NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 1 January 2026 Nebraska Cattleman
SAV Courage 3003 110 progeny sell! SAV Royalty 5383 BW 77 • 205 WT 1007 SAV Creation 5397 He sells! Royal Flush x SAV Abigale 2432. Represents the kind we strive to produce with natural thickness, capacity, fleshing-ability and real-world performance. His Territory x Charlo dam is a model of efficiency and records a weaning ratio of 107 on her first two calves. He sells! Courage x SAV Emblynette 2330. SAV Creation 5397 proudly represents the first calfcrop by SAV Courage 3003, the lead-off bull of the 2024 SAV Sale. He presents an optimum blend of calving-ease, maternal and performance with phenotypic power and presence. He earned a 205-day weight of 1025 lbs. for a weaning ratio of 113. His 3-year-old dam by SAV Ease 0840 is moderate-framed and feminine with a beautiful udder from the Emblynette family that was established at SAV in 1946. AT THE RANCH • ST ANTHONY, ND • 10 A.M. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 REPUTATION ANGUS genetics stacked with generations of MATERNAL PERFORMANCE, designed to ADD REAL POUNDS and VALUE to your calf crop, MATERNAL STRENGTH to your cowherd and DOLLARS to your bottom line: THE HIGH PROFITABILITY KIND. . . NEW DATE NEW DATE BW 76 • 205 WT 1025 Selling 650 Registered Bulls & Females Featuring a vast number of embryo progeny from our proven, top-producing donors, as well as large sire groups by Badger, Courage, Charisma, Magnum, Throttle, Renovation, Rise N Shine, Royal Flush, Rise Above, Colossal, Architect, Anthem, Downpour, Duke, Dexter, Credential, Gable, Grant, Gunsmoke, Grand Canyon, Glory Days, Smokehouse, Territory and more. REPUTATION ANGUS designed to SAV Charisma 3918 40 progeny sell! SAV Magnum 1335 53 progeny sell! SAV Throttle 2961 30 progeny sell! SAV Rise N Shine 2709 12 progeny sell! SAV Renovation 6822 22 progeny sell! SAV Glory Days 1832 30 progeny sell! The Brand You Believe In Kelly & Martie Schaff • 701-445-7465 • Cell 701-220-6539 www.schaffangusvalley.com • kelly@schaffangusvalley.com • Baldridge Badger 140 progeny sell!
BULL & Heifer SALE BOYD DVORAK 605.491.7090 JEFF DVORAK 605.491.2068 VISIT US ON FACEBOOK OR AT DVORAKHEREFORDS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION February 6, 2026 DVOR 106H 933 LINCOLN 495M reg: 44566309 CE 3.1 - bw 2.9 - ww 79 - yw 118 - mm 32 rea 0.77 - marb 0.10 - chb$ 119 DVOR 106H 2187 LIN 4015M ET reg: 44671027 CE 0.6 - bw 2.6 - ww 77- yw 130 - mm 34 rea 0.63 - marb .12 - chb$ 128 DVOR 21134 2187 MERIT 4002M ET reg: 44671755 CE 3.7 - bw 3.0 - ww 85 - yW 85 - mm 136 rea 0.73 - marb 0.36 - chb$ 170 DVOR ROUDY OBH MERIT 4024M ET reg: 44696359 CE 4.3 - bw 1.5 - ww 72 - yw 112 - mm 28 rea 0.81 - marb 0.26 - chb$ 152 Pickstown, Sd
Ad Design by KWC Print Design Quaker Hill upper Cut Hoffman HigH road Connealy pinnaCle Yon Top Cut G730 x Quaker Hill One Eyed Jack BW 72 BW +1.2 • WW +84 • YW +146 Milk +29 • $B 227 • $C 407 Deer Valley Growth Fund x KG Solution 0018 BW 75 • WW 582 • YW 1185 BW -0.4 • WW +73 • YW +136 Milk +23 • $B 144 • $C 277 K C F Bennett Summation x Connealy Stronghold BW 72 • Adj. WW 712 • Adj. YW 1237 BW +2.0 • WW +89 • YW +159 Milk +35 • $B 186 • $C 330 S A V Quarterback 7933 x Basin Payweight 1682 BW 80 • WW 771 • YW 1465 BW +2.3 • WW +86 • YW +148 Milk +29 • $B 161 • $C 274 Foxhovens Man in Black x TC Forthright 340 BW 64 • WW 867 • YW 1475 BW -1.0 • WW +89 • YW +164 Milk +13 • $B 142 • $C 240 Jindra Top Notch 1336 x V A R Reserve 1111 BW 74 • WW 964 • YW 1561 BW +2.6 • WW +88 • YW +152 Milk +23 • $B 181 • $C 295 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 26tH annual “Best of tHe Best” produCtion sale At the Bull Center near Clarkson, NE Wed, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 Selling approximately 50 RegisteRed Angus two-YeAR-old Bulls • 125 RegisteRed Angus YeARling Bulls 40 elite registered angus Heifers Largest Sire Groups by Foxhovens Endeavor • Kraye Big Country • Jindra Off Road • Quaker Hill Upper Cut Hoffman High Road • Jindra Double Vision • Connealy Pinnacle • KA Kindred • Jindra Cutting Edge VAR Crosswind • 7 Oaks Influence • Bigk/WSC Iron Horse • EZAR Gettysburg • Jindra Open Road Ellingson Prolific • S Armstrong • Jindra Swagger • Baldridge Heat Seeker • Woodhill Domain KRAYe Big CountRY 0179 foxHovens endeavor 203 Jindra off road
6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 1 REGULARS Insights ...................................................8 Ruminations ........................................10 Consider This ......................................16 NC Foundation.....................................76 Nebraska Beef Council .......................78 NCIG.......................................................82 IANR ......................................................84 NC Membership Application .........................................88 NC Partners ......................................... 90 Sale & Event Calendar........................92 NC Dispatch......................................... 98 Advertiser Index................................100 Boots on the Ground ........................106 FEATURES PRODUCTION The Other AI ............................................................................................................12 A look at artificial intelligence and what it means for the beef industry. Sire Selection Steps ...............................................................................................34 How to use EPDs and economic selection indexes as part of your sire selection plan. PEOPLE Bill Rishel Honored With 2025 Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Award................... 28 A look at the countless contributions Bill Rishel has made to his family, community and the beef cattle industry. POLICY Unlocking Opportunities ......................................................................................50 Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Vinton joins a trade mission to Mexico. PERSPECTIVES Producer Panel: 2025 Nebraska Beef Summit ...................................................18 Nebraska Beef Summit panelists discuss a variety of issues shaping the cattle industry. Cattle and Beef Market Future Prospects .......................................................... 24 Strong supply and demand fundamentals are expected to push cattle prices to new highs in 2026. Rebuilding the Cow Herd...................................................................................... 40 Panelists agree that rebuilding the cow herd in today’s market is about risk management, discipline and precision. PAST Denver’s Stock Show and the Great Barbecue Debacle ..................................58 The 2026 National Western Stock Show is a far cry from when the original stock yards hosted its first event in 1898. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE Nebraska Cattlemen Convention Highlights .....................................................64 NC Posthumously Awards Myron Benes 2025 Industry Service Award......68 Wehrbein Receives NC Hall of Fame Award...................................................... 70 Nebraska Cattlemen Convention Sponsors ....................................................... 72 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 O ce 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: Deciding who’s boss in the Nebraska Sandhills. Photo courtesy of Linda Teahon.
OF FEBRUARY OF NCC WINTER EDITION SALE FEATURES BREED SHOWS Wednesday, February 18 BREED SALES Thursday, February 19 DETAILS & CATALOG: NebraskaClassic.org FOLLOW US O: 308-627-7309 | Ronette: 308-627-6385 | Buffalo Co. Fairgrounds | Kearney, NE FINCH BULL 6N INSIGHT Big time herd sire. Insight son with great balance, look and power. Add value to any purebred or commercial operation. Don’t miss this ½ blood Simmental in Kearney! CHI SALE FEATURE Daughter of the 2025 Supreme Female sells! High Chi Heifer sired by SCAR Mr. Lut 166Y ANGUS SALE FEATURE Gateway Follow Me F163 son sells! NEW TREND SYMPHONY 7N February Purebred Simmental heifer. Pedigree packed with performance, Relentless and Pays to Believe. Don’t miss this tremendous show heifer prospect and cow feature. COMMERCIAL HEIFER PEN SALE FRIDAY, FEB. 20 - 2 PM A tremendous set of breds and opens will sell! CHAROLAIS SALE FEATURE KTS Dolly 401 Embryos Sell! First offered eggs out of Dolly! Supreme Female, American Royal Junior & Open Charolais Shows. Reserve Supreme Female, NCC Fall Edition Open Show. Champion Charolais Female, NE State Fair Open Show Providing Opportunities for Cattlemen of All Ages! SHOW EVENT 3-DAY TRADE Tremendous trade show with something for the entire family!
8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Craig Uden*, Johnson Lake, (308) 325-0285 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 VICE PRESIDENT: Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 PAST PRESIDENT: Richard (Dick) Pierce, Miller, (308) 440-2489 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 326-7743 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Bill Baldwin, Mitchell 2 – Lydia O’Brien, Whitman, (308) 546-7349 3 – 4 – John Kennedy, Primrose, (308) 920-2828 5 – 6 – Bob Wiseman, Hershey, (308) 530-3137 7 – Todd Schlueter, Blair 8 – Becky Funk, DVM, Lawrence, (308) 360-3179 9 – COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR: Jake Johnson, Hastings, (402) 984-8824 VICE CHAIR: Tyler Pieper, Farnam FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 VICE CHAIR: Tony White, Paxton FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 VICE CHAIR: SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL CHAIR: James Felt, Wakefield, (402) 287-2488 VICE CHAIR: Jeff Pope, Ravenna ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Austin Woltemath, Lincoln, (402) 419-0320 ~ 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 FROM THE GROUND UP CRAIG UDEN | JOHNSON LAKE NC PRESIDENT In Nebraska’s beef community, we often hear big opinions packaged into small sound bites. However, our industry is far more complex than a headline or social media clip. Too often, those sound bites divide us more than they inform us. What I want most is for our members to engage, learn and truly understand the entire beef chain from end to end. Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) has a unique opportunity to help make that happen. Whether it’s through our midyear meeting, annual convention or affiliate programs, we need to invest in educating our members with real depth. Oftentimes, people join NC because a single issue hits close to home on their operation, but we all need to understand that the modern beef industry is very complex and is interconnected in ways that require broader awareness from all of us. From seedstock and genetics to cow-calf and stocker production, to feeding, processing, retail and ultimately the consumer, each link affects the next. Yet once an animal leaves our possession, many of us lose sight of what comes next. That’s a gap we need to close. We must bring in experts from every segment of the industry to help paint a complete picture for our members. Education means very little if it stops at the meeting room door. My hope is that, as members better understand the big picture, they’ll take that knowledge back home and apply it, because the way we’ve always done things won’t carry us through the next decade. Another priority this year is elevating Nebraska cattle producers as visible, reliable sources of expertise in the beef space – both here at home and nationally. For too long, we’ve allowed other organizations to speak on our behalf. It’s time we use our voice and our knowledge with confidence. Recently, I’ve had the chance to represent Nebraska Cattlemen in national media, from the Associated Press to cable news networks. I welcome those opportunities, because we need to be out front, explaining not just what we believe, but why. Simply labeling something “good” or “bad” isn’t enough. We owe our members – and the public – clear, accurate explanations backed by reliable sources. That communication doesn’t have to happen on national TV. It starts at home. We’re a grassroots organization. If we can’t have informed conversations with our neighbors, we can’t expect to influence discussions at higher levels. Leadership must start from the ground up, not the top down. My goal this year is simple: help our members see the whole picture, understand their role in it and strengthen this organization from the ground up. ~NC~ My goal this year is simple: help our members see the whole picture, understand their role in it and strengthen this organization from the ground up.
MIKE SITZ ANGUS JOEL JOHNSTON ANGUS 53rd Annual Bull Sale SELLING 90+ TOP VIRGIN TWO-YEAR-OLD BULLS Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. (CST) Burwell Livestock Market | Burwell, Nebraska SALE BULLS AVERAGE TOP 16% FOR $M TOP 14% FOR $EN Large number of Calving Ease Bulls Sell! Joel/Cell: 308-645-7134 | Mike/Home: 308-348-2273 HERD SIRES: LT Converse 8011, KG Justified 3023, Coleman Resource 708, Square B Atlantis 8060, SAV Rainfall 6846, MSAR Emblazon 2092-4079, Coleman Rock 7200 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 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. AMPLIFYING YOUR VOICE LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT As 2025 wound down, I was at home reading the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Cattle Guard magazine. The words of my friend and colleague Erin Spaur resonated with me. As Erin reflected on her 10 years of service to CCA, she wrote, “The association amplifies individual voices; it does not replace them.” In the final few months in 2025, the ringing of the phone caused my heart to race and my blood pressure to rise. 2025 brought record-high cattle prices, the smallest cow herd in the United States in 75 years, the closure of the United States-Mexico border, the longest federal government shutdown in history, and a series of comments and discussions that brought much emotion and chaos to end the year. Cattle producers’ attention was at an all-time high after comments about importing beef from Argentina – with the goal of lowering beef prices in the United States. What followed was a series of activity that culminated in cattle markets reacting to the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “Plan to Fortify the U.S. Beef Industry.” Nebraska’s agricultural commodity organizations rallied together with Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) to send a letter to Nebraska’s federal delegation, seeking clarity and voicing support for cattle producers. I appreciate my colleagues for their support and advocacy. President Trump and his administration doubled down on the comments after the release of the plan. Cattle industry groups made trips to Washington, D.C., and the finger-pointing started. Questions of who started what, who said what, who made who mad, and a series of comments and social media posts did nothing but sling mud. While most in the industry were unified in their concern with what was happening, the divisiveness was intriguing. Adjustments to tariffs on certain products, including beef, were announced next, and like each of the previous announcements, the market moved as the uncertainty continued. None of the proposals or comments would do anything to ease the pressure caused by a tight cattle supply – the market was doing what the market was supposed to do, and little was going to change that. Growing the cow herd takes time. The toughest blow came on a Friday afternoon in late November with the call that Tyson Foods made the decision to permanently close its beef-processing plant in Lexington. The NC Board of Directors released a statement expressing its disappointment. While the tight cattle supply is a reality, there is no better place to raise and produce cattle and beef than Nebraska, making this news especially difficult. As the closure draws nearer in January, Nebraska Cattlemen stands ready to support the resilient and strong community of Lexington, Dawson County and all who are affected by this change. The events of 2025 proved to me that the strength of membership and engagement certainly is the amplification of voices, not the replacement. May 2026 bring us many more opportunities to represent you and your interests. Thank you for your membership and engagement. ~NC~ “The association amplifies individual voices; it does not replace them.” — Erin Spaur
JANUARY 26, 2026 DANNEBROG, NE Monday – 12:30 PM AT THE RANCH NEAR 100K Genomic Enhanced EPDs and Parentage Verification on Every Lot! QUALITY + ELITE GENETICS = EXTRA VALUE! THEY’RE 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 JODY HAZEN 806-201-3345 I 1146 7th AVENUE I DANNEBROG, NE 68831 HETEROSIS... DON’T BE IN BUSINESS WITHOUT IT! “ “ DG448M KBHR DISCIPLINE X WS PROCLAMATION SUPERB DATA, STRUCTURE AND QUALITY! SIMANGUS™ YEARLING ASA 4533847 020G KR CASINO X DAMERON FIRST CLASS MAT. SISTER TO JR NAT’L CHAMPION! BRED TO TOP 1% API, ADV FOX NEWS! PB ANGUS BRED COW ASA 19506202 ND155M KBHR BOLD RULER X CCR FLINT HILLS TOP 4% MILK, 10% $API, DAM ALSO SELLS! AI TO GAR HOME RUN, 1% MARB, $API & $TI! SIMANGUS™ BRED HEIFER ASA 4385948 HA MAGNIFIQUE 72L Top 1% CE, BW, MCE, MARB, $API & $TI! His First Sons Sell, plus Bred Heifer Service & All Calves on Fall Pairs! PREDICTABILITY AT IT’S BEST 210.4 $API/112.5 $TI 130 PROFIT-MAKING BULLS 60 Stout Two-Year-Olds and 70 New Generation Yearlings! “The Good Doin’ Easy Goin’ Kind!” 75 HIGHLY MATERNAL BRED HEIFERS Elite Service Sires: HA MAGNIFIQUE 72L (Top 1% CE, MARB & 1% $API) – GAR HOME RUN (Top 1% MARB, $API & $TI)! 50 POWERFUL, SPRING BRED COWS from the Heart of the Herd featuring AI service to KBHR GRATITUDE, GIBBS BLAZER, KBHR DISCIPLINE & HA COVENANT! 9 SUPERB YOUNG FALL PAIR DISPERSION with MAGNIFIQUE calves at side! AI’d back to the $75,000 KBHR GRATITUDE for Ave. Projected 171.9 $API! 6 OPEN HEIFERS, OUR VERY BEST and destined to be Elite Future Donors and Champions! EH833N GIBBS SIGNATURE X LEACHMAN GOOD NEWS TOP 1% $GN, 2% YW & ADG, 3% MWW & 5% REA! GENETICS & QUALITY AT IT’S BEST! SIMANGUS™ OPEN HEIFER ASA 4533097 EPDs 12/5/25 AG502M LCDR RESERVE X WS PROCLAMATION TOP 3% WW & YW, POWERFUL & IMPRESSIVE! PUREBRED TWO-YEAR-OLD ASA 4386033 XG89N HA MAGNIFIQUE X WS PROCLAMATION TOP 1% BW & $API, 2% STAY & MARB! SIMANGUS™ YEARLING ASA 4533069
12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 THE OTHER AI Artificial Intelligence and What It Means for the Beef Industry TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER For years in the agricultural industry, when someone has referenced “AI,” they have probably been referring to artificial insemination. As we sit on the precipice of what could be the next great revolution in technology, we find ourselves asking the clarifying question, “When you say ‘AI,’ are you talking about artificial insemination or artificial intelligence?” If you were to ask ChatGPT what the definition of artificial intelligence (AI) is, it would tell you that AI is “The field of computer science concerned with creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include things like learning from data, reasoning, solving problems, understanding language, recognizing patterns, perceiving the environment and making decisions. In simpler terms, AI is about building machines that can think or act intelligently.” While that definition is straightforward, what does that mean for you as a member of the beef industry? Over the last five years or so, we have seen the emergence of AI in feedlot and dairy technology. Now we are seeing it spread into our everyday lives. “We can think of AI as machine learning or deep learning. Machine learning is a form of statistical analysis where you can draw inferences about very complex relationships that are difficult to detect,” explains Elliott Dennis, Ph.D., associate professor of agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). “It’s essentially a way to make sense of very, very, very messy, complicated and interconnected data.” AI is trained through data collection, which can look like a lot of different things. Some AI is trained by uploading text or numerical data, and some is trained by uploading images and audio. All data is filtered and organized so that the AI model can learn patterns from it. Language-model AI, such as ChatGPT, is trained with billions of examples of texts so that it can mimic human writing through correct grammar and reasoning skills. From those texts, the chat retains all of that information to quickly give answers when asked a question. “We are in the digital age, and we’re collecting a lot of data already. In my opinion, the most valuable point of AI is that it allows the agriculture systems to take thousands of small data points, whether it’s images, sensor readings or whatever you’re measuring, that has the ability to build algorithms and turn them into something meaningful and timely for producers to make better management decisions,” says Yijie Xiong, assistant professor and precision livestock management Extension specialist at UNL. Whether we realize it or not, AI is no longer a technology reserved for university researchers and large companies; we are now finding AI in the technology that we can access from our own homes or carry around in our pockets. Pros As an industry that often struggles to find willing and competent labor, AI has the potential to streamline jobs and increase efficiency throughout all sectors of the beef industry. Readers in the feedlot sector are probably familiar with technology used for precision livestock monitoring. Real-time data is collected via sensors and electronic identification (EID) tags, and is used to monitor animals, learn their behavior and then train their AI algorithms to recognize patterns. When the pattern changes, it can be a potential indicator that the animal is getting sick days before physical symptoms may present themselves. This eliminates the need to have eyes on the cattle at all times. By implementing AI technology into cattle herd manChatGPT is an example of language-model artificial intelligence that you can access from your own computer or phone, and can be helpful in your day-to-day operation. PRODUCTION
January 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 agement, producers could potentially see a decrease in labor costs or, given labor constraints, even an improvement in production performance. Some packing plants are now integrating AI-assisted cameras that scan the carcass to determine grade. “When the carcass passes that camera, the camera takes pictures and, within seconds, the AI algorithm compares those photos and the measurements it extracts from thousands or even millions of previously graded carcasses to predict the USDA Quality and Yield grades,” Xiong explains. “Human graders are still needed to make the final call, but this technology is saving a lot of time and has also streamlined the process to reduce the variability from human judgment.” Meg Scales, along with her husband, Tyler, own ELK Angus, a seedstock operation in Buffalo, Wyo. She utilizes AI chatbots to streamline decision-making processes, help calculate feed rations and even determine how much vaccine they need for branding. “How many times when you go to brand do you have to run back for vaccine or pour-on?” Scales says. “It seems like no matter how many times you try to do the math right on the back of whatever receipt is in your truck, or asking the rep at the feed store, inevitably you either end up buying too little or way too much. Then you end up sitting on it, and it freezes. “One of the first conversations I had with ChatGPT, I typed in, ‘This is how many calves we have, this is their approximate weight. This is how many cows we have and their approximate weight. How many bottles of ivermectin do you think that I need?’ In five seconds, it did the equation that would have taken me 10 minutes to determine the amount that we needed,” Scales says. “It came back with, ‘This is how many bottles you might consider using, and keep in mind that a lot of times people are buying too few because the adjustment on it might be off, so you might want to have one extra bottle just to have on hand.’ And it was exactly how much we needed.” In addition to using AI to determine the amount of pour-on and NasalGen to purchase so that they are not wasting money on excess products, Scales has also been using ChatGPT to figure out the most cost-effective way to put together their total mixed rations for feeding. “We were doing an analysis of the cost of hay vs. silage and looking specifically at this area, and it pulled data about how much feed input costs are in our area specifically,” Scales explains. “We still work with a nutritionist for all of our rations, but we were able to get in a place that allowed us to think about how to develop this ration, and what the lowest cost might be, using the regional data that’s publicly available through USDA and other places online.” Cons A common concern that has been voiced in regard to AI is that it will take jobs away from hardworking people. Although AI can learn to read data and patterns, and assist in many tasks, it currently is lacking in providing a human aspect that, simply put, is hard to replace with technology. “I think the biggest potential AI has is to help people and improve the efficiency,” Xiong says. “The goal of AI is never to replace the human aspect, particularly the intuition and decision-making components. Producers can use different aspects of AI to help them be more efficient with less input.” Alongside that concern is the question, “Will we learn to rely on AI too much and sacrifice some of those skills?” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 “A drawback of utilizing AI is that we don’t necessarily want to give up skills that we have,” Dennis says. “AI performs best when there is human oversight and feedback. It is impossible FROM FAMILY RANCHES TO YOUR TABLE ITALIAN HERITAGE BREED NO ADDED HORMONES OR ANTIBIOTICS PIEDMONTESE.COM CERTIFIEDPIEDMONTESE to provide that if you don’t already have a solid base in what you want AI to help you accomplish. “I think we just need to be aware of what we’re replacing and make sure that we’re complementing it and not letting it supplant skills and information that we may need.” As with everything in life, adapting to change can be challenging, and AI can present itself at the most basic level as change. “We’re on an early adopter curve right now in terms of artificial intelligence,” Scales says. “I think it’s going to take quite a while for ranching to catch up more systemically. But the fact of the matter is, the nature of how we work will never go back. We are looking at the age of the internet, the industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence is going to have that same sort of impact just in our overall behaviors and our interactions with data and, frankly, with workflows.” Another con for many people is the upfront investment involved, which can be cost-prohibitive to many producers. Next month, we will look into cost-share programs available to producers who want to utilize AI in their operations. In future articles, we will take a deeper dive into different AI programs and how they can be used on your operation. If you use precision livestock monitoring, forage monitoring via AI or other AI applications in your operation’s day-to-day life and would be willing to share your experience, reach out to me at tressamlawrence307@gmail.com. ~NC~ “I think we just need to be aware of what we’re replacing and make sure that we’re complementing it and not letting it supplant skills and information that we may need.” — Elliott Dennis, Ph.D. THE OTHER AI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
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18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 Producer Panel 2025 Nebraska Beef Summit ANNALEE STARR | KRUTSINGER BEEF INDUSTRY SCHOLARS PROGRAM STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN Nebraska beef producers gathered on Nov. 13, 2025, for the annual Nebraska Beef Summit. Each fall, the senior class of the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars partners with Nebraska Cattlemen to organize the Nebraska Beef Summit, a program built to bring real-world industry issues to the students. Students select the speakers, shape the agenda and choose topics they believe reflect the most pressing challenges across the beef sector. The summit connects producers and students in meaningful conversations that prepare the next generation to lead in agriculture. This year’s summit featured a producer panel moderated by Jessica Sperber, Ph.D., Extension assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The panel featured Luke Fuerniss of Schiff Cattle Company, Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch, Luke Kovarik of Kovarik Cattle Co., and Rusty Kemp of Sustainable Beef LLC. Together, the panelists represented the cow-calf, seedstock, yearling, feedyard and packing sectors. Their discussion covered the issues shaping cattle production today. LAND ACCESS AND COST Although each panelist works in a different part of the supply chain, they shared one underlying truth: accessing land looks dramatically different from how it did a generation ago. Upfront costs, market fluctuations and government regulations make it feel impossible for the next generation to start. The panelists offered advice from their own experiences. Pribbeno spoke to the challenge of working with leases, landlords and rising land values. He emphasized the value of clear communication, being stewards of the land and honoring expectations with landowners. He noted that long-term access is built on trust. For many young people, land access remains one of the biggest hurdles to entering the beef industry. Kovarik saw this firsthand when he began building his own herd and recommended that students get an FSA beginner farmer loan. “When I started, I didn’t have any capital, so I went and got an FSA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loan,” he said. From there, Kovarik built his commercial and registered herds through cow leasing. His path reflects what many young Nebraskans face today – wanting to run cows but lacking the capital to buy land outright. Both Kovarik and Pribbeno expressed optimism about what the next decade holds. Kovarik noted the massive generational turnover ahead and believes that it will create opportunities for young cattlemen willing to work hard, build equity and step into the operation as retiring producers transition out. LABOR: HIRING, RETENTION AND THE REALITY OF MANAGING PEOPLE Labor continues to be top of mind across every sector of the beef industry and was echoed across the panel. For some operations, finding people is the challenge. For others, the challenge is keeping the right people. On the ranching side, Pribbeno explained how Wine Glass Ranch has built a workplace that retains employees long term. “We’ve had really good luck keeping the right people,” Pribbeno said. “I give a lot of praise and I give a lot of time off. Two main guys take seven or eight weeks off annually. They work hard, and I want them to stay.” Wine Glass also utilizes experienced seasonal workers from South Africa who request to return each year. He joked about the advantages of their May calving system: “Calve in May; it’s more fun when you’re calving on green grass in a T-shirt. It’s a good day.” On the packing side, Kemp described the opposite problem: too many applicants, not enough housing. “We had over 4,000 applicants for about 850 positions,” he said. “Social media created a lot of buzz for the new plant, and people were driving from multiple states to apply.” But even with the strong applicant pool, Kemp emphasized that employee housing remains one of the most significant bottlenecks for North Platte. “The whole state is short on housing,” he said. “A lot of our people are living in hotels or commuting long distances. We need affordable options that fit their price range.” Sustainable Beef employs a full-time caretaker to manage company housing. Through that approach, they plan to retain workers by being a single-shift beef processing facility, meaning parents work when kids are in school and are home in time for dinner. “We don’t want people driving long distances in bad winter roads, but the market will eventually correct. It always does,” Kemp said. PERSPECTIVES
January 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 DATA, GENOMICS AND DECISION MAKING The conversation shifted toward technology and the role of data in modern cattle operations today. As beef supply chains become more integrated, data is playing a larger role in management decisions. Luke Fuerniss, who works in business development for Schiff Cattle Co., explained how their feedyard uses data across employee performance, cattle projections and grid marketing. “You can’t expect someone to improve if they don’t know where they’re at,” Fuerniss said. “We use data to incentivize performance on the people side and to drive economic decisions on the cattle side.” Fuerniss analyzes expected premiums across grids, integrated genomic tools and develops weekly performance reports for customers. “One of our customers gets a video report each week,” he said. “If we see something odd in carcass data or dressing percentage, we want to communicate it before the kill sheet lands.” This level of traceability builds trust with the customer and informs forward breeding strategy. Pribbeno, representing a commercial perspective, takes a different perspective. “I’m pretty low-data,” he said, acknowledging that phenotype and functional traits drive most of his operation’s decisions. However, he sees value in sustainability programs tied to grasslands. “Grasslands are really having their moment right now with biodiversity and carbon programs.” Pribbeno sees the opportunities of ranchers partnering with large companies to encourage the work ranchers already do. SUPPLY CHAINS While producers focus on their segment, Fuerniss emphasized the importance of communicating across the supply chain. The Schiff team routinely adjusts feeding strategies and marketing windows based on packer needs and customer expectations. “Relationships are the key,” Fuerniss said. “We are trying to set ourselves apart in terms of communication.” Kemp echoed the importance of alignment. Sustainable Beef’s partnership with Walmart created a steady outlet for boxed beef, simplifying marketing and reducing risk for both the plant and its producer-owners. Technology like EID tracking is used as traceability is growing, and Kemp noted that any new system must justify itself financially. “We don’t do things just to do them. It has to add value to the producer, the plant and the customer.” Jessica Sperber (far left) moderates a producer panel during the 2025 Nebraska Beef Summit, featuring panelists, left to right, Luke Fuerniss, Rusty Kemp, Logan Pribbeno and Luke Kovarik who share insights on land access, labor and technology. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 The Nebraska Beef Summit offers students a direct connection to each sector in the beef industry and the realities affecting them.
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 COW SELECTION AND NATURAL CULLING The panel moved into cow herd management, a topic that resonated with many students. Pribbeno shared Wine Glass Ranch’s approach to developing replacement heifers. “Mother Nature does the selecting,” he said. “You don’t pick your bred heifers. You let Mother Nature pick them.” Kovarik also focuses heavily on maternal traits in his May calving program. He looks for three key traits for a functional cow: udder, udder and udder. Both producers emphasized that today’s cattle can excel through the entire system while still maintaining strong maternal function. MARKET CONDITIONS Market volatility remains a stress point across the industry. Kovarik acknowledged that the last few weeks had made sleep difficult – an honest reflection of what many ranchers are feeling as futures markets made global news and supply disruption continued to unfold. Pribbeno, with humor, said, “In heaven, I think it’s going to be 2025 on repeat, where it rains every week and the board keeps on climbing.” Kemp expressed concern that the industry sometimes undermines itself by calling for government intervention on every issue. “I wish everyone would quit trying to involve the government in every issue,” he said. WHAT THE SUMMIT MEANS FOR STUDENTS The producer panel at the Nebraska Beef Summit offered students more than a conversation. Students received direct connection to each beef industry sector and the realities affecting them. For many, hearing how these producers manage land, cattle and risk provided a clearer understanding of Nebraska’s beef industry. The summit continues to be a vital part of the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars program, offering students and producers valuable insights. ~NC~ PRODUCER PANEL: 2025 NEBRASKA BEEF SUMMIT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Students received direct connection to each beef industry sector and the realities affecting them. Good Things Are Hard to Find – except here. Generations of ranch-tested cow families backed by a program that pays on shipping day. Robert & Kara Campbell • 701-422-3721 Robby & Sara Campbell 5096 Campbell RD • McIntosh, SD 57641 campbellra@westriv.com • www.campbellredangus.com Producing Cattle That Perform For The Cattleman Since 1973! 51st Annual Bull Sale Monday, March 2, 2026 1 p.m. MST • At the Ranch Sel ling100 Registered Yearling Bulls Select Registered Heifers 50 Home-Raised, Fancy Commercial Red Angus Bred Heifers Request a catalog through our website or Facebook page ... or give us a call! He Sells! CBR 56 – # 5136363 Generations of ranch-tested cow families. Data-driven selection. A program proven on shipping day. At Campbell Red Angus, only the top bulls make the sale — bulls shaped by natural selection and cattlemen’s logic, then verified by ratios, real performance and DNA-profiled cow families. Their steer mates top the market each January, proving the value behind the program. This year we’re also offering 50 home-raised commercial bred heifers bred to sires known for fertility and longevity. Hardy and adaptable, these cattle are built to work and built to last. Campbell Red Angus ... Where legacy meets longevity – and both keep paying dividends.
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24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 Cattle and Beef DERRELL S. PEEL, PH.D. | EXTENSION LIVESTOCK MARKETING SPECIALIST, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Cattle and beef prices set new records in 2025 before facing a significant setback late in the year. High beef prices were the subject of intense political and public scrutiny in the fourth quarter of 2025. Though cattle markets are in a correction late in 2025, strong supply and demand fundamentals are expected to push cattle prices to new highs in 2026. Cattle Cycle Status Coming into 2025, the beef cow herd totaled 27.86 million head, the lowest inventory since 1961. This follows six years of drought-enhanced liquidation since the most recent peak in 2019 that saw a herd decrease of 3.78 million head, down 11.9 percent in the last six years (Figure 1). There are indications that the beef cow herd is stabilizing at the current level and the 2025 inventory may be the cyclical low for this cattle cycle (11 years after the previous low in 2014). The beef cow herd is stabilizing because beef herd culling has dropped low enough to avoid further liquidation. 2025 beef cow slaughter is projected to be down nearly 41 percent from the recent peak in 2022, and would represent a national culling rate less than 8.5 percent, down from the 2022 record culling rate of 13.2 percent. Decreased cow culling is one of the factors needed for a cyclical inventory low before the next herd expansion. The Jan. 1, 2026, beef cow inventory may be just slightly higher year over year, making 2025 the cyclical low, 11 years after the previous low in 2014. However, beef cow herd expansion requires heifer retention. The inventory of beef replacement heifers has continued to decline since 2017 (Figure 2). While the beef cow herd may be stabilizing, the lack of beef replacement heifers means that no significant herd growth is possible in 2026 and very likely in 2027 as well. In the closing weeks of 2025, there is no evidence that any significant heifer retention has started. It appears that the industry continues on a delayed and slow process of herd rebuilding that will likely take until the end of the decade. Cattle on Feed Seven years of declining calf crops have resulted in extremely tight feeder cattle supplies that pose additional challenges for feedlots. The 2025 U.S. calf crop is projected to be the smallest since 1941. Try as they might to maintain inventories, feedlot numbers inevitably will come down. In November, the feedlot total was 11.7 million head, down 2 percent year over year. The average monthly feedlot inventory for the past year is at the lowest level since November 2018 and is expected to continue decreasing in the coming months. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 1987 1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 2014 2017 2020 2023 2026 Figure 1. U.S. Beef Cow Inventory Million Head, January 1 PERSPECTIVES
January 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 Market Future Prospects 2026 and Beyond October feedlot placements were the lowest on record and average placements for the past year have been the lowest since July 2016. Beef Production and Consumption Total beef production is projected to decrease roughly 4.5 percent year over year in 2025 and is forecast to decrease about that same amount in 2026 and 3.5 to 4 percent in 2027. Fed steer and heifer carcass weights have increased sharply in 2024 and 2025 and will continue to increase. However, decreased fed slaughter will ensure that beef production continues to fall. Non-fed beef production, from cull cows and bulls, has been falling the most dramatically since 2022. Nonfed beef production is projected to be down 8.3 percent year over year in 2025, a decrease of 25 percent since 2022. Per capita beef consumption will decrease as beef production falls. Consumption is projected at 59 pounds (retail weight) in 2025, down from 59.7 pounds last year. Increased net beef imports partially offsets decreased domestic beef production. Per capita beef consumption is forecast to drop below 55 pounds by 2027. Cattle and Beef Trade Beef exports decreased as expected after peaking in 2022 with lower beef production and higher prices, but the decrease was aggravated in 2025 by tariffs and trade wars. Most notably, the United States is essentially out of the market in China at the current time. The impact of reduced beef exports was masked by the very dynamic domestic market and record prices in 2025. Beef imports were a source of much discussion and political focus late in 2025. Beef imports increased as expected but were impacted by broad-based tariffs. Brazil, the largest source of beef imports early in 2025, was hit with sharply increased tariffs in August that were removed in late November. Most beef imports are lean processing beef that supports the ground beef market in the United States. Beef Prices Reduced beef supplies, combined with persistently strong beef demand, have pushed retail beef prices to ever higher levels in 2025. Record retail beef prices in 2025 received intense political scrutiny as a part of a broader focus on food prices and inflation. While the federal government is trying several actions and making lots of market-rattling comments, the fact is that there is nothing political that will change beef prices quickly. In fact, beef prices are destined to go even higher as beef production continues to fall in the coming months. 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Figure 2. Heifers Held As Beef Cow Replacements Million Head, January 1 CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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