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.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMxNTA5