10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2026 Every month, I spend days mulling over the events that have unfolded since my last column. My husband writes a column for another industry publication, and since I consider him the superior wordsmith, he’s usually my go-to editor. When I pitched this month’s concept to him, he gave that skeptical “I’m not so sure about this one” expression. So naturally, I pondered his perspective and forged ahead. Many situations I have encountered lately have given me reason to spend time thinking about the “Two Truths” principle: the idea that two different facts can exist at the same time, even if they point in different directions. It’s like a flow chart. A “Yes” takes you down one path, while a “No” leads somewhere entirely different, yet both paths exist on the same map and may eventually connect again somewhere. Two truths exist often in policy discussions that are top-of-mind right now at Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) while the Unicameral is in session. Take the Nebraska brand inspection debate for example. It is true that NC firmly supports maintaining our brand inspection system and opposes a voluntary statewide model that has been proposed this year. It is also true that the association has long advocated for modernizing that very system. These aren’t conflicting goals; they are truths that, when paired with a collaborative mindset, lead to progress. Recent headlines regarding cattle markets, herd numbers and exports also bring up two truths. U.S. cattle producers are navigating the smallest beef cattle herd in 75 years yet are enjoying record-high beef demand. While there is no quick fix for herd expansion, producers are finally seeing financial rewards after many tough years, proving that struggle and success often share the same season. While expanding foreign markets will lead to positive results for beef production, importing lean beef from other countries will not likely have the impact on beef prices that has been a stated desire in new trade agreements. The “two truths” idea isn’t something I just witness at work. I recently saw it play out at my son’s wrestling meet. He’s back on the mat after a few years away, and after a recent tough loss, he messaged me: “I just wanted you to see me win.” He saw the loss; I saw the comeback. We were both right. The points on the board will come, and I will continue to show up and try to keep a lid on my loud cheering from the stands. As we head into the warm days of spring, I hope you can find the “win” in the middle of the sometimes complicated and conflicting truths we face every day. ~NC~ 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 DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES | Sawyer Willrett DIRECTOR OF PRODUCER RELATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TaraLee Hudson ACCOUNTANT | 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. THE ‘TWO TRUTHS’ PRINCIPLE LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT I hope you can find the “win” in the middle of the sometimes complicated and conflicting truths we face every day.
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