76 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2026 It’s a Wrap N 025 v n i g s CONTINUED ON PAGE 78 The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Annual Convention and Trade Show is always a unique event because, unlike a lot of state cattle organizations, we include every sector of the beef cattle industry from conception to consumption. This past year has been a whirlwind for producers in the policy arena. With the threat of New World screwworm, the everchanging trade and tariff dynamics, labor shortages and, of course, Nebraska’s property tax problem, it was great to see members engaged on these important issues to set policy for the year ahead. The 2025 Annual Convention kicked off with a board of directors meeting while 73 vendors checked into the sold-out trade show. Once the board meeting concluded, committee and council meetings began. Member Services and Revenue Development Committee A new membership application is now available for 2026. New staff members Sawyer Willrett and TaraLee Hudson introduced themselves to the group. Member Services Chair Quentin Dailey gave a membership update on new and lapsed members on data from MemberClicks. Mary Bea Halimeh, NCBA director of member and affiliate services, gave an update regarding Nebraska Cattlemen being the highest grossed membership of all affiliates. Halimeh asked for feedback on NCBA’s ability to provide engagement and service to local meetings. NCBA is seeing membership at a national level lapsing or members going out of business, either by liquidation or not having a succession plan. Feedlot Council The NC Feedlot Council heard updates on recently published and ongoing University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Department of Animal Science research projects from Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science and Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson and Assistant Professor and Feedlot Extension Specialist Jessica Sperber. Daron Huyser was elected as Feedlot Council chairman, and the Feedlot Council vice chairman position remained open as of the time of the meeting, pending further work by the NC Nominations Committee to fill the role. Seedstock Council The open class beef exhibitor luncheon at the Nebraska State Fair continues to grow and is a great way for exhibitors to network before their busy show days. The committee discussed changes to the 2026 Seedstock Directory with updates including sale date and marketing information. James Felt was elected Seedstock Council chair, and Jeff Pope was elected as vice chair. Allan Louthan will serve on the Nominating Committee. Farmer-Stockman Council The 2025 Farmer Stockman Council meeting reported that 180 $50 beef drafts were handed out at the 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STAFF U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom presents information regarding global trade during the Trade Overview Breakout Session. Member Services Committee Chair Quentin Dailey drives discussion on member recruitment and retention at the committee level.
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