NCMarch2025

NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 3 March 2025 Nebraska Cattleman

Saturday | March 8, 2025 | 1 PM mST CCI.Live | Ogallala Livestock Market | 11th Annual Bull Sale Jason & Krystle Koberstein | 29813 CR 36 Holyoke, CO 80734 | 970-520-2385 | kfangus@hotmail.com WWW.KFAngusllc.com Selling74 Service Age Bulls • 19 Elite Females Sired by the leading sires in the breed VT Statesman • Crouch Congress • Poss Ratified • SG Salvation • 2BarC Crossfire • EXAR Vanguard • BJ Surpass KF RITA 4016 CED BW WW YW $B $C +6 +3.7 +96 +173 +247 +378 +*20954898 | 01/01/2024 KF ALL-N-ONE 3107 CED BW WW YW $B $C +7 +1.4 +67 +131 +216 +358 +*20722106 | 08/14/2023 KF STATESMAN 4206 CED BW WW YW $B $C +5 +3.1 +97 +177 +215 +336 *21060219 | 02/12/2024 KF SALVATION 3520 CED BW WW YW $B $C +4 +3.4 +83 +142 +229 +335 +*20752320 | 09/09/2023

6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 3 REGULARS Insights .................................................8 Ruminations .......................................10 Consider This ....................................43 Nebraska Beef Council .....................66 NCIG.....................................................68 IANR .................................................... 72 NC Foundation................................... 76 Boots on the Ground ........................80 NC Dispatch........................................ 82 NC Partners ........................................ 84 Advertiser Index ...............................86 Sale & Event Calendar .....................88 FEATURES PRODUCTION The Perkins County Canal Project ...........................................................22 The Perkins County Canal Project’s potential to have a multi-generational impact for Nebraskans. Natural Resources Districts...................................................................... 28 Nebraska’s 23 NRDs strive to conserve, sustain and improve the state’s natural resources and environment. To Improve Land, Manage for Soil Health First .................................... 38 How focusing on improving soil health can help you achieve your forage production and land health goals. PEOPLE Nebraska Cattleman Becomes New NCBA President .......................... 54 Buck Wehrbein brings decades of dedication to the industry and leadership experience to NCBA’s top leadership post. Meet NC’s Newest Board Members ........................................................58 Get to know Nebraska Cattlemen’s newest leaders. PAST Western Expansion ..................................................................................... 14 A look at how the United States expanded westward, including its acquisition of the lands that would become Nebraska. POLICY Nebraska Legislative Session Begins ...................................................... 44 Nebraska Cattlemen identifies priority bills for legislative session. PERSPECTIVES Good Fences Make Good Neighbors ....................................................... 34 Nebraska’s fence laws encourage landowners to talk with their neighbors to work through disputes. Leveraging Genetics and Technology as Sustainability Practices ..... 48 A look at upcoming innovations that will revolutionize agriculture and beef production. 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: These bulls are waiting their turn to enter the sale barn at the Rancho Casino Ranch near Purdum. Photo courtesy of Linda Teahon.

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8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 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 – 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 TAKING PRIDE IN WHAT YOU HAVE SAM DRINNIN | GRAND ISLAND NC NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR There are many things that truly make Nebraska a great state: the people are kind and friendly, and neighbors are always willing to help fellow neighbors in times of need. Being down to earth and having a commonsense mentality are what really define Nebraskans as great people. As producers, it is important that we tell our story and explain to the public why and how we do what we do. At the end of the day, it is all about the importance of livestock and the environment that matters most to producers. We do our part in conserving Nebraska’s natural resources, so when it becomes time to pass to the next generation, they can see how hard previous generations worked to conserve the land and keep it looking better than ever for their children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, there are some groups out there that are telling a different story, and it is not very friendly to agriculture producers. These groups think we are abusing the environment and are not conserving Nebraska’s natural resources. I am sure all producers would say that is far from the truth. Like most family businesses, agricultural producers want to have something to pass down to future generations and beyond. In a state that is mostly owned by private landowners, the last thing farmers and ranchers would do is destroy the very ground and business that feeds their families. If no one took care of anything, then there would be nothing to pass down. So, why would people want to do that? They WOULDN’T! The amount of pride that all producers have for the environment and livestock in this state is amazing! In operations across Nebraska, producers know that doing their part to conserve natural resources is good for animals and the environment. Because of this belief, we teach future generations to carry on these practices and continue to restore the land we use for livestock production. Everything we do for the land is for the generations that come after us. There are many very independent-minded people in Nebraska and it’s truly significant that they share the same common goal. We speak up because we want people to know we are doing our part. My son is 5 years old, and as he gets older, I want to teach him the same conservation practices I was taught. As parents, having the opportunity to pass down knowledge drives us even more to conserve our state’s resources. Producers help feed other people, whether it is in the United States or around the world, which is why we take such diligent care of the livestock and the land to continue providing for others. This is accomplished by producers using regenerative agricultural practices to help maintain the level of sustainability we are applying today. ~NC~ The amount of pride that all producers have for the environment and livestock in this state is amazing!

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10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 LAURA FIELD | NC EVP 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 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. A BALANCING ACT LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Balance is a tricky word. As a terribly clumsy person, I’ve often struggled with balance while walking, running and sometimes dancing. I never attempted any such thing as walking on a balance beam for fear of a disaster, and standing on one foot or the other is not an easy feat for me to keep my balance. We often hear about a “work-life balance,” and I often wonder what that might be since I just admitted that balance isn’t my strong suit. Many years ago, I had a conversation with one of my dearest and best friends, and she and I pondered whether a work-life balance could exist. Maybe there wasn’t such a thing. My husband and I live by the brightly colored calendar on our refrigerator that is full of the activities of our youngest children, busy 12-year-old twins being raised by busy parents. “I’m terribly busy that day!” is a common phrase at our house. While it may be true, I know that busy isn’t an excuse for inaction, for being late or for dropping the ball on tasks that need to be completed. After a very busy end to 2024, I took a few extra days off, and as I shared in a previous column, the time was very much one to rest and reset. While away from work spending time with family, I thought more about the work-life balance. I made the decision that, for 2025, I would take one afternoon each week to leave work early and meet the kids when the bus drops them off at our house after school. When I told the kids about it, they were apprehensively excited as we are notorious for making plans and having to pivot, but I gave them my commitment. We looked at the calendar, talked about our schedules and decided Thursday was our day of the week. We agreed that there might be weeks it wouldn’t work, and we set the ground rules that it would just be family time – no screens, focused time, our time. So far, we have made it work most weeks. We go swimming, play basketball or go bowling, and we always make a point to grab food on our way home when we are done. Somedays when I arrive to pick up the kids, I’m on the phone or wrapping up something for work, and they patiently wait and then remind me of our “rules.” I knew this time would be meaningful, and at the same time, I did not think it would mean as much to us as a family. The kids laugh, smile and chatter endlessly, and they go to bed telling me how much they enjoyed the day. Even though we have not and will not ever perfect the balance, we are a work in progress. One week at a time, we steady ourselves and keep moving forward. ~NC~ Even though we have not and will not ever perfect the balance, we are a work in progress.

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14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 “A Herd on the Move” (1861). By artist William J. Hays, Sr. (1830-1875). Public domain. From the R.L. Hough collection. PAST Western Expansion BOB HOUGH | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Few would argue that Nebraska is the center of the United States beef industry. Nationally, Nebraska ranks fourth in beef cows, first in cattle on feed and first in cattle slaughter, as well as geographically being in the heart of our nation’s cattle country. It is also home to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service Meat Animal Research Center, which has done more to characterize breeds than any other institution in the world. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a top-flight land-grant university, and the Nebraska Beef Council and Nebraska Cattlemen are considered two of the top organizations of their kind in the nation. However, few would have foreseen this rise to the top of the beef industry when the lands that would become Nebraska were acquired in 1803. When the United States won its independence from the United Kingdom with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the newly minted country ran from Georgia to Maine, and stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. Although the United States had won its independence in 1783, it was not until 1789 that the U.S. Constitution was ratified and took effect. However, even early on, the United States was a restless nation eager to expand, which first took the form of migration west of the Appalachian Mountains in what was still considered wilderness. The cattle that populated the original colonies were known as natives, which is a misnomer as all cattle in the Western Hemisphere were originally introduced by the settlers. The native cattle were a cross of the various unimproved strains brought from Great Britain, Continental Europe and Scandinavia. They were primarily tri-purpose cattle that could be milked, serve as draft animals and provide beef. The crossing and recrossing of these various strains made them fairly indistinguishable beyond some cases of regional color patterns. In 1783, the same year that the Treaty of Paris was signed, the first purebred Shorthorns reached America. Shorthorns would then go on to be the dominant breed for the next 100 years, and like the natives, were generally selected as tri-purpose cattle. The country’s expansion began in 1803 when the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), made the Louisiana Purchase. At the cost of $15 million, it doubled the size of the United States, adding approximately 530 million acres that stretched from New Orleans to north of the current Canadian border, and included the future state of Nebraska. However,

March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 INTRODUCING HISTORIAN BOB HOUGH Beginning this month, Nebraska Cattleman is pleased to introduce a new series of “PAST” articles from acclaimed author, historian, educator, researcher and innovator Robert “Bob” Hough, Ph.D. Many may know or recognize his name, as Hough has spent a lifetime in the cattle industry, from serving as the executive vice president of the North American Limousin Foundation and chief executive officer of the Red Angus Association of America, to being highly involved in the Beef Improvement Federation, U.S. Beef Breeds Council, National Pedigree Livestock Council, National Western Stock Show and serving as a livestock judge and speaker at numerous industry events for decades. Since retiring, Hough has focused on journalism and writing books, including, History of Red Angus, Breeds of Cattle, Simmental’s American Journey, Shorthorn and the American Cattle Industry, and The History of Aberdeen-Angus in the U.S., UK and Worldwide. (The latter book has sold into 38 states and 23 countries in the six months since its release). Hough is also currently a correspondent for Western Livestock Journal and a freelance writer. We are pleased to have Hough contribute to the Nebraska Cattleman. the many tribes they came in contact with – most welcoming but some hostile, considering them trespassers. Pike and Long were less generous of their assessment of the Great Plains, describing it as “unfit for human habitation,” and the Nebraska territory as, “The Great American Desert.” These descriptions were mainly based on the relative lack of timber and surface water. Describing the area as a desert made the region an unattractive place to consider homesteading. This was despite the fact that this “Great American Desert” was a productive prairie that ranged from Texas to northern Canada, and whose grasslands at one point supsince the acquired lands were already occupied by Native Americans, in a real sense, what the United States had done was acquire the exclusive rights to negotiate, purchase or take by conquest these lands from the native peoples. However, the promise of the abundant natural resources gained by the Louisiana Purchase was not immediately realized, with mixed reviews coming from expeditions by Lewis and Clark’s Corp of Discovery in 1804, as well as by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike in 1806 and Major Stephen Long in 1819. In the vast grasslands of the Great Plains, Lewis and Clark reported the huge herds of buffalo (bison) grazing there in addition to Nebraska centennial, 1854-1954. Map of the Nebraska section of the Nebraska Territory, established May 1854. Credit Library of Congress. From the R.L. Hough collection. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 ported as many as 30 million bison, 26 million feral cattle and horses, and countless other ruminants such as elk, deer and antelope. What these explorers didn’t realize was the nutrient density of the native “hard grasses” and the tremendous depth of topsoil in much of the Great Plains that had built up over thousands of years of being in grasslands. In much of Nebraska, they were also standing over top one of the country’s greatest agricultural water resources in the Ogallala Aquifer. They also vastly underestimated the potential productivity of the Sandhills for raising livestock. Although the Sandhills did not likely treat novice managers well, in experienced hands, it represents one of the best cow-calf regions in the country. The Louisiana Purchase personified the first of a dizzying pace of land acquisition, which over the next 50 years (18031853) would see the United States acquire the area that would comprise the lower 48 states. This helped fulfill what many felt was the country’s God given duty to spread Anglo morals, capitalism and Christianity throughout North America. In the 1840s, influential newspaper columnist John O’Sullivan, of the New York Morning News, officially coined this duty as “Manifest Destiny,” and was its biggest proponent. Of course, this was to the detriment of the Native Americans who had lived on the continent for 15,000 years prior to the Europeans “discovering” America. James Monroe – the country’s fifth president (1817-1825) – negotiated a permanent border between the United States and the United Kingdom, set at the 49th parallel, from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains. This ceded land to the United Kingdom that was part of the Louisiana Purchase that jutted into the Alberta prairie, while Great Britain ceded to the United States the fertile Red River Valley that was south of the 49th parallel. They also agreed for the time being that they would co-administer the Oregon Territory. The next land acquisition came in 1819 when Spain ceded Florida to the United States, which included the northern boundary of the Gulf of Mexico running from Florida to New Orleans. In exchange, the United States assumed Spain’s liabilities from Seminole raids that had occurred over the U.S. border. With Florida, the United States inherited the Florida Crackers, Spanish-origin cattle that came to Florida via the Caribbean Islands and had been running feral on the peninsula since the 16th century. Another strain of Spanish-origin cattle named the Pineywoods was running feral along the northern section of the Gulf Coast. Although largely uninhabited when acquired, by the 20th century and the Late 19th century. Native cow and calf. Credit: R.L. Hough. Territorial acquisitions (1776-1886). Hart-Bolton American history maps (ca. 1917). Credit: Library of Congress. From the R.L. Hough collection. WESTERN EXPANSION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 27th Annual Blue Springs, Nebraska June 6 & 7, 2025 Hosted By: Terry & Beverly Acton & Families 10751 East B Line, Blue Springs, NE THE SPIRIT OF DEDICATION. Commitment that’s one of a kind. Agribusiness solutions you trust. Member FDIC /agribusiness introduction of the Brahman breed, Florida would become a commercial cow-calf powerhouse with many of the country’s largest ranches located there. The 11th president (1845-1849), James K. Polk, only planned to serve one term, but was determined to complete the land acquisition that would take the United States to the Pacific Ocean. On Dec. 27, 1845, Polk signed the Texas Annexation Bill, making Texas the United States 28th state. With Texas, the United States gained its vast herd of feral Longhorn cattle that were also of Spanish origin. During the Civil War, the number of these feral cattle swelled to as many as 26 million head. Polk’s next priority was determining a permanent boundary for the Oregon Territory between the United States and United Kingdom. The situation had been Map of the Oregon and California trails. Public domain. James K. Polk, the 11th president (18451849). By artist George P.A. Healy. Credit National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institute. From R.L. Hough collection. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 further complicated by Russian colonization of the Pacific coastline that, by this time, had reached Mexican-controlled Sonoma County, just north of San Francisco, where they built a fort. Negotiations in 1846 set the border at the 49th parallel, extending the existing border previously established for the Great Plains. Both the United States and the United Kingdom agreed to expel the Russians from the territories they laid claim to, and after the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson’s administration (1865-1869) purchased Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million. Interestingly, a small number of Russian cattle still run feral on some Aleutian Islands. Polk next set his sights on what would become the Southwest United States. When Mexico declined to sell the land Polk coveted, the United States declared war on Mexico in 1846 based on some rather thin justifications, including Mexico not recognizing Texas as a U.S. state as well as some minor incursions over the border. By 1848, the United States had defeated Mexico, and Polk had achieved his goal of the Mexicans ceding the land to the United States that would become Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The last land acquisition was in 1853 with the $10 million Gadsen Purchase from Mexico, which consisted of 30,000 square miles south of the Gila River in the territory of what would become Arizona. This gave the United States a more favorable route to build a southern transcontinental railway. By 1840, people started moving in droves to Oregon and its fertile Willamette Valley as well as to California with the 1849 Gold Rush. There was also the migration of the Mormons traversing to Salt Lake. Much of the route they took was the Oregon Trail, which started in Missouri and was initially laid out by trappers. This involved crossing the “Great American Desert” that was Nebraska, where the tracks of the covered wagons can still be seen. After crossing the future state of Wyoming, the trail split either going to Oregon or California, and included a spur that guided the Mormons to Salt Lake City. Unlike reenactments or the movies, early on the covered wagons were almost exclusively pulled by oxen. An example of this was quantified by an Indian agent along the Oregon Trail and Columbia River in the early 1850s. Passing his station that year were 6,449 people, 9,077 oxen and 6,158 cows. He provided no numbers on horses, apparently not finding them significant enough to tally. Oxen were guided by a person walking alongside them with a wood switch, called a goad, and they controlled the oxen directionally with voice commands or use of the goad. This meant they made the 2,170mile trip from Independence, Mo., to the Oregon’s Willamette Vally at a walking pace of about two-miles per-hour. Despite being known as the “Great American Desert” prior to the Civil War, after the war, Nebraska would start to be appreciated for its natural resources and would soon be fully stocked with cattle. This will be explored in future articles. ~NC~ Emigrants crossing the Great Plains, 1869, by Henry Bryan Hall, active 1850-1900. Credit: Yale University Library. From R.L. Hough Collection. WESTERN EXPANSION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

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20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 OPPORTUNITY SALE of 2025 Thursday, April 3, 2025 • 12 Noon Online Sale With Live Bidding Watch the sale and bid live online at Bid.SuperiorLivestock.com and DVAuction.com SELLING 350 BULLS & 30 ELITE OPEN HEIFERS Limousin, Lim-Flex, Angus Evaluate the sale offering in person Open House at Sandy Ridge Ranch n Atkinson, Nebraska March 25 & 26, 2025 Office: 26406 470th Ave., Morris, Minnesota 56267 / Ranch: 89868 472nd Ave, Atkinson, Nebraska 68713 Office: (320) 392-5802 / Fax: (320) 392-5319 / Wulf@WulfCattle.com / Casey Fanta: (320) 288-6128 / Casey.Fanta@WulfCattle.com Visit www.WulfCattle.com Bull Selection Index n Feeder Calf Procurement n Value Added Opportunities n Source & Process Verification n Feedlot & Carcass Data n Dairy Beef Program n

March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 EXCLUSIVE GCC to NEBRASKA March 28, 2025 Where Maternal Matters John Griswold 405-780-3300 Jeff Bourquin 806-886-3145 Kelvin JorGensen 402-366-9475 www.griswoldcattle.com -230 Bulls AnGus, simAnGus, mAineAnGus -25 Bredheifers -select # of AnGus donors PB SM SAM x KCC1 Exclusive LEBANON GCC LITIGATE GCC Check Mate GCC External Law x Coleman Donna 9309 South America x Coleman Donna 9309 Angus Angus Simmental Maine Anjou 3/4 MA Belmont x Garth x Boston

22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 PRODUCTION The Perkins County Canal Project Water challenges have been synonymous with western Nebraska since territorial times. First-generation Nebraskans built some of the earliest irrigation canals in the western United States, in part to irrigate produce crops for the soldiers at nearby Fort McPherson. Irrigation canals on the North Platte River in the Panhandle were built in the late 1800s to supplement water supplies necessary to provide reliable crops and spearhead federal efforts in the early 1900s to reclaim the West. Pathfinder Reservoir was one of the first dams ever completed by the newly formed U.S. Reclamation Service. Later generations had the vision that led to construction of Lake McConaughy near Ogallala which, upon completion in 1941, became the largest reservoir in the state. The Sutherland Supply Canal, built less than a decade earlier to bring North Platte water south under the bed of the South Platte River, was one of the largest earth-moving projects in the world at the time – second only to the Panama Canal. Nebraskans have always had a progressive vision when it comes to developing water projects and expanding limited water supplies. Fortunately, with the South Platte River, Nebraska is once again stepping up to the plate to respond – this time with the Perkins County Canal project. A Changing South Platte River The South Platte River originates in Colorado before entering Nebraska near Big Springs. Conditions on the South Platte River have changed dramatically over the last 25 years. From 1972 to 2002, non-irrigation season (Oct. 15 to April 1) flows in the river averaged around 620 cubic feet per second (cfs). But flows in the more recent 2003 to 2024 period dropped to about 335 cfs, a nearly 50 percent reduction. Meanwhile upstream in Colorado, demand for water has continued to increase, with roughly 70,000 people moving into Colorado’s

March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 This Generation’s Legacy to Nebraska’s Water Future JESSE BRADLEY | INTERIM DIRECTOR, NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Front Range every year. Billions of dollars have been assigned to several large water projects currently under construction in Colorado’s Front Range with more pursued every day. As Colorado River supplies continue to dwindle, Colorado now has only the South Platte River to look toward to satisfy the thirst of ever-expanding communities along the Front Range. In addition to its population pressures, Colorado also has changed how it manages groundwater pumping in the South Platte Basin. Those management changes have created an environment whereby Colorado groundwater pumpers divert approximately 100,000 acre-feet (approximately 25 percent of the annual flow) in an attempt to replace their resulting depletion to river flows during the irrigation season. This has had significant impacts on downstream Nebraska water users who rely on South Platte flows for irrigation, cooling water for the Gerald Gentleman Station – Nebraska’s largest electric generating plant – municipal supplies for communities including Omaha and Lincoln, hydropower generation, environmental flows and other purposes. These actions by Colorado and the effects they were having on South Platte flows alarmed Nebraska water users and state officials, leading to studies and investigations of the potential threats these actions were having on Nebraska’s future water supplies. This culminated with the Legislature passing the Perkins County Canal Project Act in 2022, finding that it is essential to the economic prosperity, health and welfare of Nebraskans and to the environmental health of the entire Platte River Basin to protect Nebraska’s full entitlement to the South Platte River flows. The legislature also provided the Department of Natural Resources with $628 million in funding to develop, construct, manage and operate the Perkins County Canal and its associated water storage facilities. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 The South Platte Compact and Perkins County Canal The only legal means for Nebraska to ensure South Platte River water continues to flow out of Colorado and into Nebraska is the South Platte River Compact. The Compact, formally enacted into federal law in 1926, splits the year into the two seasons: an “irrigation season,” between April 1 and Oct. 15; and a “non-irrigation season,” between Oct. 15 and April 1. During the irrigation season, Colorado must curtail their water rights junior to June 14, 1897, when flows at the state line drop below 120 cfs. During the non-irrigation season, Colorado must similarly curtail certain water rights junior to Dec. 17, 1921, when flows in the river drop below 500 cfs. While Colorado has acknowledged the irrigation season 120 cfs requirement, it has refused to honor the 500 cfs requirement in the non-irrigation season. A Dec. 12, 2022, letter from Colorado’s state engineer stated that, “Because Nebraska has not constructed the Perkins County Canal, there is no basis for Colorado to administer junior water appropriations in the Lower Section of the South Platte River,” meaning without the canal Nebraska has no way to protect South Platte flows for much of the year. That’s where the Perkins County Canal project comes in. Specifically authorized by the Compact, the project would have the ability to address several of the issues. Because the canal would carry a 1921 water right during the non-irrigation season, it could significantly limit Colorado’s current and future use of water. The Compact also allows the canal to divert surplus water under certain conditions. For example, had the canal been in place when high flows were experienced during the 2023 irrigation season, an estimated 72,500 acre-feet of additional water could have been stored, the equivalent of the annual water supply for the cities of Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte Geotechnical testing in Nebraska for the Perkins Canal Project. THE PERKINS COUNTY CANAL PROJECT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Black Hereford & Angus Registered Logan & Jen Hill (970)629-8807 Stapleton, NE hislashcattle.com HORSE RACE FINISH 7:30AM-8:00PM cst Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Selling Age Advantaged, Forage Developed Bulls Efficiency Hardiness Color hosted online by

March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 combined. Instead, these flows passed downstream and left the state unused. The project will also work in tandem with Nebraska’s existing irrigation infrastructure, providing increased water supply reliability through new reservoir operations and improved South Platte River supplies, taking pressure off Lake McConaughy and the North Platte River system, which otherwise would have to make up for any South Platte River flow reductions. The project could also provide new ways to improve the efficiency of water users in meeting federal Endangered Species Act requirements through the central Platte River and bolster that ecosystem’s resiliency. The Path Forward The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has hired a team of engineers to design the project and acquire necessary permits for its construction. These efforts are well underway with the 30-percent design now complete and geotechnical work for the canal segments and reservoir sites underway. Federal permitting is underway with construction expected to begin in 2028. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2032. More detailed information and updates on the project, including fact sheets, educational videos and correspondence between the states, can be found on the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Perkins County Canal website at dnr.nebraska. gov/perkins-county-canal. In summary, the Perkins County Canal project has the clear potential to have a multi-generational impact for Nebraskans. Think about where our state would be if we had not put in the effort to construct the expansive network of irrigation canals that we enjoy the benefits of today, or the foresight and will to construct storage facilities like Lake McConaughy and Sutherland Reservoir to manage our highly variable water supplies. Thankfully our former generations put in the hard work to secure those investments. Now it is this generation’s time to look toward our future, one that must include the Perkins County Canal project. ~NC~ Perkins County Canal Project Area Water District 1 Water District 64 www.carawayredangus.com Annual Production sale March 15, 2025 Jon & Blair Caraway Family Jon (507)530.3166 Blair (308)325.2712 42691 Road 755, Lexington, NE 1 p.m. CST Near Cozad, NE Lot 9 - LRA REdemption 729 Son Lot 30 - CRAR Domain 32G Son LRA Redemption 729 Feddes Brunswick D202 3SCC Laser Focused C171 Bieber CL Forefront F135 Crar Domain 32G CRAR Domain 44F STRA Relentless Se ing sons of:

26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 COOKSLEY MONUMENT 404 | REG: 5035917 Sire: BCRR MONUMENT 110J Dam: B LAZY T MR D043 G013 An incredible dark cherry red herd sire prospect that offers a rugged, dense, three-dimensional phenotype! COOKSLEY MONUMENT 408 | REG: 5035925 Sire: BCRR MONUMENT 110J Dam: B LAZY T MR D043 G013 408 is an elite performance sire option that ranks among the elite 3% of the breed for WW and YW! COOKSLEY MONUMENT 401 | REG: 5035933 Sire: BCRR MONUMENT 110J Dam: RED LWNBRG FALLOUT 100G 401 is another top performing son of BCRR Monument 110J that came to the weaning pen at over 700 pounds to ratio an impressive 117 WW Ratio and 113 YW Ratio! COOKSLEY QUARTERBACK 403 | REG: 5035965 Sire: PIE QUARTERBACK 001 Dam: WFL PROFITMAKER E7030 Cooksley Quarterback 403 is a son of the world renowned PIE Quarterback 001 that is a true curve bender that recorded an IMF Ratio at 117! COOKSLEY EXILE 415 | REG: 5036003 Sire: RED LWNBRG EXILE 11K Dam: RED LWNBRG HARVESTOR 175E Cooksley Exile 415 is a tremendous herd sire prospect that offers exception rib shape, stoutness, and real-world performance! COOKSLEY HD 402 | REG: 5035847 Sire: 1DRA HEAVY DUTY 0014 Dam: BIEBER IRON WARRIOR C124 402 is a stout made son of 1DRA Heavy Duty 0014 that is another big time performance oriented herd bull prospect that recorded a WW Ratio at 104!

RIDGE LIFE IS GOOD 4540 | REG: 4957602 Sire: 5L LIFE IS GOOD 1201-52H Dam: 5L WHATTA DEAL 950-143F Ridge Life Is Good 4540 is a tremendous son of 5L Life Is Good 1201-52H that offers tremendous balance numerically and phenotypically. He is a top tier calving ease prospect that offers exceptional performance! RIDGE RED BARON 4059 | REG: 4957984 Sire: C-BAR RED BARON 207J Dam: RED U2 MALBEC 195D 4059 is a stout made son of C-Bar Red Baron 207J that offers a world class phenotype to compliment his elite number profile! He ranks among the top 1% STAY, top 2% HB and top 3% PRO S! RIDGE TRIBUTE 4077 | REG: 4957950 Sire: 5L TRIBUTE 1974-517J Dam: 4MC KING OF THE COWBOYS 706 4077 is a dense bodied, easy fleshing son of 5L Tribute 1974-517J that is backed by a daughter of the $210,000 4MC King Of The Cowboys 706! RIDGE QUINDARO 4160 | REG: 4957788 Sire: LACY QUINDARO 056J Dam: RED U2 MALBEC 195D 4160 is one of several sons of Lacy Quindaro 056J that will highlight the sale offering! His dam is a beautiful daughter by the popular Red U2 Malbec 195D. RIDGE QUINDARO 4106 | REG: 4957894 Sire: LACY QUINDARO 056J Dam: 5L VIGILANTE 2674-11D 4106 is a larger framed herd sire prospect by Lacy Quindaro 4106 that recorded a WW Ratio at 106, YW Ratio at 106, IMF Ratio at 109, and REA Ratio at 105! RIDGE PROPOSITION 4124 | REG: 4957858 Sire: J2R PROPOSITION H007 Dam: 5L NEW FORCE 284-57D 4124 is a powerful son of J2R Proposition H007 that is backed by a 5L New Force 284-57D daughter that has done an exception job year after year! RIDGE EXILE 4047 | REG: 4958008 Sire: RED LWNBRG EXILE 11K Dam: 5L SIERRA MIST 01-09A 4047 is a phenotype standout that offers tremendous skeletal quality, substance, and genuine shape. He recorded an IMF Ratio at 106! RIDGE CRAFTSMAN 4404 | REG: 5007859 Sire: 5L CRAFTSMAN 1134-150X Dam: 5L LEGEND 1553-425V A powerful son from the tried and true 5L Craftsman 1134-150X sire group. His mass, dimension, and structural quality combined make him a top tier herd sire candidate! RIDGE CAPITALIST 4023 | REG: 4958056 Sire: RIDGE CAPITALIST 0422 Dam: S A V REGARD 4863 Ridge Capitalist 4023 is one of several impressive Black-Red Carrier bulls that will sell. His genuine shape, performance, and outcross pedigree make him a must see on sale day! RIDGE BLOCKANNA 2133-4563 | REG: 4957556 Sire: RED KENRAY FERDINAND 42K Dam: RRA STEWARD 9216 For the first time ever, we will offer a hand selected group of top shelf registered replacement heifers following the bulls! RIDGE SARA 1068-4092 | REG: 4957920 Sire: LACY QUINDARO 056J Dam: RRA GUARDIAN 762 Here is an elite daughter of Lacy Quindaro 056J that offers breed leading genomic figures to accompany her balanced phenotype! RIDGE DORA 2015-4544 | REG: 4957594 Sire: YRA 0806 STEALTH 0806-2110 Dam: RIDGE COMPASS 7087 Massive bodied, easy fleshing, sound footed… straight from the heart of the Sandbur Ridge Red Angus breeding program! FLAT WATER GANG ANNUAL BULL SALE 70+ RED ANGUS BULLS & 20+ RED ANGUS FEMALES

28 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 PRODUCTION Natural Resources Districts Programs Helping Producers TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Nebraska is divided into 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), which are based on river basin boundaries. These NRDs strive to conserve, sustain and improve Nebraska’s natural resources and environment. In most states across the country, you will find conservation districts divided by counties. Nebraska’s NRDs are unique in the fact that they are established in river basins, which allows for natural resources management decisions to be made on a watershed basis. “NRDs are local government and local control,” explains Jasper Fanning, general manager of the Upper Republican NRD. “So, we’re very responsive to the local constituents and what their natural resources issues are. Because of this, I think we can deliver solutions to those problems in a more effective way, and in a more cost-effective way than state or federal agencies would be able to.” Statewide, NRDs share a set of common responsibilities. NRD managers meet with the Legislature every year, advocating on behalf of producers and in the interest of natural resources conservation. Each district is governed by a locally elected board of directors, and board members serve a term of four years. Each district fine-tunes its focus and programs to reflect the needs of its specific area. Areas of Impact “The Natural Resources Districts essentially manage or administer NSWCP [Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Cost-Share Program] funding, which is state funding that’s passed through from the legislature to the local districts to provide some state resources for us to use in areas like range land management,” Fanning explains. “NRDs offer programs covering a wide variety of topics.” Farmers and ranchers across Nebraska can agree that water is one of their most precious resources. The High Plains Aquifer is the primary source of groundwater for many residents, and with nearly 80,000 miles of rivers and streams across the state, it is easy to see why some of the NRDs’ biggest projects are focused on water management and conservation. Groundwater management and conservation have been a top priority for more than 40 years. With some areas of the state seeing water allocations in place since the 1970s, NRDs have worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) across the state to help producers manage their water while still producing high-yielding crops. “NRDs are granted authority to regulate and manage groundwater, both quantity and quality,” Fanning says. “Some areas of the state are dealing with water allocations, while other areas of the state actual-

March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 29 ly want people to pump groundwater to harvest the nitrogen out of the groundwater. This allows them to credit for that in their application and put less fertilizer on their crops.” Water management projects within NRDs cover a variety of topics beyond groundwater management, including flood control, canal and pipeline projects and water quality, which includes the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act. “NRDs help producers with a lot of different aspects of water management,” explains Roy Stewart, who recently retired as the director of the Upper Elkhorn NRD where he was on the board for more than 40 years. “They measure the nitrates in the water and help out with rural water districts by educating the people on how to cut back on nitrogen use. NRDs do cost share on water filtration and reverse osmosis for people who can’t get on a rural water system.” The NRDs will help producers sample soil and monitor their irrigation water for nitrate levels. By monitoring nitrate levels already available in the water, producers can potentially decrease input costs by scaling back on commercial fertilizer. “In the ‘60s the thought was more fertilizer, higher yields, more profit,” Stewart says. “Well, that’s how the nitrates got down to where they’re at; they went beyond the root zone, which means they can make their way into the drinking water. We’ve been making progress on people recognizing the impact of this issue, but I’m told that it will be six generations before we ever pump the excess back out of the ground.” As water allocations have become more conservative over the years, NRDs have helped producers adapt along the way. From using soil probes to helping monitor chemigation and fertigation application, local districts provide tools to help producers succeed. Outside of the many water projects, NRDs can help producers by cost-sharing livestock wells and tanks as well as building interior cross fences and re-seeding native grasses on killed acres. With more than half of Nebraska being diversified grazing lands that are utilized by livestock and wildlife, rangeland management and soil health are a top priority. NRDs provide a variety of educational opportunities for producers as well as students. The next generation can learn how to test water, enter an environmental quiz bowl, attend a conservation and natural resources camp or enter the range judging and land judging competitions. NRD and Producers “I think across agriculture, just due to the economic pressure, you’re seeing more and more people looking at optimizing all of their inputs, and the Natural Resources Districts are here to help people accomplish that while helping them to improve the quality of water and natural resources around them,” Fanning says. Your local NRD may cover multiple counties in your area. Their focus is on managing, developing and protecting the water and soil natural resources in your area. Should you have any questions regarding water and irrigation, trees and wildlife habitats, or rangeland management specific to your area, they are a great resource to reach out to. “You couldn’t paint Nebraska with one brush and deal with the natural resources or environmental issues of any area of the state as well as you can when that’s managed and determined locally,” Fanning says. “By having a local board that dictates what our priorities are and how we’re going to address them, it becomes more efficient and successful.” For more information on Nebraska’s NRDs and how their programs can benefit your operation, visit nrdnet.org. Contact information for each NRD can be found there as well as their own specific website. ~NC~ Nebraska’s 23 NRDs cover the entire state.

30 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 14th Annual Bull Sale Thursday March 20th, 2025 Selling 90 Spring & 2 Yr old Angus Bulls, Top Registered Heifer and Fancy Commercial Pairs dblbullsale.net Dean Christensen (308) 550-0298 Fullerton, NE Bonnie Christensen (308) 550-0299 Office (308)536-2405 Glenn Davis (219)776-7584 DBL Turn Key 4046 Reg#21155398 DBL Congress 4025 Reg# 21155391 DBL Showcase 4044 Reg# 21161258 Whatever your reason, choose Unleaded 88. ChooseUnleaded88.com

Genetic Opportunity Angus Bull Sale Monday, March 17, 2025 | 1:00 P.M. | Purdum, NE Selling 80 Spring Yearling Bulls Sale Features Sandhills raised • Genomic EPDs • Semen Checked Free Delivery • Breeding Season Guarantee • Volume Discounts David and Carol Medeiros 41053 W. North Loup Rd. Purdum, NE 69157 David, (209) 765-0508 Carol, (209) 604-9089 www.ranchocasinoangus.com Tyson and Rachel Cox 41065 W. North Loup Rd Purdum, NE 69157 Tyson, (308) 880-0231 Rachel, (308) 880-0034 Home, (308) 834-3306 Casino Broadcast x181 21084852 Sire: Connealy Broadcast BW WW YW Marb RE $M $W -2.4 +91 +160 +.93 +1.24 +80 +89 Casino Corporate x153 21084837 Sire: Galaxy Corporate 0114 BW WW YW Marb RE $M $W +1.9 +87 +150 +.70 +.79 +86 +81 CR Thedford 447 20920028 Sire: Hoffman Thedford BW WW YW Marb RE $M $W -.8 +85 +145 +.61 +1.10 +92 +95 CR Endeavor 417 20918996 Sire: Foxhovens Endeavor 203 BW WW YW Marb RE $M $W +.4 +89 +157 +.06 +.85 +57 +71 Casino Constable x160 21084840 Sire: Casino Constable T34 BW WW YW Marb RE $M $W +.5 +77 +129 +.91 +.82 +107 +86 CR Blockade 467 20906484 Sire: Hoffman LLL Blockade BW WW YW Marb RE $M $W +3.9 +80 +133 +.42 +.54 +49 +67 Sons of Casino Constable, Connealy Broadcast, Hoffman Thedford, Hoffman LLL Blockade, Poss Dominator, DB Iconic, Haynes Patronage 122, Galaxy Corporate 0114

32 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE April 10, 2025 • Torrington Livestock Sale Barn Selling Two-Year-Olds, PAP Tested 18 Month and Yearling Bulls Kody: 307-575-3519 • Jeff: 307-575-2113 • Jim: 307-534-5141 • 1929 Road 60 • Veteran, WY 82243 • email: mccluncattle@gmail.com www.McClunRanch.com LAZY JM RANCH ANGUS & POLLED HEREFORDS MCM CLUN’S CLUN’S MC ARCHITECT M9 DTM DOB: 01/28/24 CED: 4 • BW: 1.7 • WW: 95 • YW: 147 • $B: 148 • $C: 281 M9 MC TRADEMARK 67M DOB: 02/04/24 CED: -1.6 • BW: 3.5 • WW: 78 • YW: 122 • CHB: 167 67M HOMOZYGOUS POLLED MC DYNAMIC L47 DTM DOB: 08/31/23 CED: 8 • BW: -0.4 • WW: 90 • YW: 154 • $B: 167 • $C: 268 L47 MC KING L51 DOB: 09/03/23 CED: 4.9 • BW: 1.9 • WW: 63 • YW: 100 • CHB: 135 L51 HOMOZYGOUS POLLED FIRST YEAR BREEDING GUARANTEE FREE DELIVERY SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASE GUARANTEE MC DYNAMIC 8M DOB: 01/05/24 CED: 15 • BW: -0.4 • WW: 92 • YW: 155 • $B: 172 • $C: 277 8M

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