NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 1
The Brand You Believe In Sires represented include America, Anthem, Architect, Badger, Duke, Glory Days, Throttle, Magnum, Magnify, Rise N Shine, Royal Flush, Renovation, Panther, Smokehouse, Scale Crusher, Downpour, Certified, Ease, Early Arrival, Grand Canyon, Jesse James, Cattlemaster, Demand, Double Wide, Density and more. PVolume selectionPFree delivery PAffordable to the cowman www.schaffangusvalley.com • kelly@schaffangusvalley.com SELLING 510 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS & FEMALES Saturday • February 8, 2025 • 10 am at the ranch Kelly & Martie Schaff St. Anthony, ND • 701-445-7465 Sale books by Request SAV Throttle 2961 26 progeny sell! SAV Magnum 1335 43 progeny sell! SAV Glory Days 1832 77 progeny sell! SAV Anthem 0042 10 progeny sell! SAV Rise N Shine 2709 12 progeny sell! S Architect 9501 49 progeny sell! Millars Duke 816 51 progeny sell! Baldridge Badger 96 progeny sell! SAV Bonsma 4083 He sells! BW: 78 205 WT: 987 Badger x SAV Emblynette 1167. A bonafide beef bull with massive dimension, volume and natural fleshing-ability. His Downpour dam records a weaning ratio of 110 on her first two calves, following tradition of her Pathfinder dam, SAV Emblynette 2369. SAV Gravity 4118 He sells! BW: 84 205 WT: 1030 Glory Days x SAV Emblynette 9813. Major herdsire prospect with superior substance and structural design. His beautiful, perfect-uddered dam by Rainfall records a weaning ratio of 106 on 3 calves and is a flush sister to the $250,000 SAV Bloodline 9578. SAV Tradition 4204 He sells! BW: 96 205 WT: 1074 Throttle x SAV Blackcap May 0629. Phenotypic powerhouse and performance front-runner with superior length, muscle and power in a herdbull package. His dam is a broody beauty and next-level herd leader with 18 progeny featured in this event. SAV Authority 4311 He sells! BW: 81 205 WT: 960 Architect x SAV Emblynette 0435. Represents all the qualities of an ideal breeding bull with authentic Angus type, shape, soundness and true herdbull authority. His dam by President x Renown x Net Worth x EXT stacks an elite maternal pedigree loaded with real-world production merit. SAV Revelation 4125 He sells! BW: 84 205 WT: 1034 Renovation x SAV Abigale 9118. Commanding herdbull presence with phenotypic power, performance and maternal attributes to be a major breeding force. His productive Pathfinder dam by President records a weaning ratio of 113 on 4 calves. SAV Maternal Gold 4081 He sells! BW: 87 205 WT: 1001 Renovation x SAV Madame Pride 3145. Represents a landmark flush that has captured the attention of the Angus world from a maternally-inspired mating. His 12-year-old Pathfinder dam is a herd favorite and current top income-producing cow, recording a weaning ratio of 107 on 9 calves. Follow us on Instagram
Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 308-530-3900 (Scott) • 308-530-2720 (Austin) cedartopranch@yahoo.com • Facebook: Cedar Top Ranch DO ONE THING... DO IT WELL... WE RAISE BEEF CATTLE CEDAR TOP RANCH 175 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS SELL 175 RANGE-DEVELOPED 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS BULLS ARE INDIVIDUALLY FEED EFFICIENCY TESTED, GRASS GRAIN TESTED AND GENOMICALLY TESTED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 12:30 PM | BURWELL, NE BALANCER & ANGUS FEATURING: 50 ET BULLS TUESDAY, FEB.18, 2025
You can’t tell by looking. Not all “Angus” bulls are REGISTERED Angus bulls. One is supported by the power of data. One is validated by the power of a pedigree. One is backed by the power of programs. One is not. Alex Tolbert Regional Manager 706.338.8733 atolbert@angus.org Will Harsh Regional Manager 740.272.1386 wharsh@angus.org Look for the REGISTRATION NUMBER.. Bring the Power of Angus to your herd. Angus.org/PBA. SM
Ad Design by KWC Print Design Selling approximately 175 RegisteRed Angus Bulls • 50 RegisteRed Angus HeifeRs 4M BlockAde 120 conneAly cRAftsMAn s A V MAgnuM 1335 Sitz Barricade 632F x Buford BlueStem 9974 BW 82 • WW 910 • YW 1565 BW +3.1 • WW +82 • YW +133 Milk +25 • $B 139 Sitz Resilient 10208 x Connealy Niobrara 5451 BW 81 • WW 712 • YW 1302 BW +1.5 • WW +77 • YW +133 Milk +36 • $B 161 Mead Magnitude x LD Capitalist 316 BW 72 • WW 1048 • YW 1776 BW -0.2 • WW +91 • YW +168 Milk +35 • $B 169 JindRA off RoAd Jindra Top Notch 1336 x V A R Reserve 1111 BW 74 • WW 964 • YW 1561 BW +4.0 • WW +83 • YW +147 Milk +30 • $B 178 foxHoVens endeAVoR 203 Foxhovens Man in Black x TC Forthright 340 BW 64 • WW 867 • YW 1475 BW -1.6 • WW +94 • YW +169 Milk +19 • $B 149 ellingson PRolific Ellingson Profound 8155 x Koupal Juneau 797 BW 86 • WW 944 • YW 1496 BW +3.8 • WW +89 • YW +144 Milk +15 • $B 175 25tH AnnuAl PRoduction sAle At the Bull Center neAr ClArkson, ne Wed, FEBRUARY 12, 2025 Preserving the power of Scotch Cap genetics Call or stop by anytime! 82235 567 Ave. • Clarkson, NE 68629 402-920-3171 • nickjindra@hotmail.com • www.jindraangus.com lARgest siRe gRouPs By Foxhovens Endeavor • Jindra Off Road • Ellingson Prolific • 4M Blockade 120 • Simonson Stryker 942 Jindra Open Road • S A V Magnum 1335 • Jindra Bravo • Connealy Commerce • Jindra Xpansion Connealy Craftsman • Jindra Assurance • Schiefelbein Top Gun • Jindra Double Vision Connealy Pinnacle • Jindra Executive • Jindra Cutting Edge
6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 1 REGULARS Insights ........................................8 Ruminations .............................10 Consider This ...........................29 NC Foundation..........................70 Nebraska Beef Council.............72 NCIG............................................ 74 IANR............................................ 78 NC Dispatch...............................82 NC Partners...............................86 Boots on the Ground................90 Membership Application........92 Advertiser Index ......................94 Sale & Event Calendar ............96 FEATURES PRODUCTION Let’s Get Bull-Season Ready............................................................12 Consider these key steps to help you assess your cow herd and make informed decisions that will drive your operation’s long-term success. Technology-Driven Solutions for the Feedlot Industry...............36 Embracing technology helps producers stay on the cutting-edge and move the industry forward. Nighttime Feeding, Daytime Calving.............................................60 Rick Rasby, Ph.D., discusses how feeding at dusk may result in more cows calving during the day. PEOPLE 25 Years of Serving NC Members....................................................24 After nearly a quarter of a century, Melody Benjamin is retiring from NC. What a ride it’s been! Stockmanship Success .....................................................................28 Three renowned livestock handling clinicians share their perspectives on low-stress cattle handling. PAST National Western Stock Show..........................................................18 More than 100 years after it began, the NWSS legacy remains steeped in western heritage and connections. POLICY NC Policy Preview............................................................................. 46 NC’s Matthew Melchor previews the upcoming Nebraska legislative session. PERSPECTIVES CattleFax Seminar Focuses on 2025...............................................42 Annual outlook focuses on issues that matter to cattle producers. Herding Profits...................................................................................52 A look at planning strategies producers can consider for their short- and long-term financial goals. A Sand County Almanac..................................................................66 Remembering Aldo Leopold and his lasting impact on conservation. Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post Office ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! ON THE COVER: The hands and hat of this working rancher show both the difficulty and dedication behind this profession. Photo courtesy of Sam Raetz. www.samraetz.com
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 7 The Ellingson Angus program is carefully engineered, using large pools of data from our cowherd and coupled with genomics, keen evaluation of conformation and experience garnered from working with our commercial customers. SATURDAY, FEB. 1, 2025 12 PM CT • At the Ranch • St. Anthony, ND 1,200 Head Sell! 280 Yearling & 90 18-Month-Old Bulls 30 Registered Bred Heifers 800 Fancy Commercial Females Free Bull Keep & Delivery Marketing Assistance Like Ellingson Angus on Facebook! OTHER SIRES: Open Range, Statement, Aquifer, Three Rivers, Rider Pride, Pilot, Riverside & Craftsman ELLINGSON PROLIFIC ELLINGSON BRICKHOUSE ELLINGSON HI-RANGE ELLINGSON BOLD CHAD & JULIE ELLINGSON St. Anthony, North Dakota 701-445-7309 Chad: 701-361-3606 Stetson: 701-595-1364 ellingsonangus@westriv.com www.ellingsonangus.com 84 sons sell
8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Richard (Dick) Pierce*, Miller, (308) 440-2489 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Craig Uden*, Johnson Lake, (308) 325-0285 VICE PRESIDENT: Eric Hansen, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 PAST PRESIDENT: Jerry Kuenning*, Lemoyne, (308) 883-8382 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 326-7743 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 2 – Lydia O’Brien, Whitman, (308) 546-7349 3 – Allan Louthan, Stanton, (402) 841-6601 4 – 5 – Jim Edwards, Ord, (308) 750-0881 6 – Bob Wiseman, Hershey, (308) 530-3137 7 – Heath Clausen, Leigh, (402) 750-4433 8 – Becky Funk, DVM, Lawrence, (308) 360-3179 9 – COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR: Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, (308) 883-6781 VICE CHAIR: Jake Johnson, Hastings, (402) 984-8824 FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 VICE CHAIR: FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Ryan Danehey, Manhattan, Kan., (308) 440-8267 VICE CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL CHAIR: James Felt, Wakefield, (402) 287-2488 VICE CHAIR: ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Jake Pullen, Aurora, (308) 380-9040 ~ COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ~ ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR: Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 CHAIR-ELECT: Scott Reynolds, DVM, Broken Bow, (308) 870-0970 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS CHAIR: Matt Blackford, Thedford, (402) 322-1377 CHAIR-ELECT: Robert Star, Hershey, (308) 520-3488 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CHAIR: Suzanne Jagels, Davenport, (402) 469-3374 CHAIR-ELECT: Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg, (308) 930-2162 MARKETING AND COMMERCE CHAIR: Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 CHAIR-ELECT: Marshall Hansen, Omaha, (402) 616-4541 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 CHAIR-ELECT: Logan Pribbeno, Imperial, (308) 883-7770 TAXATION CHAIR: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk, (402) 750-0149 CHAIR-ELECT: Steven Wellman, Syracuse, (402) 269-7024 MEMBER SERVICES CHAIR: Quentin Dailey, Lexington, (308) 293-1144 NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION REP. Bryce Dibbern, Interior, S.D., (308) 293-7766 UNL EXTENSION REPRESENATIVE Erin Laborie, Beaver City, (419) 494-3872 UNL REPRESENTATIVE Deb VanOverbeke, Lincoln, (402) 714-5879 * member of the Executive & Finance Committee INSIGHTS CONTINUE THE LEGACY DICK PIERCE | MILLER | NC PRESIDENT We all drink from wells we did not dig and sit in the shade of trees we did not plant (paraphrase of Deuteronomy 6:10-12). T his phrase travels through my mind often as I reflect on how lucky I am to live in America and work at a job I love every day. If I could use one word to sum up how I feel about the cattle business and life in general, it would be optimistic. Having just come through a landmark election at both federal and state levels, I think most can say it is time to heal the divisiveness in our country and get on with our work. That is what I am thinking about today in the cattle industry. It is time to work together as cattlemen and let our voices be heard as we make decisions about the future of ranching. No matter which side of the political aisle one sits on here in cattle country, I believe we’d all agree that things are pointing to a boom in agriculture and our beloved beef industry. This has been indicated from our recent history where we’ve seen higher prices for our producers from the feedlot level all the way down to the cow-calf producer. We are still experiencing high demand for our product, domestically and internationally, and we should expect to see a healthy and thriving business model going forward. I believe the policies of the incoming administration should promote a very healthy economic atmosphere in the business world and personal as well. Some issues that come to mind at the federal level are the continued issue of electronic identification tags (EIDs), disease outbreaks or the potential thereof, the death tax exemption (which is slated to be reduced soon) and continued exports to foreign countries. The list goes on and on. Couple these issues and others with the fact that we will have a new secretary of agriculture and new administration, and I can see there will be plenty to do for our National Cattlemen’s Beef Association staff with our members’ input and assistance. At the state level, we will have many incoming freshman senators, which can present a challenge to Nebraska Cattlemen (NC). We will be tasked with educating and lobbying these newbies about our policies, our needs and the best way to support the cattle industry. As in the past, we still have miles to go when it comes to property taxes. Giving credit where credit is due, such wins as significant property tax credits, successful removal of community colleges from tax rolls and some reform with K-12 education funding are good, but we still have much work to do! Our relationship with Gov. Pillen and his staff will continue to be important, and we CONTINUED ON PAGE 84 It is time to work together as cattlemen and let our voices be heard as we make decisions about the future of ranching.
MIKE SITZ ANGUS JOEL JOHNSTON ANGUS 52nd Annual Bull Sale SELLING 95 TOP TWO-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN BULLS Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. (CST) Burwell Livestock Market | Burwell, Nebraska SALE BULLS AVERAGE TOP 15% FOR $M TOP 15% FOR $EN Large Number of Calving Ease Bulls Sell! Mike Sitz and Joel Johnston, Burwell, NE Mike/Home: 308-348-2273 | Joel/Cell: 308-645-7134 HERD SIRES: Lt Converse 8011, KG Justified 3023, S A V Rainfall 6846 Square B Atlantis 8060, MSAR Emblazon 2092 - 4079 KG Justified 3023 LT Converse 8011 Square B Atlantis 8060 Easy-keeping bulls, fertile females, and top feeder cattle. Sound bulls provide long-lasting value for customers. REQUEST A SALE BOOK View sale book & videos online: www.mikesitzangus.com or www.dvauction.com 100 years of breeding for efficient, consistent cattle. Balanced mature weight, milk, and energy. AT
10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 LAURA FIELD | NC EVP 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 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. GET THE CONVERSATION STARTED LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT We have sets of cards at our house called “Table Topics.” They are boxes of cards that have questions to get conversations going. There are a variety of topics, most often sorted by themes, and we find them handy in many situations. We have used them for years to get our kids, the young ones and the grown ones, talking. We have also used them at dinner parties to get our guests talking. Some questions – “What’s your favorite book or movie?” – are pretty straightforward and maybe even easy. And then there are questions like, “If you could have anyone – alive or no longer living –over for dinner, who would you pick and what would you talk about?” Questions like these are a bit more challenging. Some questions really puzzle the people in the room, some get laughs and some lead to all-night chatter. As we start a new year at Nebraska Cattlemen, there are many opportunities that lie ahead where “Table Topics” could be useful as conversation starters. In fact, tonight, I was sorting cards and came across, “Which three political issues are most important to you?” As a policy organization, Nebraska Cattlemen spends a great deal of time focusing on the issues. Thanks to the hard work of the membership at the annual meeting in December, the policy for 2025 has been set and the marching orders have been outlined. The staff and leadership take our responsibility to uphold, promote and represent the will of the membership very seriously. This is especially important as we look forward to a new legislative session in Nebraska and a new Congress in Washington, D.C. In all things legislative, open and honest conversations are key. In both Nebraska and Washington, D.C., there will be many new faces and new issues to discuss. When the Nebraska Unicameral kicks off the session on Jan. 8, more than one-third of the 49 senators will be brand new. Among the first actions taken on day one is the election of leadership. Senators will elect a speaker, a chair and vice-chair of the Executive Board and chairs of the 14 standing committees. At the federal level, both houses will be directed by Republican leadership as will the White House. Based on the pace of the transition and selection of new cabinet members, it is expected that President-Elect Trump and the legislative branch will get down to business very quickly. There is no shortage of issues for Nebraska beef producers to be engaged with in 2025. From tax reductions to protecting tax exemptions already in place, from removing burdensome regulations to making sure new ones are responsible and science-based, from regulating cell-cultured meat to making sure dietary guidelines include beef, the need for many conversations will be important. If you need help getting a conversation started on what’s important to Nebraska Cattlemen, give me a call. I’ll get out my box of topics and pick a card for you! ~NC~
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 11 JANUARY 27, 2025 DANNEBROG, NE Monday – 12:30 PM AT THE RANCH NEAR 140 PROFIT-MAKING BULLS 65 Stout Two-Year-Olds and 75 New Generation Yearlings! 115 HIGHLY MATERNAL BRED HEIFERS Elite Service Sires: HA Magnifique 72L (Top 1% CE & 1% $API) – Gibbs 9114G Essential (Top 4% CE) - HA Covenant 30K (Top 10% CE & 1% $API) – Bar CK Asphalt 2068K (Top 10% CE & 1% $API) 12 SUPERB YOUNG FALL PAIRS With Homeland and Covenant calves at side! AI’d back to the great Magnifique for Ave. Projected 187.7 $API! 7 OPEN HEIFERS, OUR VERY BEST By Essential, Bold Ruler, Resource & Proclamation… Elite Future Donors and Champions! 100K Genomic Enhanced EPDs and Parentage Verification on Every Lot! QUALITY + ELITE GENETICS = EXTRA VALUE! EVERY LOT WAS BRED, BORN AND RAISED ON OUR RANCH! Request a Sale Book Today! 308-750-0200 or sales@apexcattle.com APEXCATTLE.COM DAN LEO 308-750-0200 I 1146 7th AVENUE I DANEBROG, NE 68831 HETEROSIS... DON’T BE IN BUSINESS WITHOUT IT! HOMELAND X HOOVER DAM Extraordinary individual with a wealth of power, performance, quality, and genomic predictability! He is just one of many impressive age advantaged bulls selling with top percentile EPDs and $Indexes! “ “ BK716M ESSENTIAL X KING OF THE ROAD GREAT INDIVIDUALITY AND EPDS! SIMANGUS™ YEARLING ASA 4430983 SF87L RESERVE X DIVIDEND SUPERB DATA WITH TOP QUALITY! SIMANGUS™ TWO-YEAR-OLD ASA 4219906 CJ930M GENESIS X BANKROLL TOP 4% MARB EPD, 157.8 $API SIMANGUS™ YEARLING ASA 4386170 1ZB400L SIMANGUS TWO-YEAR-OLD ASA 4219979 UA804G GOLD STRIKE X COWBOY CUT AI to MAGNIFIQUE = 190.2 $API SIMANGUS™ FALL PAIR ASA 3598538 XD930L HOMELAND X GRANDSTAND AI to ESSENTIAL = 170 $API SIMANGUS™ BRED HEIFER ASA 4220167 UH55M ESSENTIAL X PROCLAMATION TOP 1% WW, & YW, 161.2 $API SIMANGUS™ OPEN HEIFER ASA 4385902
12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 PRODUCTION Let’s Get B -S Ready KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Before those bull sale catalogs start flooding mailboxes, it’s an important business decision to take time to evaluate your cow herd and current bulls so you’re prepared when it’s time to buy your next herd sire. This article outlines key steps to help you assess your cow herd and make informed decisions that will drive your operation’s long-term success. 1. Evaluate your current cow herd performance. The first step any cattle producer should take before adding bulls to their battery is evaluating their current cow herd and last calf crop. Looking at your last weaned calf crop can tell you a lot about your herd and herd sires. Did they grow and perform how you expected under the environmental and management conditions? Along with knowing these constraints for your calves, ask yourself questions about your cow herd: “Do my cows meet my operation criteria?”; “Did I have a good pregnancy rate?”; “Did body condition hold up?”; “Are they nursing well?” The answers to these questions will help determine the priorities for bull-buying decisions that will have a multi-generational impact. If you are building your herd by keeping replacement heifers, then the decisions you made three to seven years ago were impactful in the development of your core cow herd today. If you answered “yes” to all or most of those cow-evaluation questions, and you’re happy with the breed you’re working with, the likely next step is to find similar criteria to your past bull-buying decisions and look for seedstock producers with similar genetics. If you’re not happy with what you see in the pasture, you are probably ready for a change. What areas need some improvement: better maternal traits, carcass traits, feet, milking ability? These decisions will help guide you when those piles of catalogs come in the mail. But where do you start? 2. Understand the di erent breed indexes and how they can help you identify bulls that t your goals. To start making some changes, determine if the breed you’re currently using is working for you or if you’d consider exploring new breeds for traits like growth and maternal ability to add heterosis performance to your herd. You can begin
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 by evaluating bulls on their phenotypic appraisal and what you’re looking for to complement your herd. Qualitative traits like color, horned/polled and defect carrier status may be important to consider. However, data in the form of expected progeny differences (EPDs) should be highly considered to improve upon traits your calves may be lacking. The difficult part is that EPDs can be confusing and overwhelming. It wasn’t long ago when EPDs were somewhat generic across breeds and uncomplicated with indexes including birthweight, weaning weight and yearling weight. With more data and research from breed associations, selection indexes have become breed specific, yet more difficult to convert to a common base. However, they can be useful tools for multiple-trait selection and genetic outcomes for your future progeny and profitability. Ratios and accuracy are important factors in EPDs today because they provide insights into the reliability and relevance of genetic data for making informed breeding decisions. Ratios help assess relative performance, and accuracy ensures that the EPDs used in breeding decisions are based on reliable, sound genetic data. Both are key to making effective, long-term improvements in cattle genetics. To simplify your herd-sire selection strategy, go back to the objectives you’ve defined in improving your cow herd, identify static EPD indexes that will help you reach your objectives and use that information to sort through data. Producers looking to buy bulls to use on heifers will still be looking at high calving ease, low birthweight bulls that work across breeds. Producers looking to add growth to their calves can look at weaning weight and yearling weight EPDs. Many seedstock producers will organize their catalog and sales with bulls categorized in sire groups or EPDs to make shopping straightforward. Referencing an article about returns on your bull investment, Matt Spangler, Extension beef genetics specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), said, “Using a bull without any known EPDs is risky, given that you have no idea what his genetic potential is. Using a bull that might be cheaper, but that does not excel in traits that are drivers of profit for THE ECONOMICS OF EPDS Matthew Melchor | NC Director of State Government A airs As seedstock producers make breeding decisions, cow-calf operators make purchasing decisions. With herd expansion constantly on the horizon, many producers will use estimated progeny differences (EPDs) for the best information to make these decisions. EPDs are categories that measure the animal’s performance in certain breed-specific categories against the breed’s average, estimating genetic transmitting ability and future offspring performance. An EPD can be seen as a standard deviation measurement away from the average, showing how much higher or lower an animal is compared to the rest of the breed. Generally, a higher positive EPD measurement is more desired, but can flip, depending on the variable and desired outcome. EPDs were standardized in 1993 to use not just physical and visual characteristics to compare animals, but estimate future genetics, carcass quality, breeding ability and desired traits. Even after their creation, most producers continue to say they rely on visual characteristics of bulls to make purchasing decisions, but that majority is shrinking as more EPDs are being calculated and listed in catalogs each year. Over time, more EPDs are created and calculated to show different characteristics and provide more value for the bull. Numbers are also updated as more data is provided from offspring or siblings, meaning that an animal’s EPDs are fluid as more is known about them over time. Younger producers have said they are more likely to use EPDs to measure performance, due to the method’s more thorough procedures, using blood, hair or tissue samples, and ultrasound data. Some producers are still hesitant to rely solely lose on EPDs to make purchasing decisions due to the lack of understanding in how these numbers are calculated and how they should be interpreted. EPDs are separated into three distinct categories: production traits, maternal traits and carcass traits. Production can include birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and milk production; maternal traits are calving ease and maternal milk production; and carcass traits would include marbling and ribeye area. Operators feeding out their own animals will likely focus on carcass traits and yield grades, while cowcalf operators selling to feedlots will use production traits to generate more size and the largest return on the animals. Commercial producers can use indexes across breeds to compare bulls of a different breed; however, the specific category must remain the same. Economists have used EPDs and sale prices of bulls to determine which EPDs have the most influence on final purchase prices from across the country in both purebred and commercial sales and using both 1- and 2-year-old bulls. High carcass quality traits, such as marbling and ribeye area, generally show the highest premiums for bulls, following the supply chain demand for premium beef. Calving ease direct (CED) is almost always included in these results as well, likely due to two reasons: 1) cow-calf operators would desire more natural births, decreasing the need for labor; and 2) the average age of the rancher is continually increasing, making it more difficult for the available labor to help pull calves. EPDs may just be another number on a catalog page, but they can greatly influence the economic returns to an operation. It’s important to your cattle business to understand bloodlines, breeds and indexes to make informed decisions. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Matthew Melchor, NC director of state government affairs, earned his Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State in May 2024. Melchor’s research was largely interdisciplinary, looking at the intersection of economics and animal health/reproduction topics. His thesis analyzed the economics of EPDs for bulls sold at the on-campus K-State Legacy Sale and the annual Vollmer Angus Ranch Sale in Wing, N.D. He looked at how producers, either explicitly or implicitly, emphasize certain traits when purchasing bulls at sales and determined whether producers are willing to pay more at a school-sponsored sale compared to a privately sponsored sale.
14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 605-835-8790 www.rancherslivestockequipment.com ~ BULL BALE FEEDERS ~ Our Bale Feeders are the most durable on the market. Our 21” high skirting and double slant design means minimal hay loss. We have dealers in Nebraska Call for one in your area! Tired of your bulls beating up your equipment and each other? Look no further than Ranchers Equipment – it will hold up to your bulls. Ranchers Equipment Bull Feeders have 18” between slants. We have never replaced a feeder because bulls wrecked it. Other options for horned bulls are the Tombstone Feeder or the Horse Basket Feeder. Single or double bale options for all feeders. BULL PROTECTOR PEN Give your young or picked-on bulls a place to go for safety. CORRAL PANEL 24’ 5-bar or 28’ 5-bar Hang a gate on either end! Everyone builds corral panels, right? Not like Ranchers panels. On our panels, all horizontal bars are the big drill stem. Make the investment and purchase bull-proof equipment from Ranchers Livestock Equipment! you, can end up either slowing progress or eroding progress that you have made.” 3. Find a seedstock producer who can help you reach your goals. When you know what traits you’re looking for in a bull, a quick phone call to a seedstock producer can be helpful for them to guide you in the direction of what bulls might be a good fit. Looking deeper at their catalogs, you’re going to find the premier bulls in the top few lots, but by studying the bloodlines and EPDs you can likely find full brothers or similar genetics farther down in the sale that are going to work just as well for your herd. Remember, the “best” bull is a relative concept. Most seedstock producers are striving to produce the next elite genetics in the industry, so you don’t have to spend too much time shopping if you can find a producer you trust. If you don’t know the producer, read about the operation’s philosophy, and learn about their reputation and the customer service they provide. If possible, visit their operation or ask for cow photos to learn more about how their operation goals could align with yours. 4. Consider your budget and return on investment when deciding how much to spend on a herd sire. Your investment in bulls is not only economic-based, it’s an investment in genetic longevity and your future calf performance. The decision to invest in high-dollar bulls or more LET’S GET BULL-SEASON READY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 14th Annual Bull Sale Thursday March 20th, 2025 Bulls and Females sired by Ellingson Turn Key Selling 90 Spring Angus Bulls & a Select group of Yearling Heifers Additional Sires: Mohnen Worldwide, Baldridge Versitile, and our own Herd bull battery. Hart Showcase Crouch Congress dblbullsale.net Dean Christensen (308) 550-0298 Fullerton, NE Bonnie Christensen (308) 550-0299 Office (308)536-2405 Glenn Davis (219)776-7584 affordable options is influenced by your long-term goals and financial capabilities. Whether you have terminal or maternal-focused goals, choosing a bull that can maximize profit from your calves will provide the largest return on investment. You can also return to look at the provided data, as several cattle breeds have economic selection indexes based on your production system: maternal, terminal and general-purpose. Maternal indexes focus on improving profitability in herds that retain females and sell calves at weaning. Terminal indexes are designed for commercial producers who retain ownership of their calves and market them on a merit-based carcass grid. General-purpose indexes assume that producers retain ownership of some animals and keep replacement females. To help in making the best selection possible, the UNL Beef Economics Team created the Bull Value Cow-Q-Lator (BVCQL). This tool can be used to compare your current bull value with up to 10 bulls. (Download at https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/ tools.) In summary, bull purchasing decisions are unique to each herd due to differences in producer-specific production goals and inputs. It’s important to your cattle business to understand bloodlines, breeds and indexes to make informed decisions. Take time today to evaluate whether your current bulls are meeting your criteria of a successful cow herd or if it’s necessary to make a change. When those bull sale catalogs begin arriving, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals and operational needs. ~NC~
16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 Judy Loonan Rick Thompson, Herdsman RED ANGUS • RED SIMMENTAL • RED SIMANGUS™ Phone: (641) 322-3921 1724 Holly Avenue • Corning, IA 50841 Judy’s Cell: (515) 423-5642 • Rick’s Cell: (515) 229-0920 E-mail: lsfrras@gmail.com Website: www.loonanstockfarm.com Request a catalog or view online at www.LoonanStockFarm.com! 50th An u l Prod ction Sale Saturday, February 1, 2025 Private Treaty Auction: 1 p.m. Sharp At the Farm • Corning, IA RED ANGUS • RED SIMMENTAL • RED SIMANGUS™ Se i g 100 YEARLING BULLS • 33 years of carcass traits, ultrasounding since 1993 • Calving ease • Performance • Disposition • Uniform, thick and easy-fleshing • Priced from $3,800, $4,000 and $4,200 Heifers will be oered private treaty in the fall as bred heifers. Visitors a e welcome to v sit the fa m before the sale to v ew the bu s. We are happy to assist you in your bull selections to help you reach your cow herd profitability goals. 50 Yea s Strong – Your Partner in Success! For half a century, Loonan Stock Farm has been more than a source of quality bulls – we’ve been a partner in your success. Our legacy is built on the loyalty of customers who year after year raise profitable, high-performing cattle. It’s your trust and dedication that have made this five-decade milestone possible. At Loonan Stock Farm, we specialize in breeding low-birthweight bulls that grow fast and calve easily. Our Red Angus, Simmental and hybrid bulls bring the benefits of heterosis, delivering extra growth and vigor to your calves. With carefully selected genetics, we ensure your calves weigh up at weaning, excel in the feedlot, and yield top carcass quality. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary Bull Sale on Feb. 1, we remain committed to providing the reliable genetics you’ve come to expect. Loonan Stock Farm – Genetics for the Cow-Calf Producer Red Angus Hybrid Simmental
TRUE BLUE NUTRITION. FOR ANY CONDITION. Healthy newborn calves and improved conception rates start with cow herd nutrition. Vitalix tubs are the ideal delivery system to provide essential nutrition for calving. Vitalix uses technologies that are proven to improve colostrum quality, calf health and immunity, all while supporting the mother cow now, and more offspring to come. Learn more from your local sales manager today! Travis Schauda • 308-870-3170 • tschauda@vitalix.com RAISE STRONG. THEM
18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 PAST N We e S S A Legacy Steeped in Western Heritage and Connections TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER The first annual National Western Stock Show (NWSS) was held in January 1906. More than 100 years later, the “Super Bowl” of stock shows welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests and more than 12,000 head of livestock annually. Building the Legacy Prior to 1906, there were several attempts at holding a stock show in Denver, starting in 1874. Exhibitions were held sporadically over the years, but it was not until March 1905 that plans came together for the annual stock show we know today. Elias Ammons, George Ballentine, president of Denver Union Stock Yard Company, and Fred P. Johnson, publisher of Record-Stockman, are credited with orchestrating the 1906 stock show, then known as the Western Live Stock Show. The driving force for hosting a stock show was to demonstrate better breeding and feeding techniques to stockmen across the west. For the first few years, the organizers erected a big-top circus tent on the “Hill” to host shows and events. Initially, the show was limited to livestock raised in the West, but by 1907 it had expanded to include livestock raised as far east as the 99th Meridian, which is located approximately mid-Kansas. 1907 also marked the introduction of horse shows and the first carload show, which has continued in various capacities since then. The carload shows are held in the “Yards,” which is one of the many things unique to the NWSS. 1931 marked the Silver Jubilee or 25th anniversary of the extravaganza. To celebrate, the stock show incorporated rodeo into their growing list of events. Since that time, NWSS has been known for hosting the greatest rodeo athletes, both human and animal. Over the decades, buildings have been added, including livestock barns, show rings, offices and education centers. The most recent addition includes the National Western Center, which is being built in partnership with the City and County of Denver, NWSS and Colorado State University. Now, competitors come from across the world to enjoy the 16-day event. More than 25 breeds of cattle will flow in and out of the show rings, with shows for all ages to compete in. The stock show has been held every year with the exception In the 1980s, the Hebbert Family showed the Grand Champion Pen of Feeder Calves.
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 of 1915 due to a national outbreak of hoof and mouth disease, and 2021 due to restrictions from COVID-19. A Lifetime of Memories Kristian Rennert of Elm Creek knows the ins and outs of the NWSS like the back of his hand. Growing up, his stepdad was one of the livestock announcers for the shows. “I am 47 and I have made it to 45 National Westerns,” Rennert says. “The year that they canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions and then this last year when it was so dang cold are the only two I’ve ever missed.” Growing up, Rennert participated in the Catch-A-Calf program and showed registered Tarentaise, where he brought home five national champion banners and a pile of reserve champion banners. He’s worked the sale ring, as well as judged some of the cattle shows. He has many fond memories of the NWSS: being in the Yards with the cattle during snowstorms and the year that he and his best friend decided to take 24 head of cattle to the Hill. All of these life experiences have led to countless friendships that will last a lifetime. “The connections you gain when you’re there are probably the most invaluable,” Rennert explains. “You get to meet people from all over the country and even the world – Canada, Australia, South America, all over. The connections and the networking that happens there, and the opportunity to meet Kristian Rennert of Elm Creek brought home a pile of grand and reserve champion banners over his many years of showing at the NWSS. Kristian Rennert of Elm Creek grew up in Colorado and has many fond memories from going to the Stock Show every year. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 people from all across the world who have similar interests, feelings and ways of thinking that you do, is a great experience. Networking is such an important part of it, and that’s
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 probably a big part of their legacy. The event showcases the beef genetics that are in the world and the elite livestock.” Bright Lights Shine Light on Connections Matt and Lacy Hebbert of Hebbert Charolais in Hyannis make the annual pilgrimage to the NWSS primarily for the sale, where they offer a pick of their breeding females. Every January, the family operation loads up the kids, who are the seventh generation on the ranch, and head west. The family has a long legacy of attending the NWSS. The family transitioned to a Charolais operation 43 years ago, but long before that, Matt’s grandparents, Mose and Merla Hebbert, took pens of feeder cattle to compete in the Yards. In 1980, they had the Grand Champion Pen of Feeder Calves. “There are some people that the only time we see them is at the Stock Show – good friends and other breeders,” Lacy says. “It’s just a good place to network and to meet new people. Very rarely do we walk into a pen of cattle or into their stalls and the people won’t come talk to you and just try to get to know you. And that applies to the sale ring, too. We have sold heifers that have gone all over Kansas, South Dakota, Idaho, Nevada, and some stayed here in Nebraska. It’s just a great experience to make connections and see all of the hard work that people put into their cattle to go to the Stock Show.” They enjoy taking their two young sons, Dylan and Waylon, to the pen shows. “It is so fun to see the show through their eyes. It’s fun to watch them see a whole different side to the industry than what we’re used to,” Lacy adds. The connections made in the sale ring, in the Yards and on the Hill will last a lifetime. From livestock shows to rodeos to educational opportunities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information on the National Western Stock Show, which New construction and additions are popping up across the historic NWSS grounds. The National Western Stock Show grounds is getting a makeover. The most notable change is the addition of the National Western Center, which will be open year-round for events. The facility was built on the historic NWSS grounds and includes many of the original buildings that have been restored. The Colorado State University Spur is a three-building campus that will serve as an education center with focused topics including health, food and water, hoping to inspire future generations to explore a career in agriculture and related fields. NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 will be held January 11-26, 2025, visit www.nationalwestern.com. “It’s the brightest lights in the industry, and you get to go and get to see some extremely good cattle and really good cattlemen,” Rennert says. “I think the legacy is the Western heritage, the lifestyle, the meeting of the minds and the people that go there. It’s just a really great event.” ~NC~
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 BW 3.0 WW 67 YW 118 M 44 M&G 77 REA .75 IMF .21 CHB 174 BW 3.6 WW 65 YW 108 M 36 M&G 68 REA .61 IMF .32 CHB 145 www.vannewkirkherefords.com Joe Van Newkirk 308-778-6049 Kolby Van Newkirk 308-778-6230 Matt Cover 308-458-7455 250 BullS 100 COMM HEREFORD HEIFERS - RIGHT OFF VNK REPLACEMENTS 3 LOADS FANCY F1 BALDY HEIFERS - SIRED BY TOP END VNK BULLS SALE MONDAY JANUARY 20, 2025 12:30 PM (MST) v AT THE RANCH OSHKOSH, NEBRASKA BW 2.9 WW 72 YW 113 M 41 M&G 78 REA .68 IMF .35 CHB 154 Lot 70 Lot 172 Lot 85
DRAKE DRAKE SIMMENTAL DRAKE SIMMENTAL Larry and Carol Drake Mason 641.895.5735 IRON CREEK CATTLE CO. Flint 563.580.1053 DRAKE CATTLE COMPANY Denny and Cara Drake Denny 641.658.2288 HARLAN CATTLE CO. Mason and Sara Harlan Mason 641.895.5735 Marty Ropp 406-581-7835 Corey Wilkins 256-590-2487 Jared Murnin 406-321-1542 alliedgeneticresources.com Broadcasting Real-Time Auctions Catch the sale at dvauction.com To request a sale book, contact any of the numbers listed. View online sale book, visit drakesimmental.net or ironcreekcattle.com 70 Simmental, SimAngus™ Age-Advantaged and Yearling Bulls - 28 Spring Calving SimAngus™ Bred Heifers Bul n Femal Sal 1.31.25 Drake Sale Facility, Centerville, IA at 1:00 PM (CT) ASA 4358587 1/2 SM 1/2 AN Iro Cree Swagge R 16L Full brother to $30,000 Iron Creek Overhaul. Top 10% YW and ADG, 1% Marb and 3% REA. CE 13 YW 144 MARB 1.12 RE 1.12 $API 180 $TI 107 POSS DEADWOOD x KBHR MATRON OF HONOR F202 ASA 4378399 3/8 SM 5/8 AN Iro Cree Deadwoo 034M Top 10% CE, 3% WW and YW, 2% Marb. Dam is a top selling heifer from Cow Camp Ranch - she is a beast! CE 17 YW 154 MARB 0.98 RE 0.62 $API 188 $TI 110 POSS DEADWOOD x CCR MS 6175 GUARD 1003J ASA 4341397 1/2 SM 1/2 AN Iro Cree Hig Noo 24L Top 15% WW, YW, ADG, 1% Marb, 10% REA. A DB Iconic natural son of the Matron donor - a massive breeding piece with a unique pedigree for the breed. CE 11 YW 140 MARB 1.11 RE 0.97 $API 177 $TI 108 DB ICONIC G95 x KBHR MATRON OF HONOR F202 ASA 4341427 1/2 SM 1/2 AN Iro Cree Ascen 297L Top 25% CE, 10% WW 15% YW, 10% Marb, 2% REA. CE 15 YW 141 MARB 0.76 RE 1.16 $API 161 $TI 101 POSS RAWHIDE x KBHR MATRON OF HONOR F202 ASA 4341433 5/8 SM 3/8 AN Iro Cree Manifes 1004L Top 25% CE, 15% YW and ADG, 3% REA. CE 15 YW 136 MARB 0.59 RE 1.14 $API 170 $TI 96 HOOK`S EAGLE 6E x CCR MS 8620 H TOWN 1002J ASA 4450605 PB SM Drak Mis D185L Sells safe in calf to Five Star Jackson. CE 13 YW 108 MARB 0.22 RE 0.78 $API 142 $TI 77 KBHR BACKROADS G014 x DRAKE MISS RA185D
January 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 41ST PRODUCTION SALE Birthplace of Black Hereford Cattle SELLING 110 BULLS Sons of these Trait Leading ABHA Certified Herd Sires FREE DELIVERY to the lower 48 states Better Color. Better Calving Ease. Better Docility. This sale will be broadcast live on the internet. Real time bidding & proxy bidding available. Office (913) 727-6446 • Dirck Hoagland (816) 225-1246 • Joe Hoagland (913) 704-8601 25332 Wolcott Road • Leavenworth, KS 66048 • www.blackhereford.com Watch a video of sale cattle on our website. www.blackhereford.com JN Balder 714H JN Balder 859H JN Balder 743J JN Balder 677J JN Balder 842H JN Balder 669J FEBRUARY 8, 2025 AT THE RANCH SATURDAY | 12:30 PM HB019794 - Top 1% WW, 2% YW, 5% TI, 10% REA, 30% Milk and Marb. HB019800 - Top 4% CE, 10% REA, 15% YW and BW, 25% WW. HB023375 - Top 1% API and Marb, 2% CE, 3% Doc, 4% BW, 10% CEM and TI. HB023373 - Top 2% Marb, 3% API, 4% CE, 10% TI. HB019798 - Top 2% YW, 4% WW and TI, 10% API, 15% REA, 20% Marb. HB023372 - Top 15% WW, 20% Doc and TI, 25% YW and Marb.
24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 PEOPLE After serving Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) members for just shy of 25 years, Melody Benjamin hung up her NC hat at the end of December 2024. Born and raised in the neighboring state of Colorado where her father worked for cattle operations on the eastern plains, Benjamin always remembers working on the ranch with her dad. She came to Nebraska in the late ʻ80s to ranch with her husband and their young son, Rob, on a ranch near Lakeside and has been there ever since. Rob and his wife, Kate, now run the ranch, an Angus-based commercial operation. Benjamin is looking forward to helping around the ranch more and keeping her vehicle parked. After Rob graduated from high school in 1999, Benjamin started with Nebraska Cattlemen in March of 2000 as a part-time membership field staff, serving as a liaison with the affiliate associations in the panhandle. Her territory grew over the years and, by 2003, she became the director of member services and began traveling the state for affiliate meetings and official Nebraska Cattlemen duties. In 2007, she was promoted to vice president of member services and managed all NC field staff, as well as the Beef Quality Assurance program, which at the time was being managed by Nebraska Cattlemen. She ended her NC tenure as the vice president of association engagement. Benjamin’s passion for member associations and helping cattlemen stemmed from involvement in the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and Colorado CattleWomen in the late 1970s. She was also a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen Leadership program, which gave her insight into and appreciation for Nebraska Cattlemen. Taking the next step of becoming a member services staff person was a pretty logical, easy step. Benjamin has seen many things and worked with many producers during her time with NC. She’s helped at the Beef Pit, worked with and managed many field staff members, seen programs come and go, and served under four executive vice presidents, 25 presidents and countless board members. She has fond memories of it all. “The most rewarding times have always been helping producers through difficult times,” Benjamin says. “For many years, I was the contact person for those needing help during drought or fire or other disasters. I’d listen, commiserate with them and then help them find resources to help in these bad situations.” She recalls working at the Beef Pit at the Nebraska State Fair and, even though it was hard work, Benjamin acknowledges the value it brings to “interact with the general public, who, for the most part, have no idea what we do.” 25 Years of Serving NC Members LISA BARD | NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN EDITOR NC member services field staff present a jacket to retiring Member Services Committee Chairman Steve Ruskamp in 2000. Pictured, let to right, are Craig Utter, Steve Ruskamp, Eric Ryan, Melody Benjamin, Lee Weide and Stacey Kimball. Melody Benjamin, far right, lifts NC Executive Director Greg Ruehle’s hat to be auctioned off at the 2003 NC Annual Convention for the NC PAC fund.
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