10 Nebraska Cattleman December 2023 S U S By Lisa Bard, Nebraska Cattleman Editor Jerry Kuenning has always had an interest in agriculture, cattle and service. Like many in the cattle industry, it’s simply how he was raised. As a thirdgeneration Nebraska agriculturist, he is proudly working alongside the fourth and fifth generations in the family operation in and around Imperial. The Kuenning family’s diversified operation includes a commercial feedlot, a cow-calf herd and an irrigated/dryland farming enterprise, all of which keep more than a few folks busy. As Kuenning looks ahead to 2024 and the year he will serve as Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) president, he knows it would not be possible without his family at home filling in during his absence, nor would it be possible without the legacy of community and service that was instilled in him by his parents. Full circle, it seems. Kuenning, born in 1955, is the third of four children born to Wilber and Doris Kuenning. Kuenning’s older brother, Ernie, lives in Imperial; his older sister, Donna, and her husband, Don Hutchens, live in Lincoln; and his younger sister, Connie, lives in Lincoln. Kuenning describes himself as simply “a boy who grew up in rural Nebraska who has had a number of good things happen. I’ve been very fortunate.” Wilber and Doris lived through the Depression, persevered in the years after, growing their operation through years of hard work and a constant commitment to productivity. Kuenning describes his parents as “survivors” who were molded by the Depression and the 1980 farm crisis, and emerged strong and intact. In 2022, Kuenning and Son LLC was honored to receive the Aksarben Pioneer Farm Family Award for ownership of at least 40 acres of farmland held by the same family for 100 years. “My grandfather on my mother’s side was a German immigrant and we still farm that half section that he homesteaded on. He plowed that half section – a three-mile lap – with horse and plow,” Kuenning says. “The other day, while farming that plot, my 13-year-old grandson, Luke, took over for me in the grain cart. It’s very rewarding to have my grandson on the same land my great-grandfather homesteaded.” Wilber and Doris instilled in all their kids that education was vitally important, in part likely due to the fact that Wilber ended his formal education during his eighth-grade year. Kuenning and his siblings all attended college, with Kuenning earning a degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. However, the path to a degree was not without challenges. “The year between my senior year in high school and freshman year in college my dad broke his leg quite severely. I figured I would sit out a year and help out, but my parents would not allow it,” Kuenning says. “The day I drove away to college, I saw my dad in the rearview mirror carrying a feed bag on his head while walking with crutches. His commitment made me double down in my commitment to go to college and make it worthwhile.” The plan was for Kuenning to work off-farm for a few years after graduation, but while considering a job offer from Farm Credit, he realized that his heart was back at home – and so home he went and never looked back. Wilber retired from farming in 1987, paving the way for Kuenning and his wife, Kathy, to take the reins as the third generation on the operation. The fourth and fifth generations of Kuenning and Son LLC include son Brandon and daughter-in-law Kelly and their children, Luke, Lily and June; daughter Kory Fowler and son-in-law Nick Fowler and their children, Hayden, Grady and Landry; and nephew C.J. Kuenning. Daughter Kelly, a nurse, lives in Lincoln with her husband, Patrick, and their daughter, Penelope. Their operation is designed to achieve maximum productivity, and they are and will remain "diverse in their diversity." Brandon and Kelly manage the cow-calf herd where they raise Angus and Simmental cattle, market a few crossbred bulls, develop heifers and produce cattle that are fed and marketed in branded programs. Brandon and Kelly also manage the farming operation. Nick and Kory manage the feedlot where they feed mostly their own cattle as well a few commercial cattle. Nephew CJ helps mostly with the farming enterprise. Jerry is active in all facets but knows that the coming year will require quite a bit of time away. Without the family at home, he would not be able to serve as NC president. Jerry Kuenning will serve as the 2024 Nebraska Cattlemen president. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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