30 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 2026 When temperatures drop and forage quality declines, a cow’s nutritional demands rise sharply. The stress of cold weather, wind, and late gestation can take a toll on body condition and overall herd health. OLS Tubs offers a simple, cost effective solution to meet those seasonal challenges. Formulated with high quality ingredients for consistent intake and backed by one of the best cost per head per day values in the industry, OLS Tubs help herds maintain condition, support reproductive performance, and stay on track through the toughest winter conditions. 1-877-OLS-TUBS WWW.OLSTUBS.COM OPTIMIZE GRAZING WITH OLS TUBS. Get more out of your grass this spring. OLS Tubs support efficient grazing, consistent intake, and cows that stay on track. As pastures transition, nutrient levels can fluctuate more than you think. OLS Tubs help balance those gaps, supporting rumen function so cattle can better utilize available forage. The result is cows that maintain condition, perform through breeding season, and turn spring grass into real returns. “The Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium is an educational program designed to increase awareness and commitment of high school students to pursue careers in the beef industry and understand the importance of value-added beef products and marketing,” Reiling explains. The three-day symposium targets high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, combining technical education with real-world application. One key component challenges students to work in teams to develop and market a new beef food product. Through this process, they collaborate with UNL meat scientists, culinary professionals and marketing experts. “Through this hands-on, interactive project, youth learn about the characteristics, functionality and versatility of beef,” Reiling says. A second major component focuses on leadership development with rotating themes. In 2025, the emphasis was on career opportunities, giving students direct access to industry professionals. Students also build marketing plans that highlight beef’s role in a healthy diet while addressing consumer perceptions. The program continues to see strong demand, hosting 45 students from six states in 2025, the maximum capacity due to facility limitations. With more than 800 alumni to-date, NYBLS has demonstrated lasting impact. “Program evaluations show that NYBLS reinforces communication, teamwork and leadership development, with more than 95 percent of participants saying they would recommend it,” Reiling says. He adds that participation often encourages students to pursue further education and careers within agriculture. Beyond these programs, Nebraska youth are also reached through broader initiatives. More than 5,600 students engaged with agriculture through Nebraska Ag in the Classroom, supported by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, learning about cattle production, nutrition and the role agriculture plays in the state’s economy. Additionally, 7,000 third and fourth graders attended Fonner Park Ag Day, where the Nebraska CattleWomen introduced them to cattle production and beef products. Together, these efforts highlight a shared commitment to agricultural literacy across all age levels. As Jelinek puts it, “Every lesson delivered helps students see agriculture not as an abstract concept, but as a vital, local industry they are already part of.” ~NC~ NEBRASKA BEEF COUNCIL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 A family owned and operated Commercial Feedlot located in the heart of Nebraska’s Corn Production. OUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL MAXIMIZES YOUR PROFIT POTENTIAL! DFI also offers: Risk Management • Partnership Feeding Multiple Marketing Options Retained Ownership • Feeder Financing Private Consulting Nutritionist Private Consulting Veterinarian Location Close to All Major Packers Permanent Shades in Pens Two Locations: Columbus & Palmer • 13,500 head capacity Mike Drinnin, Owner/Manager • miked@drinninfeedlots.com Office: (402) 564-7409 • sharib@drinninfeedlots.com drinninfeedlots.com Jarad Drinnin - Columbus Cell: (402) 910-6508 Sam Drinnin - Palmer Cell: (402) 910-0233
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