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!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMxNTA5