36 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2026 2026 Midyear Meeting Recap COMPILED BY NC STAFF Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) gathered in Dawson County for the 2026 Midyear Meeting where members enjoyed two days of networking, industry updates, educational tours, outstanding speakers and recognition of excellence within Nebraska’s beef industry. From productive business sessions to meaningful fellowship, Midyear once again provided valuable opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate. The following is a recap of the event’s highlights. Board of Directors Mee ng Wednesday morning began with the NC Board of Directors meeting, where board members received updates from staff, councils and regional directors on recent activities and ongoing initiatives across the association. The Executive and Finance Committee, together with staff, presented the proposed 2026–27 budget, which was reviewed and approved by the board. Opening General Session With the recent detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas, the opening general session featured an important update on the fly and industry preparedness. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes provided the latest developments and outlined the national response plan, while Nebraska State Veterinarian Roger Dudley, DVM, emphasized Nebraska’s commitment to following established protocols. Matt Hille, DVM, and Jared Walahoski, DVM, also shared practical insights on identifying, treating and managing NWS in cattle. Commi ee Mee ng Ac vi Ag Policy and Research Commi e The inaugural meeting of the Agricultural Policy and Research Committee focused on establishing the committee’s priorities while providing updates on key state and federal policy issues. Presentations covered topics including the Farm Bill, the Securing America’s Workforce Act (SAWA), EID tag implementation, Nebraska’s legislative session and the state’s lawmaking process. During the meeting, attendees also approved a policy directive supporting sustained federal funding for the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), which Nebraska Cattlemen will take to the 2026 NCBA Summer Business Meeting in Denver. Taxa on and Educa on Commi e The newly formed Taxation and Education Committee, created through the merger of two existing committees, held its inaugural meeting during Midyear. Attendees received a state legislative update from NC Director of State Government Affairs Matthew Melchor, followed by an update from Sen. Jana Hughes on key issues, including property taxes, TaraLee Hudson, Lewis Coulter and Steve Wellman, left to right, on stage at the NC Ag Policy and Research Committee’s inaugural meeting while NCBA Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes, standing, presents to attendees. NC Director of State Government Affairs Matthew Melchor presents to Ag Policy and Research Committee meeting attendees. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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