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.
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