36 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 2024 PEERS WHAT MAKES NEBRASKA THE BEEF STATE CARSTEN LOSEKE | 2023 NCF BEEF STATE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Afew semesters ago, I had a professor say that Nebraska isn’t the Beef State – instead Texas is, because recently they surpassed Nebraska in cattle on feed and have more total cattle. Alternatively, some metrics show that Nebraska’s cattle numbers are higher in terms of cattle per both land area and population. Historical Quality Grade data would also look more favorable in the northern of the two states, and I could go on. The title of the Beef State isn’t as superficial as numbers or quality. What sets Nebraska cattle producers apart from any other place in the world is the rich heritage of generational family farms and ranches, each with a personal legacy and story to tell. I am the seventh generation on my family’s farm and can trace my ancestors back to the first generation of immigrants. My hope for each young Nebraskan with a passion for raising cattle is that they would have an opportunity to return to their family farm or ranch and actively raise livestock in this industry. It is so rewarding. I believe that a broad and diverse cattle industry can also generate more opportunities for small businesses and growth in rural communities. The sterility and dullness of an urban atmosphere makes me wish there were more chances for people to make a living in small towns and rural areas where I think life can feel more rewarding. While agricultural operations continue to consolidate, population trends show an exodus of people from rural to urban areas. I sometimes get discouraged when the momentum of my peers is directed towards an occupation that may be related to, but not actively invested in, cattle production. While these outside businesses are very important to the industry, I still wish more young people – if the opportunity is indeed available – felt more incentivized or encouraged to return to or even start a cattle operation. Growing up on a Nebraska feedlot and farming operation, I have had the opportunity to experience cattle production firsthand all my life. From the first calf that I owned when I was young to my experience working on a large feedlot in southwest Kansas, I have had the privilege to view the cattle industry from many different angles. 1/3 Page Horizontal Nebraska Cattleman 2 color Risk Associates June/July 2024 AMY MAULER AGRICULTURE RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST 308.215.0100 | AMYMAULERRA@GMAIL.COM SARGENT, NEB. | RISKASSOCIATESINC.NET SPECIALIZING IN RISK PROTECTION FOR: • LRP – LIVESTOCK RISK PROTECTION Feeder & Fed Cattle • PRF – PASTURE, RANGELAND & FORAGE Pastures & Forage Acres
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