32 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2026 Introducing New NC Board Members HANNAH PEARSON | NC MEMBER SERVICES FIELD STAFF PEOPLE Lewis J. Coulter, Bridgeport Ag Policy and Research Committee Vice Chair Lewis J. Coulter grew up on a ranch in Morrill County where his family raised registered Herefords along with a commercial cow herd. After graduating from high school in Bridgeport, he attended the University of Nebraska (UNL) majoring in finance. Following college, Coulter worked in banking and also spent time working in a packing plant. Later, his sister purchased the family ranch, and he moved home to help build a feedlot, care for cattle and do some farming. During that time, Coulter also operated a staffing company in Scottsbluff for nine years before returning to agriculture lending. He has worked at Platte Valley Bank for the past 15 years. Today, Coulter and his wife maintain a small commercial cow herd and are proud parents of two adult children. One thing Coulter enjoys most about the beef industry is the yearly production cycle. “I think the thing I enjoy most is watching the babies grow every year,” Coulter says. He is encouraged by the strong demand for beef and believes the industry’s future remains bright. Coulter says more consumers are recognizing the nutritional value of beef and the important role it plays in a healthy diet. Among the many areas of the industry that interest him, building demand for beef stands out the most. “One great thing about this industry is there are so many facets to learn you should never get bored,” Coulter says. “If I had to pick just one, I would say building demand for our product.” Coulter has been active in Nebraska Cattlemen for nearly 15 years, serving as an officer in his local affiliate. He has also served twice as Region 1 vice chair and spent two years on the executive board. Weston Svoboda, Sargent Member Services Vice Chair – Region 5 Weston Svoboda grew up in the Sargent and Burwell areas as the fifth generation involved in his family’s ranching operation. After graduating from UNL with degrees in agricultural economics and law, he returned home to the ranch with his wife, Shelby, and their son, Barrett. The family operation focuses primarily on yearlings, along with a small cow-calf herd and heifer development. Svoboda is also an attorney with the Rembolt Ludtke
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