February 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 53 Dam’s wife, Karna, also comes from an agricultural background. The couple has two sons, Derek and Dylan. Derek works on the family operation, and his wife, Whitney, is a physical therapist in Fremont. They have two young children who enjoy learning about the farm. Dylan is an attorney in Blair, where his agricultural background helps him assist families with succession planning. Dylan’s wife, Sam, is an elementary school teacher with Blair Community Schools. In his free time, Dam enjoys traveling, following sports and attending cattle sales to visit with fellow producers. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Ph.D., West Point Education and Research Committee Vice Chair Alfredo DiCostanzo, Ph.D., serves as NC Education and Research Committee vice chair. Originally from Mexico, he came to the United States to pursue graduate studies. DiCostanzo spent nearly 28 years as a professor at the University of Minnesota, where he conducted research and taught in the classroom and through Extension programs focusing on beef nutrition and management. In 2022, he became a Nebraska Extension educator specializing in beef production systems. After relocating to Nebraska, he and his family established Sweet Spring Ranch LLC, where they currently rent facilities to a local horse trainer. They are excited about future opportunities to run a few horses and cattle on the property. Through his role with Nebraska Extension, DiCostanzo became involved with the Cuming County Feeders Association. Encouraged by Bonita Lederer, he expanded his involvement to the state level, seeing it as an opportunity to connect with more producers. “The opportunity to work with a group of people who deeply care for the cattle they produce and their fellow men is something I greatly look forward to,” DiCostanzo says about joining the NC Board. With the current reset in cattle inventory and high market prices, DiCostanzo believes this is an excellent time for younger producers to increase their participation in the industry. His favorite book is The Fire of Life: An Introduction to Animal Energetics by Max Kleiber. “If some world leaders and ‘scientists’ would read it, they would better understand energy transformations,” he says. James Felt, Wakefield Seedstock Council Committee Chair James Felt serves as NC Seedstock Council chair. His family’s beef industry journey began with feeding cattle, and they later started a cow-calf operation through a 4-H project. Felt Farms now raises Simmental and SimAngus, and hosts the Foxy Ladies Bred Heifer Sale in the fall and the Brand of Excellence Bull Sale in the spring. Felt enjoys being in the beef industry because of its humble and sincere people, as well as his passion for working with cattle. “The first day you take cows to grass is priceless,” Felt says. “I like witnessing the new life of a baby calf and seeing the vigor of a cow-calf pair. Being around cattle brings peace of mind.” Felt has served on the Northeast Nebraska Cattlemen Board for more than 10 years. The affiliate grills at many events to serve their communities and promote the beef industry. In addition, he serves as a firefighter and EMT, and is a past president of the Nebraska Simmental Association, where he continues to serve on the board. His father, who taught him about feeding cattle, is one of his mentors in the beef industry. He also admires the producers who consign cattle to their sale and have become like family. Felt Farms is a family-oriented operation, with his parents and hired hand helping with the business. Felt enjoys attending cattle shows and helping youth with their show cattle. He describes Nebraska Cattlemen as entrepreneurial-minded and looks forward to serving on the NC Board. Jason Star, Hershey Natural Resources and Environment Vice Chair Jason Star serves as NC Natural Resources and Environment Committee vice chair. A fifth-generation producer, he resides on his family’s operation west of North Platte. Star’s primary responsibilities include backgrounding and feeding cattle, as well as managCONTINUED ON PAGE 54
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMxNTA5