58 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 Eric Hansen, North Platte Vice President Eric Hansen serves as NC vice president and represents the fifth generation of his family’s cow-calf ranch, established in 1877. His deep roots in the beef industry extend beyond the ranch, having served on multiple boards with a focus on conservation work. “The freedom to make decisions based on your own priorities, working out in God’s creation and the incredible people in this industry are what I love most,” Hansen says. “It’s encouraging to see so many young people showing interest in production agriculture, and despite the decades of anti-animal agriculture propaganda, demand for beef remains as strong as ever.” Hansen’s passion for conservation drives much of his work. His family’s long-standing involvement with NC inspired him to get involved, and he credits Libby Schaneman with encouraging him to pursue a leadership role. As vice president, Hansen aims to increase membership and make NC more appealing to younger producers. He’s excited to meet more members across the state and become more engaged in the legislative process. Hansen has been married to his wife, Jill, for 30 years and they have raised four daughters. Outside of ranching, much of his free time is spent “chasing kids.” When it comes to meals, Hansen keeps it simple but indulgent: a rare New York strip steak. Meet NC’s Newest Board Members HANNAH PEARSON, NC MEMBERSHIP FIELD STAFF PEOPLE New Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board members were selected to serve membership in various roles during the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention. Council chairs and vice chairs are elected by the council members they represent. Vice chairs of Member Services for each region are elected by the affiliate presidents in their regions, and committee chairs and chairs-elect are appointed by the NC president. Meet more of the new leaders serving on the NC Board of Directors. If you’re considering joining NC, Hansen blends humor with sincerity: “Do you want to be vice president? Evidently, they’ll let anybody do it,” he jokes. “But seriously, Nebraska Cattlemen has helped achieve significant legislative victories, and it’s an organization dedicated to protecting our industry and way of life.” Hansen is ready to bring his leadership and passion for the beef industry to the forefront while continuing his family’s proud legacy. Merlyn Nielsen, Seward Taxation Committee Vice Chair Merlyn Nielsen serves as NC Taxation Committee vice chair. He and his family run a small commercial cow-calf operation near Seward under Nielsen Flatwater Farms LLC, which he owns with his wife, Elaine, and their two adult children, Erin and Brian. For Nielsen, the best part of working in the beef industry is the people. “Nebraska beef producers and the allied industry persons are wonderful people,” he says. His involvement with NC stems from a long career in beef genetics and breeding as a faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nielsen was also an early leader in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 60
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