10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2026 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. WORKING FOR BEEF PRODUCERS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT When I attend affiliate meetings across the state, one message comes through loud and clear: legislative advocacy is one of the top reasons beef producers choose to be members of Nebraska Cattlemen (NC). While producers are at home doing what they do best – raising cattle and producing the safest, most wholesome, nutrient-dense beef in the world – the association is working on your behalf to keep unnecessary barriers out of the way. That work is especially important as the Nebraska Unicameral convened in Lincoln in early January for the second regular session of the biennium. As the session gets underway, NC staff, leadership and board of directors are locked in and focused on the issues that matter most to our members. Those priorities don’t come from a vacuum. They come directly from producers. At our annual convention in December, each of the six policy committees met to review existing policies and consider new ones within their respective areas. My role in those meetings often places me at the front of the room – taking notes, facilitating discussion and helping move the agenda forward. It’s a unique vantage point, and one I don’t take lightly. From that seat, I see the process at work. I see heads nodding in agreement, shaking in disagreement and tilting thoughtfully as members consider new ideas. I see camaraderie built on shared experience. I see respectful debate, tough questions and the willingness to speak up – not for personal gain, but for the good of the industry. Some issues are straightforward. Others are complex. Some are deeply personal, while others stem from curiosity and a desire to better understand how policy impacts production agriculture. That diversity of perspectives is a strength. And importantly, nothing is final until the membership votes at the annual meeting. That final vote ensures policies truly reflect the will of the members. Once policies are adopted, I tell our staff and leadership that the association now has its marching orders for the year. The playbook is written and approved. From there, it’s time to go to work. When Nebraska Cattlemen takes a position before the state legislature or shares priorities with Nebraska’s federal delegation, we don’t have to guess where our members stand. We can turn to the page in the policy book and be reminded exactly what producers want and expect us to advocate for on their behalf. Looking out at the membership from my seat at the front of the room gives me a deep appreciation for the grassroots nature of this organization. Ideas start with producers, are shaped through discussion and ultimately set the direction of the association for years to come. Working for beef producers from pasture to plate – that’s more than the Nebraska Cattlemen mission statement. It’s our purpose. It is a responsibility we take seriously. It is an awesome privilege to serve and represent you. ~NC~
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