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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