8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 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 – John Kennedy, Primrose, (308) 920-2828 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 – Erica Schluntz, Naponee, (308) 920-3191 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: Kristian Rennert, Elm Creek, (308) 440-9463 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 CONNECTING THE DOTS I was not born in a barn, but I got there as fast as I could. Raised on my family’s sixth-generation cow-calf operation, cattle and the beef industry have been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember. Early mornings, late nights and all the moments in between were often spent with my family and our cattle. These experiences shaped not only my childhood but also my values, ambitions and love for rural life. As a 2024 Nebraska Beef Ambassador and 2025-2026 Nebraska State FFA officer, I am fortunate to represent the beef industry to audiences across Nebraska and beyond. However, one of the most rewarding parts of my journey thus far has been connecting the dots. I have realized how deeply interconnected our industry and its people truly are. Opportunities like competing in the Nebraska Fed Steer Challenge, exhibiting cattle at my county fair, attending Range Camp and participating in leadership conferences were all moments that seemed separate when I was younger. As I have entered college and stepped deeper into the agricultural community, I have seen the full picture begin to form. The people I met at a judging contest or workshop years ago are now classmates, mentors and colleagues who are helping me find my footing in a career rooted in agriculture. The value of those early relationships and experiences is clearer now more than ever. Being involved in agriculture teaches more than animal husbandry and land stewardship. It instills a deep respect for people, relationships and the resilience of rural communities. The beef industry is more than an economic driver, it is a network of families, traditions and values passed down and strengthened through each generation. It’s a living example of how hard work and a shared purpose can connect individuals across communities, counties, states and countries. My purpose as a beef ambassador is to share the authentic story of beef production, highlighting producers’ commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and quality. Through presentations to elementary students, I have strengthened my passion for educating the next generation. I believe it is the beef industry’s responsibility to help young people understand where their food comes from because they are our future consumers. By engaging them early, answering their questions and building trust, we can ensure a bright future for beef. I am deeply grateful for my family, who laid the foundation for my love of agriculture. Without their hard work, encouragement and the opportunities they presented to me, I would not be where I am today. Their example has taught me that success in the beef industry isn’t built overnight, it is built through generations of dedication and a willingness to give back. As I continue to navigate my education and leadership experiences, I am constantly reminded that it is the people – the mentors, families, friends and advocates – who make the beef industry truly special. Every conversation, handshake and shared passion is a new dot to connect, strengthening the future of an industry that feeds the world. I am proud to be part of that future as the beef industry is not just something I was born into, it’s a lifelong calling, built one connection at a time. ~NC~ LEAH CHRISTIAN, LEWISTON 2024 NEBRASKA BEEF AMBASSADOR
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