NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 9
Kurtis VenJohn, Manager (308) 234-1874 Chris Burris, Manager (620) 285-2183 Paul Woydziak, Manager (620) 792-2508 Matthew Vaupel, Manager 620-564-2200 Grady Woodard, Manager (620) 257-5106 Brandon Sorensen, Manager (308) 324-5611 Jesse Landin, Manager (308) 995-6136 CORPORATE OFFICE PO BOX 1506, GREAT BEND, KS 67530 | (620) 793-9200 Throug Innovatio PERFORMANCE Bronson Smith, President & CEO Tyler Spore, Vice President of Cattle Operations Jerrod Westfahl, Executive Chairman
www.rawhideportablecorral.com www.rawhideportablecorral.com Ready when you are. Wherever you are.
Complete Dispersal OF THE KEYES ANGUS HERD SATURDAY // 11:00 A.M. NOVEMBER 15, 2025 126 N. Government // Valentine, NE 69201 600 HEAD Over will sell including: 200+ Registered Angus Spring Pair Splits 60 Registered Angus Spring Bred Heifers 60 Commercial Angus Spring Bred Heifers 70 Registered Angus 18-Month-Old Bulls 25+ Registered Angus Herd Sires Kevin Keyes, Owner (402) 677-0512 Frank Utter, Ranch Manager (308) 880-0159 Ranch Address: 42511 West North Loup Road | Brewster, NE 68821 Keyesangus@gmail.com Keyesangus. com SALE MANAGER Matt C. Sims 405.641.6081 matt@mcsauction.com Sound, functional, grass efficient, low input cattle with predictable EPDs that are developed and run on native range and rotated through the ranch in the heart of the Sandhills. 20452805 • 03/12/21 S: Bear Mtn Justify / D: KZ Bandeva 5311 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 12 -1.6 74 125 39 0.42 0.90 80 133 253 KZ Bandeva 1114 21322842 • 04/09/25 S: Bear Mtn Stealth 1510 / D: KZ Bandeva 1114 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 15 -1.9 71 117 23 1.46 0.74 102 173 326 KZ Bandeva 5042 21134574 • 03/23/23 S: Bear Mtn Hickok 0667 / D: KZ Enchantress 1015 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 5 2.1 72 122 32 0.69 0.56 60 142 244 KZ Enchantress 3009 21322828 • 03/27/25 S: Bear Mtn Stealth 1510 / D: KZ Enchantress 3009 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 11 1 69 125 35 1.23 0.64 75 183 312 KZ Stealth 5007 20164365 • 02/27/20 S: Bear Mtn Justify / D: KZ Enchantress 8021 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 7 0.9 79 132 26 0.58 0.56 79 140 261 KZ Enchantress 0027 21322836 • 04/06/25 S: KR Hayday 2357 / D: KZ Enchantress 0027 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 7 2.2 92 170 33 0.70 1.00 53 183 290 KZ Hayday 5025 Sale held at Valentine Livestock Auction 126 N. Government // Valentine, NE 69201
21134584 • 04/03/23 S: Koupals B&B Junction 0124 / D: KZ Enchantress 0027 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 7 0.3 82 142 25 0.47 0.86 87 157 291 KZ Enchantress 3029 20173856 • 01/26/20 S: K C F Bennett Fortress / D: KZ Dolly 8043 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 9 -0.8 65 116 29 0.53 0.16 65 144 252 KZ Dolly 0017 20164359 • 01/21/20 S: KR Plattemere 7509 / D: KZ Direction 8080 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 5 2 75 128 33 0.44 0.64 69 135 244 KZ Dina 0005 21276844 • 04/01/24 S: Bear Mtn Stealth 1510 / D: KZ Jamie 2007 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 12 -1.3 64 122 28 0.97 0.57 61 143 246 KZ Jamie 4238 21216589 • 03/27/24 S: KR Hayday 2357 / D: KZ Miss Insight 2132 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 10 2.2 80 140 25 0.11 0.88 58 132 229 KZ Miss Insight 4014 21216592 • 03/31/24 S: Bear Mtn Stealth 1510 / D: KZ Evelyn 2115 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 8 0.5 68 113 32 0.77 0.74 105 141 288 KZ Evelyn 4019 21216600 • 04/12/24 S: KR Hayday 2357 / D: KZ Enchantress 7102 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C -1 3.7 86 151 19 0.45 0.97 37 174 263 KZ Enchantress 4072 21216610 • 03/01/24 S: Bear Mtn Patriarch 2591 / D: Bear Mtn Kem 2741 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 7 0.8 73 137 15 0.54 0.66 58 147 249 KZ Patriarch 4001 21276845 • 03/05/24 S: Frank True North 2018 / D: Bear Mtn Enchantress 2549 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 11 0.2 67 133 28 0.76 0.95 46 169 265 KZ True North 4003 21274281 • 03/09/24 S: Frank True North 2018 / D: Bear Mtn Lady Eraline 2625 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 4 0.8 83 136 22 0.73 0.77 80 158 285 KZ True North 4004 21216564 • 04/21/24 S: Bear Mtn Without A Doubt / D: KZ Kenzie 8003 CED BW WW YW Milk MB RE $M $B $C 10 0.4 63 109 37 0.58 0.71 89 154 289 KZ Without A Doubt 4109 60 Spring calving commercial Angus bred heifers sell!
6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 9 REGULARS Insights ....................................8 Ruminations .........................10 Consider This .......................42 NCIG....................................... 50 IANR .......................................54 Nebraska Beef Council .......58 NC Partners ...........................62 NC Membership Application ...........................64 Advertiser Index ..................66 Sale & Event Calendar........ 68 Boots on the Ground ...........70 FEATURES PRODUCTION Fall Animal Health............................................................................. 18 Brush up on animal health protocols to set your cattle up for success. Winter Pitfalls of Summer Rain......................................................38 How producers can navigate common pitfalls to conserve time, resources and money. PEOPLE Building Bulls, Building Legacy ...................................................... 12 The Van Newkirks blend tradition and technology to keep a 130-year ranch thriving. PAST Great Plains Cattle and Grass Gold Rush ......................................26 A look at how investments from abroad produced a second boom in the Plains cattle industry. PERSPECTIVES Finding Opportunity in Challenging Markets...............................22 With the right planning and outlook, today’s challenging environment for ranchers can turn into an opportunity all its own. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE 2025 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Schedule........................................................................32 2025 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration ..................................................................34 Beef Pit 2025.......................................................................................44 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: Van Newkirk Herefords, Oshkosh, trails pairs home for weaning. Photo courtesy of Cathy Wright.
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8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 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 – John Kennedy, Primrose, (308) 920-2828 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 IS NOW THE TIME? JEFF HELDT, PH.D., PAS | SCOTTSBLUFF NC ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR What a time to be involved in the cattle industry. It seems like every week there is some kind of record broken – all-time high prices, lowest cow slaughter totals, biggest margin calls ever, record-high protein demand from consumers, etc. When and how does it end? We will eventually find out, but for now there are definitely reasons to be grateful and enjoy the ride. Along this journey, I have had the privilege and opportunity to talk with many extremely smart and talented folks in the industry. As a technical services manager, I am very fortunate to get to visit with feedyard owners/managers, feedyard consultants, feed company nutritionists, feed salesmen and ranchers. It is fascinating how folks view this rollercoaster ride and opportunities in two extremely different lenses as I ask them questions about potentially investing in new/different technologies. As genetic information and management have increased, our ability to make marked improvements has narrowed. We used to be able to think about spending a couple pennies per head per day and see a 5- to 8-percent improvement in almost any variable (health outcomes, ADG, F:G, etc.). Now those conversations are still about investing a couple pennies per head per day with the possibility of seeing only a 2- to 3-percent improvement in a given response variable. With that in mind, I hear a couple answers. 1) Things are really good, I am making money. Why invest and or change? and 2) With the cost of selling/buying feeder cattle, I need to get everything I can out of them to maximize profit or get close to breakeven. Two completely different views in the same industry in the same market on the same day. How are you approaching the opportunities that are in front of you? There will continually be new technologies that require you to invest. Maybe it’s a new antibiotic or vaccine; maybe it’s a tweak to a ration/nutrient; maybe it’s a new feed additive. If the legacy companies are conducting research to bring proven products to the market, there will probably be a need to spend a few more dollars on a “new or improved” way to do business. Are you willing to take a look and spend some now “while the gettin’s good,” or will you wait until the pressure is on and be forced to react? Remember the proverb that pertains to the physical law of gravity: “What goes up must come down.” When does the downward trend start and take over? Nobody really knows, so now could be a great time to consider the idea of “new and improved.” Nebraska Cattlemen has many allied industries sponsors to help make things easier, better and more efficient. Take the time to talk to those folks and lean on them and their support teams. Now is not the time to be complacent. An open mind and dialogue with these companies on new opportunities could go a long way. The value of every animal today – no matter if it’s a calf off the ranch or the feeder calf walking off the truck into the feedyard – is so high today, it’s worth looking at investments to keep them healthier and make them grow faster or more efficient. I will end with a quote by the great Mark Twain: “I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it ceased to be one.” ~NC~
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10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 As combines roll across the fields and the weather begins to cool, preparations for winter are underway – and it’s hard to believe this issue of Nebraska Cattleman already highlights our upcoming annual convention. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us in Kearney, Dec. 10-12. Beyond the chance to reconnect with fellow cattlemen and women from across the state, the heart of convention is the approval and adoption of the grassroots policy that guides our association’s work for the year ahead. This is your opportunity to be directly involved in the process that defines Nebraska Cattlemen leadership and advocacy efforts. Your voice and action truly shape the direction of our organization. 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. NAY NAY OFFICIAL NC POLICY YEA Policy starts with YOU. Taxation Animal Health & Nutrition Brand & Property Rights Education & Research Marketing & Commerce Natural Resources & Environment Cow-Calf Farmer-Stockman Feedlot Seedstock ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING VOTE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE LOCAL NC AFFILIATE POLICY COMMITTEES COUNCILS YEA YEA YEA NAY FACTS: If a policy does not pass a council meeting, it can still go to a committee meeting. If a policy fails in a committee meeting, it can still be brought to the annual business meeting. HOW NC POLICY WORKS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT CONTINUED ON PAGE 66
WWW.LEACHMAN.COM | (970) 568-3983 SCAN TO VIEW UPCOMING SALES BULLS THAT BUILD BETTER COW HERDS CENTRAL PLAINS BULL SALE NOVEMBER 15TH, 2025 SALE LOCATION: ALMA LIVESTOCK AUCTION - ALMA, NE OFFERING 60 AGE-ADVANTAGED RED & BLACK STABILIZER BULLS FALL ROUNDUP BULL & FEMALE SALE NOVEMBER 21ST, 2025 SALE LOCATION: LEACHMAN $PROFIT CENTER - MERIDEN, WY OFFERING 60 CHAROLAIS & 30 STABILIZER BULLS + MATURE COW DISPERSAL 81 CHAROLAIS BRED COWS, 36 RED ANGUS BRED COWS, 41 BLACK ANGUS BRED COWS, 160 BRED STABILIZER HEIFERS PRIVATE TREATY OFFERING - 20 AGE-ADVANTAGED RED ANGUS BULLS JERROD WATSON (CO) - 303-827-1156 AARON RASMUSSEN (NE) - 308- 763-1361 KURT SCHENKEL (OH) - 740-503-6270 TOP THE MARKET BY BUYING A STABILIZER! cows that work - steers that pay!
12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 Building Bulls, The Van Newkirks Blend Tradition and PEOPLE On the rolling Sandhills outside Oshkosh, the Van Newkirk family weaves deep roots, cross-generational teamwork and a passion for horned Hereford cattle into the fabric of a thriving ranching legacy. Four generations of Van Newkirks have raised cattle on the same Sandhills ground – now raising up the fifth generation – to work the land and operate Van Newkirk Herefords. They’ve weathered industry downturns by improving genetics to preserve customer loyalty and created a work-life balance with family that has sustained the business for years. A Family Business Since 1892 Today, the operation is managed by Joe and Cyndi Van Newkirk and their son, Kolby. Van Newkirk Herefords dates back to 1892 when Joe’s grandfather, Lorenzo, started mating Hereford bulls to his Longhorn cows. In 1942, Joe’s father, A.J. (Bud) Van Newkirk, continued the business when he started the herd of registered Herefords by purchasing females from several area breeders. Cyndi grew up around cattle as her father owned the feedlot in Oshkosh while also owning ranches in South Dakota. Joe came back to the ranch after graduating from Chadron State College, and Cyndi was still in college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) when the two met. They got married in 1982 and began running the family operation. Joe and Cyndi’s three children, Kolby, Sara and Nick – the fourth generation of Van Newkirks – are all involved in the operation in some way. Kolby and his wife, Meg, live on the ranch where Kolby co-manages the operation with his parents. Sara works for Greater Omaha Packing, sourcing feeder cattle, Three generations of Van Newkirks. Standing, left to right, are Nick, Matt Cover, Sara (Van Newkirk) Cover, Kolby and Joe. Sitting, left to right, are adults Celina, Meg and Cyndi, along with the nine littles of the third generation. Joe (left), Kolby (right) and Kolby’s son, Barrett, represent three generations of Van Newkirks ranching together. Joe (left) kneels with his son, Kolby (right), and Kolby’s children, Sloan and Barrett, on their Oshkosh ranch.
November 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 Building Legacy KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOS BY CATHY WRIGHT and her husband, Matt Cover, helps with merchandising their customers’ cattle. Nick lives and works in Puerto Rico with his wife, Celina. Altogether, the Van Newkirk’s have nine grandchildren. Long-time hired man Travis Kezar has been with the operation for more than 20 years, and the Van Newkirks consider him part of the family. “This is a family operation,” Joe says, “My wife and kids are just as much a part of this ranch as I am. They get right in there and help with whatever ranch work needs to be done.” Balancing Tradition and Technology Hereford cattle are well suited for the weather changes of western Nebraska, as well as being low maintenance and feed efficient. “This has always been in my blood,” Joe says of raising Hereford cattle. “In the ‘80s, it was really not a very good place to be in the Hereford purebred business. But I knew the cattle were worth it, and we just kept plugging along, improving our cattle.” That grit and determination have suited the Van Newkirks well as they continue to operate with a blend of “old-school” cow sense and new-school efficiency. While they continue to breed cows to raise calves in a challenging environment, the ranch has evolved with modern technology, including artificial insemination, genomic EPDs and progressive farming. “Our cattle work is still done on horseback and we’re going to continue to do that,” Joe says. “A Iot of our customers like to have bulls that they can turn out that respect a saddle horse, respect a side-by-side or respect somebody on foot.” Cyndi adds that their working facilities have evolved. “We work cattle through the squeeze chute, which is much better than the way we worked cattle 40 years ago,” Cyndi says. “Easier on the cattle; easier on the cowboys.” Kolby highlights the value of technology and greater efficiency. “We’ve implemented more use of artificial insemination, embryo transfer and ultrasound to collect carcass data,” he says. “We also gather genomic DNA for more accurate EPDs in our cattle. All of this information helps us put our finger CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Technology to Keep a 130-Year Ranch Thriving
14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 on the cows that are or not producing as well to make precise culling and genetic progress decisions.” “We also love our calving cameras,” Cyndi exclaims. “Technology like calving cameras, satellite radios for remote work areas and better cell service makes us more efficient.” Their commitment to adopting innovative practices earned the family the respected Beef Improvement Federation’s 2018 Seedstock Producer of the Year honor. Building Bulls and Relationships Selling nearly 250 coming 2-year-old and yearling bulls annually, the Van Newkirks stand by their cattle for their consistent quality, breed-leading carcass traits, longevity, docility and a maternal focus. This reputation has led them to have a successful annual bull sale with nearly 85 percent of their bulls going to repeat buyers from across 20 states. “Our business has really grown over the years, and we have built the backbone of this operation on our repeat customers. They make us successful,” Joe says. The Van Newkirk’s guarantee “under-promises and over-delivers” which continues to bring back repeat and generational customers. “Our customers are the best customers in the world, and they’re our best advertising,” Joe says. “We want our customers to do well and to make money. We spend a lot of time helping them market their cattle.” Cyndi adds that many of their customers span three generations, from the grandfathers who started buying cattle to their sons and now their grandsons. While the Van Newkirks still run their bulls through the auction ring in their sale barn on the ranch, the sale has progressed, starting with using Superior Livestock Auction to help market bulls, and more recently bringing in DV Auction and LiveAg for buyers to purchase online. Multi-Generational Teamwork When Joe and Cyndi took over the operation, they built on what Joe’s parents and grandparents started. Kolby returned full-time in 2011, and the transition has unfolded naturally – beginning with daily 5 a.m. coffee and conversations. “Nobody bothers you at five in the morning,” Kolby jokes. “But it’s absolutely the best time of every day for Dad and me to have our day and week ahead figured out.” Joe began handing over decision-making to Kolby early in his return to the ranch. While attending UNL, the Van Newkirk children took a class on returning to and taking over the family business, taught by Dave Specht. Later, Specht held a seminar near Oshkosh that the family attended and gained valuable insights from. “I always knew that this was where I was going to end up,” Kolby adds. “From the time I was a young kid, I had a real interest in cattle genetics, which is obviously an important part of our business.” While Joe says Kolby and Travis do most of the heavy lifting today, Kolby attests that his dad hasn’t slowed down and has embraced new technology used on the ranch. And the next generation of Van Newkirks are already learning work ethic by helping bring in the hay crop and cattle, and even running an online kids store. “We wanted the grandkids to start learning some skills, so we let them start a little kids store on our website,” Cyndi says. “It’s been really good for them, and a learning curve, especially when they’ve lost money on shipping products overseas!” Joe adds that ranch life can be a pretty picture to a young grandchild, but they want them to get their feet wet. BUILDING BULLS, BUILDING LEGACY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
November 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 Bring Us Your Genetics, We'll Send Them Back Bred! Heifer Development Facility and Background Yard (402)382-5336 Check Out All Our Programs! www.calamuscattlecompany.com Family Owned And Operated Experienced. Dedicated. Sandhills Values. Bred < /agribusiness Member FDIC | From Forbes ©️ 2025 Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license. ONE THAT PROVIDES. Time-tested Agribusiness banking. “We just want to give them every opportunity,” Joe says. “The oldest one’s only 9 years old, but he’s raking hay, he’s helping with calving. We just want to make room for them and plan the ranch accordingly – but also want the kids to choose their own path. All in all, a cattle ranch is a great place to raise a family.” Joe and Cyndi have learned what it takes to hand off the reigns to the next generation while also staying involved. “Communication is key,” Joe advises. “You know, family ranches have similar targets where they’re headed. Just make sure everybody’s on board and let younger partners ‘take the oars’ gradually.” Kolby agrees. “There are a lot of great days, and there’s plenty of hard days. It’s a great lifestyle. Just make it clear where you’re at on things. With family, communication is really key to working together.” ~NC~
16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 PUT GREAT IN, GET GREAT OUT. PYRAMIDVaccines.com On a beef operation, risk is everywhere. And calf health is everything. Invest in your herd’s future by using a calf vaccine as premier as your calves: Pyramid® + Presponse® SQ. It’s proven by recent research to defend against the primary viruses and bacteria that lead to bovine respiratory disease — like BVDV Type 1b, BRSV and Mannheimia haemolytica — even in the face of maternal antibodies.1,2 PYRAMID®, the PYRAMID logo® and PRESPONSE® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved. US-BOV-0293-2022A-V2 1 Perkins-Oines S, Dias N, Krafsur G, et al. The effect of neonatal vaccination for bovine respiratory disease in the face of a dual challenge with bovine viral diarrhea virus and Mannheimia haemolytica. Vaccine. 2023;41(19):3080–3091. 2 Kolb EA, Buterbaugh RE, Rinehart CL, et al. Protection against bovine respiratory syncytial virus in calves vaccinated with adjuvanted modified-live virus vaccine administered in the face of maternal antibody. Vaccine 2020;38(2):298–308.
BENOIT ANGUS RANCH 621 Hwy. 36 // Esbon, KS 66941 Everett & Bonnie Benoit (785) 725-3231 Doug Benoit (785) 545-6806 Chad Benoit (785) 545-8095 www.BenoitAngus.com • Email: dmbenoit@ruraltel.com An Angus HERITAGE HERD Breeding high maternal Angus cattle for 55 years! This year the sale book will mail with the November Angus Journal – Call or Email to Request a Sale Book! ANNUAL FALL FEMALE SALE THURSDAY, 1 PM // NOVEMBER 20, 2025 RANCE LONG PO Box 2 • Adair, OK 74330 918-510-3464 RLong@RanceLong.com www.RanceLong.com Sale Managed By RANCE LONG, INC 918.510.3464 cell rlong@rancelong.com www.rancelong.com PO Box 2, Adair, OK 74330 Sale Managed By INC BENOIT ANGUS RANCH E&B LADY TAHOE 194 20128244 • 1/10/21 CED +12, BW -.3, WW +73, YW +128, Milk +31, Marb +1.15, RE +.73, $M +119, $C +351 The dam of the ST Genetics Sire, E&B Everett – She sells due to calve 2/21/26 to Yon Saluda and is carrying a Bull Calf! E&B LADY COMMERCE 485 21008418 • 2/6/24 CED +6, BW +1.8, WW +71, YW +124, Milk +32, Marb +.41, RE +.89, $M +78, $C +257 The breed heifer offering is deep in quality and includes this Connealy Commerce daughter who is loaded with performance and maternal power in her pedigree. E&B LADY OPTIMUM 4200 21238810 • 9/24/24 CED +10, BW +.6, WW +70, YW +133, Milk +43, Marb +.82, RE +.65, $M +86, $C +271 All of the fall replacement heifers sell, including this Deer Valley Optimum daughter from a Confidence Plus dam! E&B LADY PLUS 089 19810191 • 1/13/20 A special feature for this year’s sale will be a super set of 3-in-1 Pairs selling – All with Heifer Calves! A great opportunity to invest in the best of the E&B program! THESE BENOIT FEMALES SELL! H20 Productive 3-in-1 Pairs! H23 Outstanding Spring Bred Heifers H10 Fancy Fall Yearling Heifers Lot 1 Lot 23 Lot 44 Lot 8
18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 PRODUCTION Fall Animal Health Brush up on Animal Health Protocols TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Crisp mornings. Fall colors. Bawling calves. The change of seasons is upon us. The calendar is filled with dates for your own fall work, along with your neighbors’ shipping dates, your in-laws’ weaning dates and information for that new feller down the road who asked for your help. We are all familiar with the routine: precondition the calves, wean or ship the calves, preg test the cows, prep the cattle that are being kept for the winter. But, what does that winter preparation look like? Cows in the Chute Before your cows hit the chute for their fall workups, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian on what vaccines and protocols you will want to incorporate, especially in regard to parasites. Many people assume that parasites are only a concern in the spring and summer, but it is equally important to treat them in the fall. “Parasites are very individualized,” explains Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, and director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance. “Even across Nebraska, they can be very different in different regions and also in different cattle ages. You can test for parasites in your calves and your cows by doing a fecal sample.” Endoparasites Endoparasites, or parasites that live inside an animal, can be tracked and tested through fecal sampling. Endoparasites live inside the animal’s intestinal tract, and the adult parasites will lay their eggs inside the animal. Those eggs are then passed along through their feces. By counting the number of eggs in an animal’s feces, you can determine the number or ”parasite load.” “Fecal samples can be run by most local veterinarians inhouse, and they also work with [University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences],” says Roberto Cortiñas, DVM, Ph.D., and professor of practice at UNL School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “You do not have to sample every single animal; you just need to sample a few animals to have a good idea of what parasites are there. This allows you to tailor your deworming program appropriately.” Ideally, fecal samples will be collected and tested, recording the results of the type of eggs present and how many there Following BQA guidelines, like changing your needles after every 10 animals, can help set your cattle up for success and get the most out of their fall animal health protocols. Photo courtesy of Tressa Lawrence.
November 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 are. Then, deworm your cattle, wait a few weeks and run another set of fecal samples. This will allow you to see if the dewormer is working. “Endoparasites are a concern because they’re going to compete for whatever those animals are consuming,” Cortiñas explains. “When cattle pick these up from the pasture in the late summer and early fall, the worms skip becoming adults. They actually go into a state of arrested development in the gut lining, or what we call hypobiosis. What we try to do is reduce the number of larvae, because otherwise they will wake up in the spring and they can cause big issues with our cattle and also then contaminate the pasture as they become adults.” If your egg count does not go down after applying the dewormer, it could mean a couple of different things. The dewormer could have been applied incorrectly or underdosed, or it could just be old. Perhaps the wormer was not the correct wormer to target those specific parasites. The bigger concern would be that the herd has developed a resistance issue. “We’re trying to get away from dosing every animal throughout the herd,” Cortiñas says. “We are leaning into looking at each animal and getting a good idea of what is going on in your herd. Are the worms a big or small problem? Our ranchers are starting to become aware of the need to be more selective in the way that we approach deworming, but still prioritizing deworming those animals that are young or sick.” It’s important to treat for parasites in all stages of life, but especially in younger animals that have not built up immune responses to worms. If you are keeping your weaned calves through the winter, consult with your vet to set up the best parasite control protocol for them. Ectoparasites Ectoparasites, or parasites that live on the outside of the animal, are typically more obvious to spot in your herd. Lice, mites and winter ticks are all common ectoparasites in cattle. Typical indicators of these can be excessive grooming in the animals, tufts of hair stuck on barbed wire from animals scratching (also known as tagging) and hairless patches on the animal’s body. “If animals are constantly itching and scratching, they’re not doing what they should be doing, which is eating, so we can see this have a big impact if not treated,” Cortiñas says. Parasite Control Methods When making your plan for parasite control, you have to determine what you are treating and from there you may have options in how to apply it. Many pour-on products are typically effective for both internal and external parasites. “White wormers” or oral applications are products that are targeted toward endoparasites. The third option is an injectable wormer. Whichever route you choose to go, proper application and dosage are the most important parts. “When we are processing cattle during that fall run, we really want to follow those Beef Quality Assurance protocols – proper vaccine handling, keeping the vaccine in a cooler and keeping it out of the sunlight, and then also understanding how to mix a modified-live vaccine and how long it is viable after mixing, so no more than one hour, otherwise that vaccine does not work,” Waechter-Mead explains. “Changing your needles regularly is an inexpensive thing to do, so I recommend not going more than 10 animals at a time before changing to a new needle. “When you think about how much money you put into those animal health products, and then obviously calves are worth a lot right now, so you want the product to work. If we just remember those proper handling protocols, then we’ll have better results.” Foot Rot Parts of Nebraska were blessed with much-needed moisture this year, but with that blessing came the increase of foot rot. It is important to determine if an animal is limping from foot rot or something else such as an abscess or injury. “Foot rot will present as swelling down along the coronary band where the hoof comes up to where the hair starts and also between the toes, causing the claws to spread apart,” Waechter-Mead explains. “It will appear red, and it’ll be really smelly. It is also very painful, causing acute limping. The best thing to do is talk to your veterinarian and get an exam to ensure that the treatment matches the diagnosis.” As you plow through the rest of the fall cow work, I hope you are blessed with good weather and healthy cattle. If you ever have questions about parasite control in your herd, reach out to your local veterinarian to customize a protocol that works best for you and your operation. ~NC~ There are many different options when it comes to wormers: pour-ons, injectables and “white wormers,” which are oral applications. Photo courtesy of Tressa Lawrence.
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 NC Trade Show Exhibitor
November 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 YourGENETIC SOURCE Dan and Kate Warner 42198 Road 721, Arapahoe, NE 68922 Dan Warner: 308.962.6511 Monte Warner: 308.962.6136 Darren Warner: 308.824.2950 warnerbeef.com Contact us to request a sale book. BID LIVE ONLINE Power of THE COW MS ANISSA 9851NReg. Number 1635736 Outstanding heifer calf. Breed leading cow family and phenotype. Broadcasting Real-Time Auctions Two opportunities this fall to buy into the power of the Warner Beef Genetics cow. WARNER BEEF GENETICS Genetic Opportunities Female Sale Friday, November 21, 2025 • 5:00 PM (CT) At the Ranch, Arapahoe, NE Selling 60+ Elite Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer Donor Cows, Bred Heifers, Fall Pairs and Show Heifer Prospects. WARNER BEEF GENETICS Maternal Merit Commercial Female Sale Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • 1:00 PM (CT) At the Ranch, Arapahoe, NE Selling 450+ Commercial Balancer, Angus, Red Angus and F1 Baldy Bred Heifers. MS KESS 520NReg. Number 1637369 The rst female o ered by Kessinger 1009K. One that will show and produce both. MS ENCORE 3628L Reg. Number 1602838 Diluter free red fall calving bred heifer. TUMBLEWEED 010H ET Reg. Number 1521439 An exciting donor prospect. A full sister to the impressive herd sire CTR Integrity 0704H. VELVET 220Y 5141D ET Reg. Number 1383992 The amazing proven donor dam that sells. A breed leader for marbling and most notably the dam of ABS sire Glory. MS E TRADE 3641L Reg. Number 1602848 Tremendous fall calving female.
22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN CHALLENGING MARKETS JOHN DARWIN, CFA | RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AT BRIDGES TRUST By most metrics, the last three years in equity markets have been historic. As of the end of August 2025, the S&P 500, an index that tracks the largest 500 companies in the U.S. stock market, has returned 19.54 percent per year over the last three years.1 To put that number in context, this three-year period for stock performance ranks better than 80 percent of observations dating back to 1985.2 It’s not just equities that have been on a run, however. Despite ticking down for the first time in six years this year, the nominal all-land average value per acre for farmland in Nebraska is up 7.6 percent annually since 2020 and, as our clients across the state know first-hand, cattle prices have also moved favorably over that same period.34 It seems that everywhere we look, things are getting more expensive. All of this is happening against a backdrop that feels grim for many Nebraskans. Commodity prices have dropped precipitously after a few good years in the early 2020s5 and tariffs appear to be having a chilling effect on crop exports. A recent study commissioned by the Aksarben Foundation found that Lincoln and Omaha’s economies are growing at a much slower rate than comparable cities, and the entire state’s Q1 2025 GDP growth ranks last among all states in the nation.6 The proverbial wall of worry is high and growing. DIFFICULT DECISIONS At Bridges Trust, we’re committed to helping families plan for multi-generational wealth transfer. We’ve heard the saying that families go “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves” in three generations. Whether because of poor tax planning, a lack of communication among family members or misguided decisions about where to invest and how to spend, many families fall victim to diminishing wealth as the years drag on. This problem can be particularly acute for farmers and ranchers whose primary form of wealth is the land they work on. Mapping out a plan to ensure future generations of your family are provided for is complicated enough for those whose net worth is made up of liquid assets like equities and cash. It’s a different beast entirely for Nebraskans with land-heavy balance sheets and limited liquidity. Many of today’s cattle producers are in the fortunate position of generating income, sometimes in sizeable amounts, thanks to the market improvement already mentioned. And yet, as costs to expand herds have increased and assets seem to continue appreciating, the decision about where to invest – Buy more land to expand? Purchase more liquid assets? – is becoming increasingly difficult. A BALANCING ACT As someone whose primary responsibility is allocating capital on behalf of clients, I believe all successful outcomes involve balance. The ideal asset allocation for a given family ought to effectively walk the line between ensuring the best possible chance for success in that family’s objectives while not taking on an unnecessary amount of risk. Risk, of course, takes many forms. For cattlemen and women, a land-heavy balance sheet can cause problems when the landowner passes away and children do not have enough cash to pay taxes or administer the estate – what we’d call a liquidity issue. (Assuming it’s even their desire to stay in the cattle business.) Short-term volatility in equity prices can cause a cash crunch or have serious long-term opportunity costs for those who feel compelled to exit the market as a result. And inflation, which impacted all households coming out of the pandemic and is rearing its ugly head again this year, is a constant headwind to the maintenance of wealth over longer periods of time. To understand just how persistent inflation is – and to better frame why it’s top among our concerns, alongside liquidity, when helping families plan for the future – let’s refer to some of the same markets we cited earlier. Accounting for inflation, that same 7.6 percent annual growth in land value since 2020 is just 3.9 percent, nearly four percentage points lower than the nominal value. The 10-year compound growth rate, a measly 1.9 percent in nominal terms, is actually negative after taking inflation into account.7 What about other places to allocate funds? Since 1975, inflation has, on average, shaved a hair under 4 percent off the annual return of the S&P 500 – a number that sounds like a lot until you realize that the real, after-inflation return of the index PERSPECTIVES
November 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 over that period is still 8.29 percent!8 Cash has barely kept up with inflation (+0.55 percent annually in real terms within that same window), and bonds have returned about 4.8 percent annually in real terms. (Our forward outlook for maintaining purchasing power with bonds is less rosy.) Compare that to the sensible concern about permanent loss of capital caused by investing at the “wrong time” – say, by buying the S&P 500 when it looks expensive. Here, a long holding period is your friend. Despite short-term volatility, when purchased at the beginning of a given month and subsequently held for the 10 years to follow, an investor’s return when investing in the index has been positive 96 percent of the time since 1970.9 That number increases as the holding period grows. Meanwhile, inflation pushes on. For as long as we have had reliable Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, inflation has never been negative over a 10-year period.10 Nothing in investing is ever certain, but history shows that chances are good that, left uninvested, your money today will be worth less in a decade. One of the best ways to combat near-certain erosion of your purchasing power is to do something about it today. Consider This Putting it all together, while everyone’s circumstances differ, landowners would be well-served to manage for three major considerations when evaluating their plans for maintaining their families’ wealth for the long-term. First, liquidity is paramount. While accumulating assets on the sidelines as your cattle business produces cash can feel like an idle decision, adequate cash reserves and a secondary allocation to bonds provide income and could reduce exposure to dramatic swings in the equity markets and are a foundational base for the remainder of your balance sheet. More important, building a reserve of assets that can be readily accessed reduces the chance of adverse outcomes when the first generation is no longer around and heirs are responsible for paying taxes and keeping the family business running. Second, market timing risk and the chances of permanent loss of capital are often mitigated by taking a longer-term view. While no one can predict the future, history provides ample evidence that, even at the worst entry points, investors have been able to compound their wealth by staying invested for a long enough time. Third, and finally, inflation comes for us all. After shoring up adequate liquidity, equities can be your best weapon in the fight to maintain the value of your hard-earned dollars. With depressed crop prices putting downward pressure on Nebraska land values, and in today’s inflationary environment, expanding operations looks risky. Even a small allocation toward long-term holdings in the market can be a step in the right direction toward wealth preservation. Just like planting a tree, the best time to start investing for your future was 30 years ago. The second-best time is today. Small actions compound into tremendous impacts over time. With the right planning and outlook, today’s challenging environment for ranchers can turn into an opportunity all its own. ~NC~ About the Author: John Darwin is a vice president and relationship manager at Bridges Trust, a wealth management firm originally founded in Omaha in 1945 that serves clients across the state and nation with investment management, philanthropy, family office management, and trust and estate services. Editor’s Note: All opinions expressed are solely those of the author, provided for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as formal recommendations to transact in any security. Bridges Trust references the independent trust services offered by Bridges Trust Company (“BTC”), a Nebraska chartered trust company, Bridges Trust Company of South Dakota (“BTC-SD”), a South Dakota chartered trust company, and investment services offered by Bridges Investment Management (“BIM”), a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Bridges Trust does not provide tax or legal advice. All investing involves risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Footnotes: 1 Zephyr Informa Systems; 2 Morningstar Direct, author’s own calculations; 3 Jim Jansen, UNL: Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights 2024-2025; 4 Progressive Cattle; 5 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service; 6 Development Counsellors International, “Nebraska’s Economic Review”; 7 Jansen, Market Highlights; 8 Aswath Damodaran, Historical Returns on Stocks, Bonds and Bills: 1928-2024; 9 Morningstar Direct, author’s own calculations; 10 St. Louis Fed, CPI for All Urban Consumers, 1947-2025. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 1947-01-01 1950-05-01 1953-09-01 1957-01-01 1960-05-01 1963-09-01 1967-01-01 1970-05-01 1973-09-01 1977-01-01 1980-05-01 1983-09-01 1987-01-01 1990-05-01 1993-09-01 1997-01-01 2000-05-01 2003-09-01 2007-01-01 2010-05-01 2013-09-01 2017-01-01 2020-05-01 2023-09-01 Consumer Price Index, 1947 - 2025 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (seasonally adjusted). Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis $0 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 Jan-85 Jul-86 Jan-88 Jul-89 Jan-91 Jul-92 Jan-94 Jul-95 Jan-97 Jul-98 Jan-00 Jul-01 Jan-03 Jul-04 Jan-06 Jul-07 Jan-09 Jul-10 Jan-12 Jul-13 Jan-15 Jul-16 Jan-18 Jul-19 Jan-21 Jul-22 Jan-24 Jul-25 S&P 500 - Price (Jan. 1985 - Aug. 2025) Source: Factset. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 J.D. Alexander took over the feedlot in 1960. The story continues with his son Josh. For 50 years, Rumensin has helped drive consistent, dependable results so beef producers like the Alexanders’ can build and sustain healthy herds for years to come. trustedbygenerations.com Rumensin, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. © 2025 PM-US-25-0663 TRUSTED BY EVERY GENERATION
November 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 Scott & Kim Ford (308) 991-2452 • Bertrand, NE 68927 www.crossdiamondcattle.com Annual Production Sale Monday, December 8, 2025 At the Ranch, Bertrand, NE 250 Red Angus coming 2-year-old bulls and 450 commercial bred females 450 commercial bred females
26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 PAST Great Plains Cattle By the late 1870s, through both promotion and word of mouth, the message spread through Great Britain, particularly Scotland, as well as other parts of Europe and the eastern United States, of the quick riches to be made in the cattle business on the western American prairie. States, promoters and ranches actively sought investment from abroad, producing a second boom in the Plains cattle industry. Building Infrastructure As the industry expanded, so did the infrastructure. The great stockyards at Chicago and Kansas City had already been built by conglomerates of railroad companies in 1865 and 1871, respectively. Another rush of stockyards was added in the early 1880s, including ones in Denver, Omaha and Saint Joseph. Packing plants followed the stockyards so that they became places of one-stop shopping. To cash in on their investment, the railroad companies quickly expanded their rail infrastructure throughout the West in order to haul livestock to their stockyards, as well as rail capacity to the east to haul the meat products to the East Coast population centers. The industry was really revolutionized in 1885 when Gustavus Swift perfected the refrigerated railcar allowing fresh, dressed carcasses to be shipped to eastern cities. In addition to the stockyards, supplying the Indian reservations with beef was also a lucrative business. One example was the Ogallala Cattle Company, which was awarded a contract to supply the Sioux Indian Reservation with 12,000 head annually. The steers were generally 4 years old and up and were delivered to the Pine Ridge and Rose Bud agencies, generally in drafts of 2,500. From there, Native Americans would harvest and process the cattle themselves. Promoting the West By this time, everyone was getting into the act of promoting the western beef industry. States like Texas put out professionally done booklets like Homes for Everyone in Texas and Farmer & Rancher Testimonials, Pan Handle of Texas. Meanwhile, a number of people with little actual knowledge of ranching printed book after book promoting the riches to be made. This included General James S. Brisbin’s The Beef Bonanza or How to get Rich on the Plains and Walter Baron Von Richthofen’s Cattle-Raising of the Plains of North America. Individual ranches also printed books seeking investors, including the Raynolds Cattle Co. of Colorado’s Profits of Cattle Raising. Even future President Teddy Roosevelt managed to pen three books, including Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail, Hunting Trips of a Ranchman and The Wilderness Hunter, based on his ranching and hunting experience in the Badlands from 1883 to 1887. Many of these authors had dubious credentials to supply expertise on ranching, but still investors gobbled up the information as if it was gospel. For instance, General Brisbane had grown up in the central Pennsylvania town of Boalsburg and, after the Civil War, spent his career serving in the military in the Northwest. Walter Baron Von Richthofen was an immigrant from Germany who was the uncle of the famous World War I flying ace “The Red Baron.” He was primarily a land speculator in Denver who tried to develop a planned community just outside the city. Teddy Roosevelt went out of business ranching and moved back east after the severe winter of 1886-87. Foreign investment from the United Kingdom was helped with their 1879 Naturalization Act, which eased regulation on British investment abroad. In addition, the British Royal Commission of 1879 studied the effects of American imported &
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