8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN December 2025 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 DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES | Sawyer Willrett DIRECTOR OF PRODUCER RELATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TaraLee Hudson 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. REMEMBERING DANNY WILLIAMS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT In the winter of 2001, I was a graduate student in the Beef Industry Leadership Program at Colorado State University. As the Dave and Lucille Rice Legislative Intern for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), I strolled into the Colorado State Capitol in my business suit and high heels, having exactly zero idea how this experience would change my life forever. Dave Rice was a legend in Colorado. He represented agriculture, specifically the cattle industry, with monumental wins garnered from his forward-thinking ideas, not knowing how Colorado’s landscape would change in the coming decades. While he was paving the way, he mentored a state representative who would go on to be his successor and carve his own path of success – Danny Williams. Danny mentored me in 2001 and taught me key lessons of lobbying: • Be precise and get to the point – you have about two minutes to make your point or they stop listening. • Be able to walk and talk. • Always carry business cards and breath mints. • The best ideas are often developed on the back of a napkin in the basement cafeteria. I was completely clueless when I started that session, and I was incredibly eager to make a difference. I listened, learned and took on extra responsibilities under Danny’s firm tutelage. When my internship was over, I finished school and took a job I thought I would love. Six months later, I was unhappy and struggling when Danny called to let me know his partner was retiring. He asked me to bring my “Big Chief” tablet and No. 2 pencil and meet him for lunch. We outlined a plan, and in the fall of 2002, we created a partnership that lasted 10 years. I didn’t fully understand the importance of advocacy back then, and what Danny taught me changed my perspective on most everything. I learned the importance of using my voice for things that mattered. I learned that no issue or bill is worth compromising your personal integrity, and that being honest, direct and firm makes all the difference. And handshake deals still happen and matter. Danny passed away this fall. Not a day goes by that I don’t smile thinking of the incredible impact he had on my life and many others. He left the world much better because of his influence and focus on the good. I will miss his periodic phone calls to check in and am forever grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by a legend. May the Christmas season bring joy and renewal to your families and operations. Nebraska Cattlemen looks forward to engaging and supporting you in 2026! ~NC~
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMxNTA5