cooling technologies, including closed-loop cooling systems that require less water, evaporation cooling systems that require more water and hybrid options evolving in an attempt to better manage water consumption. “The environmental footprint is massive,” says Joe Budd, deputy director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. “The water piece is huge, especially in your western states.”
April/May 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 SALE • MONDAY APRIL 20, 2026 1 PM • PALMER, KANSAS Proven the easiest fleshing, best uddered, and most grass efficient Angus Cattle in the World! PROVEN BY PHENOTYPE AND NUMBERS! O C C PAXTON 730P Progeny prove he is one of the best all-around bulls in the Angus breed. CED BW WW YW $EN FL +13 -1.2 +43 +71 +23 +1.20 O C C EMBLAZON 854E An “Industry Standard!” for siring predictability and uniformity. CED BW WW YW $EN FL +12 +.5 +45 +71 +19 +1.11 EPD 2/15/26 TOP 4% $EN TOP 2% $EN ONLINE BIDDING As mega tech corporations explore new areas to build data centers, local resources become a major talking point. “These municipalities can quote the companies a set price per square foot, and they will scoop it up because it’s cheaper than what Nebraska or another state quoted them, because we have no idea how to price some of these things,” Budd explains. “It really is irreversible when you think about it. We’re not recharging aquifers at the rate that we’re depleting them, and in the West, that’s going to be a huge issue, whether that’s because it results in less surface water or because it results in less groundwater. These are concerns not just from an ag standpoint, but from municipalities and everything else.” Tech companies are aware of their high water consumption and are making efforts to use less water or recycle water multiple times. However, the amount of energy they are using continues to increase. “These companies are getting better at managing their consumptive use of water. Power is a different story,” Winkler says. “They use a massive amount of power to power their data centers. That’s why you’re seeing efforts to allow data centers to generate their own power so they’re not pulling power off the grid. But if they’re generating their own power, there are problems with that too.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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