74 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2025 2024 NC ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72 generation involved. Regional vice chairs worked on a plan for the coming year, including adding benefits to the membership. Mary Bea Halimeh, NCBA director of membership and affiliated services, gave an NCBA update. Natural Resources and Environment Commi ee The Natural Resources and Environment Committee welcomed two interim directors to speak to NC members, starting with Interim Director Kara Valentine with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). She talked to the committee about programs the department is currently working on and detailed NDEE’s plan with the $307 million federally awarded grant for climate-friendly programs. This program, called the ONE RED initiative, has separate funding buckets. The buckets most relevant to agricultural producers are: • Ag Registry and Grants Programs: $160.4 million • Anaerobic Digester/Biogas Hub Program: $57.2 million • Biochar Incentive Program: $4.4 million • ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program: $6.1 million • Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Program: $4.1 million Libby Schaneman, NC director of communications and federal government affairs, gave a brief presentation about the status of the upcoming Farm Bill and the possibility of a continuing resolution. The final speaker was Interim Director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Jesse Bradley. He talked about water issues in western Nebraska, downward trends in water flow levels for the South Platte River and difficulties getting water from Colorado. He touched on the Perkins County The Combined American Legion Post #52 and Kearney VFW 759 Honor Guard presents colors at the Opening General Session. Generations of leadership are represented by the Hansen family, including, seated, Tom (NC past president and former Neb. state senator) and Linda Hansen. Standing are Tom and Linda’s sons Eric, left, and Marshall, right, both NC Board members. NC receives $10,000 for the Cartridges for Cash program from Merck Animal Health. Presenting the check to NC President Jerry Kuenning, center, are Merck representatives, Felicia Schuster left, and Brandon Nuttelman, Ph.D., right. CONTINUED ON PAGE 76 Members of the 2023 YCC class were presented with completion recognition plaques at the Opening General Session, including, left to right, Morgan Rhea, Connor Biehler, Christina Lammers, Austin Aksamit, Jon Caraway and Natalie Jones.
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