68 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 NC Posthumously Awards Myron Benes 2025 Industry Service Award A a e r i n The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Nominations Committee posthumously awarded Myron R. Benes with the 2025 Industry Service Award during the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Awards Banquet. The Nebraska Cattlemen Industry Service Award recognizes the contributions of individuals who work outside the cattle industry and go above and beyond to support agriculture. “His devotion to cattle and kids through volunteering in local cattlemen’s groups, and 4-H and FFA programs prove Myron Benes’ dedication, love and service for the cattle industry,” says NC Executive Vice President Laura Field. “We are pleased to honor him with the Industry Service Award and encourage others to adopt his kind and generous spirit.” Myron R. Benes is well remembered for his involvement in the cattle industry and his dedication to youth in agriculture. Benes passed away at the age of 69 on Nov. 3, 2022, at his home in Albion. Born Jan. 4, 1953, in Lincoln, Benes was the son of Ermin Cyril and Delores Marie (Potter) Benes. In 1970, prior to graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard; he was discharged in 1977. He farmed with his family in Valparaiso. During that time, Benes and his brother, Melvin, met Jim Wolf, who they would show cattle for. Wolf later encouraged Benes to move to Albion to work for him. In 1978, Benes and his wife, Karen, moved to Albion where they began their life together, raising their two sons, Mark and Kevin. Myron worked for the Wolf family and Wagonhammer Ranch; his specialty was in sales consulting with breeding programs. Over the years, Benes was a member of many cattle industry organizations, including Boone-Nance Cattlemen, Nebraska Cattlemen, American Angus Association, American Simmental Association, American International Charolais Association and Nebraska Elite Beef. Beyond his own work, Benes actively supported youth involvement in agriculture: he enjoyed helping his sons and grandchildren with their show cattle and supported many other youth in 4-H and FFA. Myron was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Albion and the American Legion Post #371 in Valparaiso. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Mark (Aliscia) and Kevin (Laura); his grandchildren and numerous friends and family. It is Nebraska Cattlemen’s honor to posthumously award Myron Benes with the 2025 Industry Service Award in recognition of his dedication, love and service for the cattle industry. We are grateful for his service to our industry. ~NC~ Myron Benes’ sons, Kevin, left, and Mark, right, and his wife, Karen, center, receive the 2025 NC Industry Service Award on his behalf. The family of Myron Benes, 2025 NC Industry Service Award recipient, gather after the award presentation to celebrate him.
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