NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 6
Kurtis VenJohn, Manager (308) 234-1874 Chris Burris, Manager (620) 285-2183 Paul Woydziak, Manager (620) 792-2508 Matthew Vaupel, Manager 620-564-2200 Luke Knight, Manager (620) 257-5106 Brandon Sorensen, Manager (308) 324-5611 Jesse Landin, Manager (308) 995-6136 CORPORATE OFFICE PO BOX 1506, GREAT BEND, KS 67530 | (620) 793-9200 Throug Innovatio PERFORMANCE Bronson Smith, President & CEO Tyler Spore, Vice President of Cattle Operations Jerrod Westfahl, Executive Chairman
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6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 6 REGULARS Insights ................................8 Ruminations ......................10 Consider This ...................32 Markets ..............................40 BQA ..................................... 42 NC Foundation.................. 46 NC Partners ....................... 52 NC Dispatch....................... 54 Advertiser Index ..............56 Sale & Event Calendar ....57 Boots on the Ground .......58 FEATURES PRODUCTION Building the Future of Beef ................................... 16 A look at how adopting emerging technologies can improve the ag industry. PEOPLE From the Ashes....................................................... 12 Nebraska communities rally to help their neighbors in times of need. PAST Stocking the West ...................................................20 How longhorns, railroads and stockyards helped facilitate the expansion of cattle in the United States. POLICY 109th Session Recap ...............................................32 Nebraska legislative session adjournment leaves some unfinished business and new momentum for Nebraska Cattlemen heading into 2026. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE 2025 Midyear Meeting Recap ...............................24 2025 Midyear Meeting Sponsors .........................29 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 O ce 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: Darr Feedlot at Cozad has been custom feeding cattle since 1982. Photo courtesy of Kristian Rennert.
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8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Richard (Dick) Pierce*, Miller, (308) 440-2489 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Craig Uden*, Johnson Lake, (308) 325-0285 VICE PRESIDENT: Eric Hansen, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 PAST PRESIDENT: Jerry Kuenning*, Lemoyne, (308) 883-8382 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 326-7743 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 2 – Lydia O’Brien, Whitman, (308) 546-7349 3 – Allan Louthan, Stanton, (402) 841-6601 4 – John Kennedy, Primrose, (308) 920-2828 5 – Jim Edwards, Ord, (308) 750-0881 6 – Bob Wiseman, Hershey, (308) 530-3137 7 – Heath Clausen, Leigh, (402) 750-4433 8 – Becky Funk, DVM, Lawrence, (308) 360-3179 9 – Erica Schluntz, Naponee, (308) 920-3191 COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR: Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, (308) 883-6781 VICE CHAIR: Jake Johnson, Hastings, (402) 984-8824 FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 VICE CHAIR: FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Ryan Danehey, Manhattan, Kan., (308) 440-8267 VICE CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL CHAIR: James Felt, Wakefield, (402) 287-2488 VICE CHAIR: Kristian Rennert, Elm Creek, (308) 440-9463 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Jake Pullen, Aurora, (308) 380-9040 ~ COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ~ ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR: Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 CHAIR-ELECT: Scott Reynolds, DVM, Broken Bow, (308) 870-0970 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS CHAIR: Matt Blackford, Thedford, (402) 322-1377 CHAIR-ELECT: Robert Star, Hershey, (308) 520-3488 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CHAIR: Suzanne Jagels, Davenport, (402) 469-3374 CHAIR-ELECT: Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg, (308) 930-2162 MARKETING AND COMMERCE CHAIR: Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 CHAIR-ELECT: Marshall Hansen, Omaha, (402) 616-4541 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 CHAIR-ELECT: Logan Pribbeno, Imperial, (308) 883-7770 TAXATION CHAIR: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk, (402) 750-0149 CHAIR-ELECT: Steven Wellman, Syracuse, (402) 269-7024 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 IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL DARON HUYSER, LEXINGTON NC FEEDLOT COUNCIL VICE CHAIR My name is Daron Huyser and I’m a third-generation cattleman with M&M Feeders in Lexington. I have been given the opportunity to serve as the Nebraska Cattlemen Feedlot Council vice chair. There is a new kind of excitement in the cattle business with record prices for feeders and fat cattle. The challenges of the environment and cattle health do not cease with higher markets. The feedlot business is not for the faint of heart. For those of us lucky enough to have it in our blood, it is an exciting challenge each day, but it can get long, weary and overwhelming at times. We are constantly choosing between work and our families, knowing that neither choice is without sacrifice. The volatility of the cattle markets causes stress that never goes away but also provides the shot of adrenaline needed to stay for the long haul. We must protect this way of life with integrity and grit that goes far beyond showing up every day. Our feedlot’s motto is “We treat your cattle like family” and, while that is true, I have learned it is more than just the cattle. Every interaction, every transaction, every mistake and every hard day is an opportunity to show your character. This way of life throws curve balls at every turn – the cattle don’t perform, the weather is a barrier to growth, the markets not holding, the customers come and go, the available workforce is less and the cost is high, the bank requires more and more – I could go on and on. How we handle the highs and lows of the business is a far greater legacy than the size of the operation, the performance of the cattle in the yard or the profitability at the end of the year. Character is shaped, molded and sometimes chiseled in the fast pace of the feedlot. Higher prices may come and go, but the people you surround yourself with are the true profit. I am proud to serve with the Nebraska Cattlemen as a voice at the table. I have the unique perspective of being involved at the cow-calf level all the way through the finishing phase, which allows me to rub shoulders with many different players in the business, from nutritionists, seedstock producers, truckers and packers. This involvement has provided many opportunities to see the character of the industry in the good times and the bad times, and we work with some of the best in the business. A lot of us are raising the next generation, and I believe that our integrity is the most important lesson to pass on, especially as this business is faced with new challenges and rising prices. I encourage cattlemen to be part of the discussion and continue to be involved. Nebraska Cattlemen staff and leadership have a voice in shaping our state policies so that we can continue to raise the best beef and sustain our way of life. “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – John Wooden ~NC~ Every interaction, every transaction, every mistake and every hard day is an opportunity to show your character.
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10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 LAURA FIELD | NC EVP 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 ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER | 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. KEEPING BUSY LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Summers are busy! Every year, as I anxiously wait for my kids to get out of school, I tell myself summer will be a time to slow down — to travel, spend time with family in other states, clean the house — the list never ends. Yet every year, when summer winds down and it’s time for school to start again, I find myself wondering where those days of rest and relaxation actually went. Almost immediately, I vow to do things differently next summer. It’s a vicious cycle. There is good in the busy, and that’s what I try to focus on. Often when people reach out to me, they say, “I know you’re busy, but…!” — and my response is always, “Busy isn’t a good excuse!” Staying productive and getting things done is something I will always strive to do better, and I count on all of you to help keep me accountable. At its Midyear Meeting, the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors approved the 2025-26 budget, and the leadership and staff are excited about the year ahead as we continue to advocate for, promote and support cattle producers across the state. NC closed its fiscal year on June 30 in a solid financial position. As we began a new fiscal year on July 1, it was a great time to reflect on the strides the association has made and the important work that lies ahead. The 2025 legislative session wrapped up in June, and you can read NC Director of State Government Affairs Matthew Melchor’s article on page 32 for some of the highlights. During the interim period before the Legislature reconvenes next January, NC staff and leadership will be engaged in various studies and working groups on topics such as property tax reform and relief, K–12 education funding reform and brand modernization. All NC decisions are made based on the grassroots policy set by our members. NC Vice President Eric Hansen is chairing a Governance Task Force, as directed by the NC Board at its January meeting. The task force includes a broad base of NC members representing different sectors of the cattle industry and allied industries partners. The group is discussing a range of topics, including NC Board structure, association operations and potential changes to meetings and events. This important work aligns with the NC Strategic Plan — a living, breathing document that guides the association and its mission to work on behalf of cattle producers from gate to plate. When I returned to the NC staff two and a half years ago, it was with great excitement and high expectations for what lay ahead. I firmly believe that membership in Nebraska Cattlemen is a great value proposition for cattle producers, and we thank you for your membership. If my team and I can visit with you about membership or engagement opportunities, please reach out. Keeping us busy keeps Nebraska’s cattle industry strong — and we are honored to serve and represent you. ~NC~ NC closed its fiscal year on June 30 in a solid financial position. As we began a new fiscal year on July 1, it was a great time to reflect on the strides the association has made and the important work that lies ahead.
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12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 PEOPLE From the Ashes Communities Rally in Wake of Fire TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Between the howling winds, blistering heat, tumultuous wildfires and harrowing storms that bring down every act of nature known to mankind, Nebraskans are forged into tough, resilient people. Despite the elements doing their darnedest to harden the residents of the Plains to their core, a tender heart remains for our neighbors in times of need. When disaster strikes, residents of rural Nebraska band together to help their neighbors and communities, ensuring that no one has to face tragedy alone. Smoke Signals It’s the crack of lightning, the smell of smoke on the breeze, the urgent phone call that is answered only with “Fire!” We are all familiar with the drill of dropping everything and running to help. That story rang true when the Johnstown Fire broke out earlier this spring after a controlled burn got out of hand. Throughout the week, more than 7,000 acres of rangeland burned to the ground. Forty-three head of cattle died during the fire, with at least 20 more severely burned. “There were several farmers and even business owners in town, like our local fertilizer shop, that brought big tankers of water,” explains Johnstown Fire Chief Wade Buechle. “Neighbors and community members brought food, drinking water and Gatorade to the fire hall. The ladies from the Ainsworth and Johnstown areas came in and made lunches every morning for the crews on the fire. Northeast Community College out of Norfolk donated a bunch of shirts, deodorant, ibuprofen – whatever we might need. The entire surrounding area really rallied together for us.” Accepting a Helping Hand Often in times of chaos, we find ourselves more concerned about our neighbors. It is hard to accept help when we think someone else might need it more. That’s the story of Benny Burdick in the midst of the fire. Luckily for Burdick, his friends and neighbors would not take no for an answer. “I told them that I was moving hay, that I would be fine. Within an hour, there are two dually pickups with dump beds that are coming to move hay out of the stack yard,” Burdick recalls. “They showed up with trailers and horses and helped me move cows. I was in the middle of trying to do everything and there was no way to do it alone. I never asked for help, but I’m lucky that they know that I can’t do it all on my own, and they showed up.” Burdick’s family had leased the land for 50 years, and Burdick finally had the opportunity to purchase the property last year. The fire wiped it all out, leaving him to search for summer pasture. Nebraskans are known for their willingness to help and do whatever needs done during hard times, whether that’s moving cows or hauling hay away from the f ire. Photo courtesy of Tressa Lawrence.
August 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 “You’ve always got to look at the glass half full instead of half empty,” Burdick says. “It could have always been worse. The fire itself was bad enough, and we had to find grass for our cows because we lost all our summer grass and over 10 miles of fence, which is even more out of the pocket. But I’ve had people call who want me to come put up hay on shares and people have called with some extra grass that I could take the cows to. So, it’s going to work out.” Community Similar stories echo out from other fires and tragedies across the state. Regardless of when or where disaster strikes, rural Nebraskans pull together. “I think the biggest thing is just the overall willingness to help and do whatever needs done during hard times, regardless of what it is,” says Brewster Rural Fire District Assistant Chief Frank Utter, a rancher in the area. “As soon as word gets out that there’s a fire, we’ll have people show up with all kinds of homemade fire rigs or portable water. Sandwiches and cookies start flowing in to keep bellies full and everyone going. Tractors show up to cut lines or trailers show up to haul cattle. I think that anybody who lives out here for very long, it just kind of becomes part of who you are.” Marilyn Rhoades of Uncle Buck’s Lodge in Brewster has been orchestrating meals for firefighting crews for more than 30 years. “It just started because we usually have a lot of supplies on hand, and other people would bring in other food to send out. People are good to step in and help serve, if not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because if it isn’t their land this time, it may be the next time,” Rhoades explains. “Community has always been great here in the Sandhills.” The incredible outpouring of support throughout fires or other calamities weaves a strong bond across communities. As we all know, there is still much work to be done once the smoke has cleared. “Life after fires is an incredible display of resilience, not only in terms of the people but also the rangelands,” says Micah Most, Ogallala area native who is now a Wyoming Extension agent who helped spearhead fire recovery efforts in his county after a fire burned 175,000 acres last fall. “We know that there’s still a lot of recovery to be done on the financial end, and also on the emotional and mental well-being side of things. But agriculturalists are a gritty community, pretty tough folks who can withstand a lot. This is just one more reminder of the resilience of the people and the landscapes that we work with in our livelihoods and agriculture.” Resilience Resilience is defined as “The capacity to withstand or recover from difficulties; toughness. The ability to be happy, successful, etc., again after something difficult or bad has happened.” The wildfires of recent years have helped shine a light on Nebraskans and how they embody resilience by showing up and serving whenever help is needed. Remember to thank your neighbors and be a good neighbor. “It’s a tough deal, but we’ll get through it,” Burdick says. “Thank God for good friends and neighbors. We’ll work through it; we’re Nebraskans. We’re born and raised here, and when you’re surrounded by a community that backs you, they’re always there to help.” ~NC~ More than 65 fire departments showed up to help contain the Johnstown Fire earlier this spring. Photo courtesy of Tressa Lawrence. “Life after fires is an incredible display of resilience, not only in terms of the people but also the rangelands.” –Micah Most “All we’ve got left are the skeletons of the trees because the fire was so hot. It’s just almost unimaginable, we’ll never see it the same in our lifetime,” says Benny Burdick, a rancher who lost his summer pasture in the Johnstown Fire. Photo courtesy of Benny Burdick.
14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 Tony also uses Performance Beef to track individual animal health data and monitor overall herd wellbeing and performance trends. The technology allowed the team to swap paperwork and double data entry for an iPad, leading them to time-saving and more accurate results. Plus, he and his team can check on the farm remotely. So, when Tony’s neighbor recommended Performance Beef as a complement to Tony’s new feed wagon and scale, he was immediately interested. DRIVING SUCCESSFUL RESULTS WITH TECHNOLOGY F GOINGFROM PAPER TO IPAD The Nebraska cattleman has been involved in his family’s cow/calf, feedlot and backgrounder operation for as long as he can remember. “It’s all I know,” Tony says. “I’m driven by improving our herd and performance each year.” As the second generation on the Sarben Ranch, Tony focuses on breeding, raising and feeding cattle with the best genetics to improve the cattle industry and his herd. “Performance Beef has allowed the Sarben Ranch to become much more focused on nutrition that drives successful results,” says Tony. or Tony White, producing cattle is not only his livelihood, but it’s his way of life and legacy. “It has made us better at what we do,” says Tony. “It’s a good program and better than what someof the bigger feedlots are using. I’d recommend it to anyone.” Tony and his team recorded herd and feeding data on pencil and paper and later transferred that data to spreadsheets. It was a flawed, cumbersome process. • PAID ADVERTORIAL •
August 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 Performance Beef helps the Sarben Ranch team shift from reacting to issues to proactively managing herd health, nutrition, and performance. “It helps us stay ahead,” says Tony. “We can monitor trends and health data, make small changes early, and avoid bigger issues down the road.” From tighter communication to smarter decisions and better outcomes, Performance Beef has become a daily essential at Sarben Ranch. EVOLVING FOR THEFUTURE Sarben Ranch continues to grow and evolve–feeding more cattle, adding more team members and leaning more into the tools that support smart efficient operations. One of the most impactful benefits has been improved communication with nutritionists. Performance Beef allows nutrition plans and feed rations to be entered and reviewed remotely, enabling proactive adjustments without constant on-site visits. “I didn’t realize how often our nutritionist was checking the data until recently,” says Tony. “He’s tweaking things behind the scenes to make improvements we wouldn’t have caught right away– and that's a good thing.” With the ability to view new rations, verify ingredient accuracy, and ensure everything is on track before anything hits the feed bunk, Tony and his team feel more confident in the decisions made daily. ENHANCING NUTRITION AND COMMUNICATION “We’re feeding more now, and having more people involved has helped,” Tony says. “It also makes Performance Beef more valuable and keeps everyone on the same page.” “It improves our communication,” Tony says. “They make sure rations are right before I even see them, which gives us peace of mind.” SCAN TO LEARN MORE AND REQUEST ADEMOOF PERFORMANCE BEEF • PAID ADVERTORIAL •
16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 PRODUCTION BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BEEF AG TECH EMERGES FROM THE HEARTLAND KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER While traditional methods of raising cattle are carried out across the country, the broad scope of technology in agriculture – from cow-calf operations through to the consumer – offers producers more and more opportunities. By adopting emerging agricultural technologies, the industry can continue to improve in areas such as profitability, time efficiency, addressing labor scarcity and gaining valuable knowledge. Brennan Costello, director at The Combine, believes there is a huge opportunity in the cattle industry, especially in Nebraska, to use and build new technology. The Combine, a part of Invest Nebraska, is an ag tech incubator supporting startup founders from across the state. Started in 2019, they have co-working space in Lincoln providing in-person support, but also engage with entrepreneurs across the state digitally. Even as a young program, they’ve supported more than 50 startups. “We exist to help build and grow ag technology startups in Nebraska,” Costello says. “It came about because Nebraska didn’t really have a front door to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses here. We are the Beef State – from cowcalf to the packing plant, we should have a place where those technologies can grow.” The incubator supports ag tech across all segments of agriculture with a goal to build companies and grow entrepreneurs in Nebraska and to progress the ag industry in the state. “I’ve always been very impressed with the caliber and level of producers that we have here, both on the cattle and the crop side,” Costello says. “So, if you’re going to build a technology company in agriculture, it just makes sense to build your company here to get close to customers who are really, really smart and talented.” GENETIC INSIGHTS FOR SAFER, HEALTHIER BEEF PRODUCTION One successful company that came from The Combine incubator just a year and a half ago is Bullseye GX, a startup focusing on targeted genetic diagnostics for livestock. The test they are most focused on is a simple, actionable test to determine the risk for heart failure in beef cattle, also known as brisket disease. Dustin Petrik, Ph.D., lab director at Bullseye GX, along with co-founder Phil Kozera, who both had several years in the biotech and ag industries, had a product that was fully developed, commercialized and ready to hit the mar-
August 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 ket, but The Combine provided them with many resources, including financing, legal help and IT. “Our testing service gives cattle owners quick, easy-to-understand genetic information that helps them manage specific health risks,” Petrik explains. “It equips them with data to make informed, performance-related decisions whether they’re buying, selling or retaining certain animals. They can use it for breeding selection, precision breeding and in feedlots to sort and manage animals, especially those that might be high risk.” Petrik explains that, while genetic testing certainly isn’t new technology, the use of this test for producers who live in or sell animals in higher elevations can have an affordable and quicker result than the less reliable pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) test. “The PAP test varies with the age of the animal, the elevation they’re raised at and their overall health,” Petrik says. “A genetic test improves on those because you can test that same animal at any point in their life, from birth to death, and the genetic information remains the same, regardless of what elevation you take it to or the current health of the animal.” The Bullseye GX technology is bringing producers into a new era of information to help them make decisions to improve the management, breeding and care of their animals and empowering them to reduce disease risk. “Heart failure is our primary focus at the moment. If we do our job, we could potentially breed out this genetic mutation entirely, which would be a huge win for the industry,” Petrik says. “We’re always looking ahead not only at what technology we can use to improve testing and reduce costs, but also at identifying the next breakthrough test that will add value to the industry.” RETHINKING CATTLE OVERSIGHT WITH AI Another incubator resident at The Combine is BovEye, which uses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence-enabled (AI) computer vision models to automate inventory inspections for cattle in feedyards or on rangeland. “Really at a high level, we focus on using AI and machine learning to help augment and support the human eye and agriculture, specifically livestock production,” says Andrew Minarick, BovEye founder and CEO. “There’s a lot of complexity in these dynamic systems involving cattle; there are a lot of variables that can be really difficult to observe with the human eye, whether you’re looking at an animal or whether you’re looking at a large data performance set.” No matter if that data is visual data or structured data like Excel databases, BovEye uses AI to enhance livestock production efficiency by building custom machine-learning models that forecast performance more accurately than traditional methods. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 1/2 page horizontal Nebraska Cattleman August 2025 1009 W US Hwy 6 • Holdrege, NE 68949 | 308-995-9565 | www.holdregeequipment.com DON’T LET THE COWS GO HUNGRY! JAYLOR 2000 SERIES COMMERCIAL RIBBON AUGER TMR MIXER BUT WHEN THEY’RE DONE, DON’T LET IT PILE UP ON YOU! MEYER CROP PRO COMMERCIAL MANURE SPREADER NEED HELP WITH YOUR HERD? CALL HOLDREGE EQUIPMENT TODAY! WE HANDLE BOTH ENDS OF THE BUSINESS!
18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 MICRO INGREDIENT SYSTEM BUY YOUR OWN SYSTEM CONTROL YOUR FEED BOOST YOUR SAVINGS PRECISION FEEDING FOR FEEDLOTS & DAIRIES OF ALL SIZES Precision Feeding: Enables ration flexibility, allowing high-producing groups to receive tailored nutrients. Ingredient Flexibility: Switch ingredients on demand based on supply, price, or nutritional guidance. Instant Adjustments: Ability to update rations quickly based on real-time needs. Supports Low-Inclusion Nutrients: Efficiently handles microbials, probiotics, antibiotics, and prebiotics. POTENTIAL SAVINGS OF $1-$2/HD/DAY FOR DAIRY & 5-10 CENTS/HD/DAY FOR FEEDLOTS AND MORE INFO@COMCOCONTROLS.COM | 800-225-4417 WWW.COMCOCONTROLS.COM • CUSTOMIZED BIN SIZES • FULLY CONFIGURABLE: 4 - 12 BINS • REAL-TIME INVENTORY • DURABLE STEEL SURFACE • ACCURATE VIBRATORY FEEDERS • 24/7 SUPPORT READY TO BUY OR UPGRADE YOUR MICRO SYSTEM? “Sometimes AI is a solution, sometimes it might be overkill for what you need,” Minarick clarifies. “AI has allowed a lot of teams like ours to rapidly develop technology much more quickly and cost effectively. We’re able to run incremental and rapid tests to determine potential performance improvements we can make.” BovEye is also helping ag businesses optimize their scarce labor resources. “A lot of businesses have spent time collecting quality data and understand AI has serious implications, but they might not want to hire a fulltime, expensive, machine-learning engineer,” Minarick says. “We can come in and help them on a project basis without the need for a long-term, fulltime commitment.” DATA-DRIVEN CATTLE MANAGEMENT Technology has worked its way into the hands of thousands of producers through Performance Livestock Analytics’ (PLA) flagship product, Performance Beef. Kory Lauridsen, PLA’s director of strategic sales, says Performance Beef helps producers track feed, financial and health data all in one cloud-based platform by using Bluetooth-enabled scales on the feed truck or cattle chute to collect data. “We’re helping producers automate data capture on their operations instead of having to keep track of handwritten records,” Lauridsen says. With real-time digital records, producers can make more accurate feed calls and health decisions on the go, which enhances labor efficiency and provides overall accuracy in their feeding and performance – two of the biggest expenses for a producer. “PLA is always trying to find new ways to add features and connect with upcoming technologies to help make the independent cattle producers more efficient,” Lauridsen says. Lauridsen highlighted the integration with Precision Livestock Technologies’ bunk reading system to improve feedlot operations. This integration with the Performance Beef platform utilizes cameras over the bunk line to predict cattle feed intake and provide feeding recommendations through AI and machine learning. PLA also developed the Cattle Krush app, which helps producers with cattle purchasing and profitability tracking. “I feel like now, with the competitive landscape in the livestock industry, we are understanding more about what challenges producers are facing,” Lauridsen says. “We’re about to come into the golden age of technology in the beef industry.” Beyond these examples, a wave of new and exciting ag technology is impacting and developing the cattle industry. Work continues in the private sector as well as at the university research level such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, particularly the Feedlot Innovation Center. Prepare for the pace of innovation to accelerate! “We can be a leader in building animal technologies that really help producers raise cattle more efficiently, sustainably, productively and with better animal welfare,” Costello concludes. “I’m excited for the future in Nebraska, because there’s such a big opportunity and more has yet to be tapped into for its full potential.” ~NC~ BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BEEF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
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20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 PAST Stocking the West BOB HOUGH | CONTRIBUTING WRITER When the United States of America celebrated its centennial in 1876, in part by hosting the World’s Fair at Philadelphia, it had fulfilled one of its major goals of the country to stretch from “sea to shining sea.” This was all part of what it considered at the time as its Manifest Destiny – a phrase coined by journalist John L. O’Sullivan of the New York Morning News – which was the country’s God-given duty to spread its concept of civilization, capitalism and Christianity across the continent. For more detail, please refer to the “Manifest Destiny” article in the April/May issue of Nebraska Cattleman, page 30. Clearing the Land With the end of the Civil War, the United States’ attention turned to exploiting the vast natural resources of the Great Plains. This involved eliminating bison from the range so land could be freed up for grazing and farming, which was being done with tremendous speed and efficiency. Native Americans were also herded onto ever shrinking reservations – a situation that was not satisfactory to most indigenous people. The situation was exasperated by broken treaties and graft in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which led to a series of Plains Indian Wars. Due to numbers and supplies, Native Americans invariably lost each of these wars despite having success in many of the battles within the wars. Native Americans’ most notable victory occurred in June 1876 with the defeat of Lt. Col. George A. Custer’s calvary regiment at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. However, it was just a decade later, on Sept. 4, 1886, when Geronimo and his band of approximately 30 Apache men, women and children surrendered to Gen. Nelson Miles, after being pursued relentlessly by Miles’ estimated 3,000 to 5,000 cavalry and infantry for four months. Although there would be a few flare ups later like the Ghost Dances in 1890, the surrender of Geronimo was effectively the end of the Indian Wars. Longhorns, Railroads and Stockyards During the Civil War, feral Mexican cattle, more commonly known as Longhorns, greatly increased in numbers throughout Texas and the Southwest, with some estimates putting the herd at 26 million head. This was quite an explosion in numbers considering the first ancestors of these cattle arrived in Texas in 1540 when Spanish conquistadors drove the first 500 head across the Rio Grande River. Railroads had also expanded rapidly, having already linked the Midwest and eastern United States by the end of the war. By 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad stretched from Omaha to Sacramento, Calif., with other branches west soon to follow, Cattle Trails of the 1870s American West. Public domain.
August 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 particularly serving Kansas. With this railroad infrastructure, hauling livestock and meat products became a major revenue source for railroads. In this light, various railroad companies banded together to build a series of stockyards to facilitate livestock markets and improve railroads’ profitability. The largest and grandest of the new stockyards would be built four miles south of Chicago city limits on what, at the time, was 345 acres of marshland, replacing six smaller stockyards scattered around the city. Chicago was an ideal location as it was already a transportation hub prior to the Civil War. By traveling through the Great Lakes, the Erie Canal and Hudson River, cattle could be transported on these waterways to New York City. In addition, transporters could utilize improved roads, as well as a canal system that crossed Pennsylvania, to efficiently access the Philadelphia and Baltimore markets. With the introduction of rail, an express line was built in 1852 to transport cattle, and later meat products, non-stop from Chicago to New York. What would become Chicago’s Union Stock Yards and Transit Company resulted from nine railroad companies pooling their resources. However, turning 345 acres of marshland into the world’s largest stockyards would be no easy task. They first had to drain the land with a series of tile drains, sewers and a canal to move the waste and fluids the half mile from the stockyards to the South Branch of the Chicago River. Once the land was dried, they built a rail system to supply the 1,000 laborers working on the site with the massive amount of lumber, posts and supplies needed to build pens, alleyways, feed storage, water infrastructure and facilities to unload and load the railcars. Construction started in June 1865 and was amazingly completed for a grand opening on Christmas day of that year. Other stockyards would spring up in those early years in places like Kansas City and Saint Joseph, Mo., and Omaha, but none ever compared with the great one in Chicago. Cattle and Grass ‘Gold Rush’ It all seemed like a way to print money: a huge herd of feral cattle in Texas that could become someone’s property if they could round them up and get their iron on them. There was a ready market for cattle by driving them to a railhead, primarily in Kansas, for transport to one of the stockyards. In addition, as bison were removed from the range, what was thought by many to be an inexhaustible resource of freerange grass for cattle production was left behind. Investors rolled in hoping to take advantage of the quick riches the U.S. High Plains cattle industry promised to deliver. There were certainly families of means from the eastern United States who invested in the western cattle industry, but A roped Texas steer. They were also called Mexicans, Longhorns and Mustangs. Credit: Library of Congress. The progression of transportation and communication shown in an 1890 photo near Danville, Penn. From right to left: the Susquehanna River, a canal, a railroad, telegraph line and a dirt road with a horse-drawn buckboard wagon. Credit: Library of Congress. Transcontinental railroads and land grants circa 1850-1900 Hart-Bolton American history maps. The colored lines indicate the government laying grounds given to the railroad to sell to pay for the railroad. Credit: Library of Congress. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 aurorapharmaceuticalinc Follow us! ad022503 Aurora Pharmaceutical, Inc. ©2025 Quality You Trust. Value You Love. Scan to learn more www.aurorapharmceutical.com the biggest investments came from Europe. Alvin Sanders, a famous early livestock journalist and author, reflected on these novice cattle producers: “Farther and farther into the interior of this inland empire, the cowmen pushed their way, and the railway and the stagecoach soon sought gateways into the nation’s virgin pastoral possessions. Staid Scotch capitalists, scions [decedents] of the British aristocracy and ʻtenderfeet’ of nearly every name and nation joined in the chase – the race to put cattle into every nook and corner of the great big Brobdingnagian [gigantic] West, regardless of climatic conditions or possible consequences.” The expansion started out in a fairly straightforward but short-lived way, which came in the form of the great cattle drives, mostly from South Texas to new railheads in places like Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Missouri. Cattle started moving north in quantity, starting in 1867, with cowboys following trails laid out by cattle industry pioneers, including the Chisholm, Shawnee, Western, Potter-Bacon and Goodnight-Loving trails. Kansas had some of the busiest cow towns with Dodge City and Abilene becoming particularly famous. However, some continued on these same trails through Kansas up to railheads in Nebraska, which included Ogalala, Kearney and Schuyler. Although they would linger for several more years, the age of the great cattle drives only lasted 17 years (1867 to 1884), effectively ending when Kansas barred cattle drives from entering the state starting in 1885. The citizens of Kansas had grown weary of wild cowboys raising a ruckus in their towns with drunkenness, gambling and prostitution. Texas cattle also carried ticks, which were a vector for splenetic fever, also known as Texas fever. Farm cattle brought to Kansas by settlers had no immunity to this disease, so it often resulted in death of farmers’ cattle. Missouri had not barred cattle drives, but farmers often took matters into their own hands to make sure Texas cattle didn’t come in contact with their farm cattle. Robert Kleberg of King Ranch finally diagnosed the problem, and started dipping cattle in 1891 to eradicate ticks. In addition, ticks didn’t survive the harsh winters when cattle were taken north to start cow herds. As cattle moved north, producers started aggressively upgrading their herds with red-hided Shorthorns, which were generally a dual-purpose strain of the breed. However, what was thought to be an inexhaustible grass resource soon became over stocked. Novice managers also made no preparations for winter supplemental feeding no matter how far north they were managing cattle. The cost of this lack of proper management would come due sooner than later, which will be explored in future articles. ~NC~ STOCKING THE WEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
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24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE 2025 Midyear Meeting Recap The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Midyear Meeting was held in Kearney this year, offering a memorable blend of fellowship, recognition of achievements, association business, engaging speakers and informative tours. What follows is a recap of the event’s highlights. Board of Directors Meeting On Wednesday morning, prior to the golf tournament, the NC Board of Directors received updates from staff, councils and regional directors on their recent activities and initiatives. The Executive and Finance Committee, along with staff, presented the 2025-26 budget, which was subsequently approved by the board. Committee Meeting Activity Education and Research Committee There was a lot of exciting news on enrollment and opportunities for students in Nebraska from post-secondary schools. Updates were given by Northeast Community College, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA), University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Concordia University. It really is a great time for the youth to be involved in the growth of Nebraska agriculture. Shelly Kelly, executive director of the Sandhills Task Force, gave a presentation about the Sandhills Ranch Internship program, which currently has 15 interns placed. The program works with mentors, helping with onboarding and expectations to help all participants get the most out of the program. NC Executive Vice President Laura Field gave a legislative update. Bills that were presented during the session were reviewed and interim studies were discussed. Natural Resources and Environment Committee The Natural Resources and Environment Committee heard from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes, Steve Wellman, NC Taxation Committee chair-elect, stands to give a self-introduction at the onset of the NC Board meeting at NC Midyear. Kaylle Fritts, DVM, deputy state veterinarian of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, gives an update on the New World screwworm and the preparedness efforts at the state level to the Animal Health and Nutrition Committee at Midyear. Sen. Teresa Ibach, left, chats with NC Member Services Chair Quentin Dailey, right, at the Midyear Welcome Reception following the golf tournament. COMPILED BY NC STAFF
August 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 who provided updates on federal conservation programs and other natural resource initiatives. Following her presentation, Sandhills Task Force Executive Director Shelly Kelly shared insights into the organization’s work and highlighted their prescribed burning program in the Sandhills region. Finally, Bill Fox from the National Grazing Lands Coalition discussed current technical assistance programs and their future direction, encouraging committee members to share their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of these initiatives to better inform future implementation. Member Services and Revenue Development Committee Jaclyn Wilson presented a history of cattle organizations. She shared perspectives from many voices in the beef industry, including when each of the organizations started, their structure, priorities and some of their policy on issues facing the beef industry. NC Member Services Chair Quentin Dailey gave updates on NC memberships, membership forms and the partnership package. Nebraska Cattlemen staff communicated that they are working plans for a road trip for this summer. Taxation Committee The Taxation Committee received a federal tax update from NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane who covered key elements of the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the current status of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Hunter Traynor, executive vice president—legislation and policy from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, followed with a discussion on the state’s tax structure and potential strategies to reduce property taxes for producers. Former State Sen. Curt Friesen concluded the session by addressing who bears the greatest property tax burden, how the state government is funded and why rural Nebraskans should take pride in their contributions. Animal Health and Nutrition Committee The Animal Health and Nutrition Committee heard from NCBA Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes and Deputy Director of the Nebraska State Veterinarian’s Office Kaylie Fritts, DVM, regarding the emerging threat of New World screwworm and the preparedness efforts at both the state and federal levels. Additionally, Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, provided an update on the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and the ongoing search for a new BQA coordinator. Last, NC Director of State Government Affairs Matthew Melchor briefed the committee on the current status of LB 665 – a bill in the state legislature that would prohibit the use of electronic identification tags in livestock if they contain components with direct or indirect ties to a foreign adversary. Brand and Property Rights Committee It was a packed house for the Brand and Property Rights Committee. NC Executive Vice President Laura Field gave an update on the 2025 state legislative session, specifically LB 646 introduced by Sen. Teresa Ibach (District 44). Field disThe Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial was the first stop on the Midyear tour, providing attendees with a moving, inspirational and beautiful tribute to “all Veterans past, present and future.” This memorial stands in solemn tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and features stone pillars bearing the emblems of each military branch surrounded by a ring of American and service flags. NC Midyear tour participants gather outside the Nebraska Beef Council headquarters in Kearney. The visit highlights a shared commitment to promoting beef, increasing beef demand and strengthening the agricultural community through advocacy, education and collaboration. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 NC Midyear tour participants gather beneath the grand entrance to “The Great Platte River Road” exhibit at the Archway Monument in Kearney. The scene features a dramatic escalator rising through a life-sized diorama of pioneers on the Oregon Trail, symbolizing westward expansion.
26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2025 cussed NC policy that guided decisions on positions taken by the NC Board of Directors. Sen. Ibach made comments on the final status of the bill not advancing to final reading during the legislative session and outlined her commitment to discussion in the interim, including LR 280 to address the livestock brand act and the role of the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC). NBC Executive Director Don Arp updated the committee on decisions made by the NBC at its recent meeting. NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane updated members on private property rights issues at the federal level. Marketing and Commerce Committee The NC Marketing and Commerce Committee heard updates on several ongoing topic areas. Chairman Chance McLean provided an update on CME Live Cattle futures contract specification changes that will go into effect starting with the October 2026 contract. NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee Chairman Mike Drinnin provided comments on the ongoing discussion regarding CME Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures daily price limits. NC Executive Vice President Laura Field summarized recent actions by the Nebraska Unicameral regarding the sale and use of cell-cultured protein products in Nebraska. The committee also heard a detailed update from NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane on the potential effects of tariffs on the U.S. beef industry as well as ongoing NCBA efforts to protect the industry’s interests amid recent DHS/ICE enforcement actions in Nebraska that are impacting workforce retention and absenteeism rates in beef harvest and further processing facilities. Lane also provided interesting insights on the challenges of working with the larger and more diverse group of entities and interests who are “under the tent” of President Trump’s second administration. Allied Industries Council Attendees reviewed the 2024 NC Annual Convention and Trade Show and career fair. Goals were made to keep improving the career fair. A summer meeting at the Nebraska Cattlemen office is scheduled for the first part of August. An updated copy of the allied industries membership form was shared with the group for them to distribute to possible NC members. The council encouraged affiliate leadership to keep them involved in their local meetings. NCF Luncheon The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) Luncheon announced the 2025 Retail Value Steer Challenge winners, introduced NCF scholarship recipients and recognized the 2025 Beef State Scholarship recipient, Allison Walbrecht. See page 46 for full details. Golf Tournament NC members enjoyed a beautiful day of warm weather and great golf at Buffalo Ridge Golf Course. Tournament results are as follows: Championship Flight 1st place team: Novanesis – Jason Felty, Ross Martin, Chris Swanson and Reed Waller 2025 MIDYEAR MEETING RECAP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 Bill Rishel, Merlyn Nielsen, Homer Buell and Brian Nielsen, left to right, enjoy the NC Midyear Golf Tournament.
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