78 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2026 CONTINUED ON PAGE 80 State Fair. Dwight Dam was elected to remain as the council chair. Cow-Calf Council Cow-Calf Council members met to conduct leadership elections and hear an educational presentation. Jake Johnson was elected chair by acclamation. Marilyn Schlake and Randy Saner with UNL Extension presented “Beyond the Auction: Social Impacts of Nebraska’s Livestock Sale Barns,” highlighting research on the social and economic impacts livestock sale barns have on rural communities. Breakout Session – Trade Overview U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom presented to a packed house at the Trade Overview Breakout Session. Halstrom discussed the current state and future prospects of the U.S. beef export market. His key points included the global beef market’s resilience, with $10.5 billion in sales in 2024, and the importance of maintaining free trade agreements (FTAs) like USMCA and CAFTA. U.S. beef exports to China are down dramatically due to political issues, but other markets like Korea, Japan and Mexico are thriving. Innovative products like Nutri-Liver Burger, popular in Peru, are gaining popularity in other areas. Halstrom emphasized the need for continued support for FTAs and the importance of high-quality U.S. beef in maintaining market share. Allied Industries Council The 2026 Partnership Package will be mailed out in January, and allied members are encouraged to review and work with Nebraska Cattlemen staff for a package that fits their organization. A marketing plan was presented to the group for the 2026 NC Convention Trade Show. Staff will continue to work on the plan and present it at the NC Midyear meeting. An update was given on the summer meeting held in August at the Nebraska Cattlemen office. The group will plan on another summer meeting in 2026. The Allied Industries Council Directory was moved from the October issue of the Nebraska Cattleman to the August Feedlot Directory and good feedback was received on this change. Austin Woltermath was elected as chair, and Kenny Stauffer was elected as vice chair. Opening General Session NC President Dick Pierce welcomed attendees as the Opening General Session began with Adams Central eighth grader Ava Bonifas singing the national anthem. The colors were presented by Buffalo County Sherriff ’s Department Honor Guard. Pierce recognized and thanked retiring Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors members: • Jerry Kuenning – Nebraska Cattlemen Past President • Jim Edwards – Vice Chair of Member Services, Region 5 • Ryan Danehey – Feedlot Council Chair • Jake Pullen – Allied Industries Council Chair • Allan Louthan – Vice Chair of Member Services, Region 3 • Travis Chrisman – Cow-Calf Council Chair • Heath Clausen – Vice Chair of Member Services, Region 7 • Erica Schluntz – Vice Chair of Member Services, Region 9 NC appreciates their service and dedication. The keynote speaker was Wade A. Greening, supervisory intelligence analyst with the FBI Omaha Field Office covering the states of Iowa and Nebraska. Over the last seven years in this role, Greening has supervised the analysis of all National Security-related information across Iowa and Nebraska, including counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber and weapons of mass destruction matters. In addition to his role as supervisory intelligence analyst, SIA Greening is also the FBI Omaha NC 2025 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 76 KEY POINTS ON TRADE FROM DAN HALSTROM Global Market Overview • With the exception of China, the global market is running very well, with robust demand for beef. • When China is open, U.S. beef exports account for about $11 billion in sales globally. • U.S. beef is unique due to grain finishing and its superior taste. Economic Growth/Market Trends • Many customer areas have higher projected economic growth rates than the United States. • Despite regional turmoil, the Middle East is economically strong. • Latin America and Caribbean countries show growth in their hotel, restaurant and high-end retail sectors. • The landscape is highly competitive, particularly given the aggressive moves by Brazil in the Mexican market. Beef Exports/Market Challenges • Total U.S. beef exports are down 10 percent, mainly due to China. These are politically motivated, not demand-related issues. • The U.S. beef market should and can diversify to avoid reliance on China. • Beef exports to countries like Korea, Japan and Mexico are driven by the superior quality of U.S. beef. • The United States is facing economic challenges due to pricing, so it’s more important than ever to differentiate U.S. beef from Brazilian and Australian beef based on quality. Market Opportunities • Potential new trade agreements with the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines are encouraging. • Recovery of tourism in Japan and Korea is leading to increased demand for high-end U.S. beef. • Innovative products such as the Nutri-Liver Burger is helping U.S. beef export demand.
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