44 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2025 Beef Pit 2025 42 Years and 600,000 Sandwiches Later MATTHEW MELCHOR | NC DIRECTOR OF STATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Beef Pit marked its 42nd year with a sizzling success at the 2025 State Fair, continuing its legacy as a beloved destination for fairgoers craving premium beef. This year brought exciting changes to the menu, most notably the debut of the burnt end sandwich – an addition that quickly became a crowd favorite. Over the course of 12 days, more than 2,300 burnt end sandwiches were served, thanks to the high-quality beef supplied by McLean Beef. When combined with the ever-popular prime rib and roast beef sandwiches, the Beef Pit proudly served a total of 13,351 sandwiches! This year also marked a major milestone in the Beef Pit’s storied history: the sale of its 600,000th sandwich since first opening at the Nebraska State Fair in 1984. Over four decades, the Beef Pit has grown from a humble idea of promoting beef products into a cherished tradition, serving up premium Nebraska beef to generations of fairgoers. This achievement is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit and the unwavering support of the community, volunteers and beef producers who make it all possible. Behind the scenes, the Beef Pit thrives on the dedication of its volunteers. Representing local cattlemen affiliates, college organizations and industry partners from across the state, these individuals are the backbone of the operation. Their hard work and hospitality ensure that every sandwich served reflects the pride and tradition of Nebraska’s cattle industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the fairgoers who visited the Beef Pit and supported our mission. We look forward to an even more success in 2026! Thank you to the following people for serving on the Beef Pit Committee: Bill Baldwin and Tevyn Pieper, Joel and Connie Bruns, Rod and Amy Christen, Blaine and Sharon Clowser, Dan and Clarissa Feldman, Daryl and Maggie Griepenstroh, Mark and Suzanne Jagels, John and Kate Lange, Dave and Brenda Masek, Ken and Kelli Real, Kenny and Misty Stauffer, Trevor and Amy Topp, and Phil and Britni Wieck. Thank you to the following groups and individuals who volunteered to work the Beef Pit during the 2025 State Fair: Dawson County Cattlemen David Jobman Cindy Petersen Gary Petersen Brandon Sorensen Chase Sorensen Megan Sorensen Clay Terrell Shane Terrell Dodge County Cattlemen Jaxson Morris Cortland Moseman Grace Reynolds Cory Schlueter Cody Weitzenkamp Don Witte Kelly Witte Exeter Feeders & Breeders Henry Bohla Cody Engler Evan Harre Brody Kresak John Plock Greg Pribyl Blake Stangel Dustin Vana Harlan County Cattlemen’s Association Jacob Barwick Jenny Barwick John Dunlay Stacey Howsden Douglas Winz Bryce Witte NC Allied Industries Council Wes Anderjaska Randy Lenz JJ Peterson Austin Woltemath Jay Woltemath Erin Woodward NC Region 6 Dave Gross Eric Hansen Jake Haskell Jill Klingman Steve Krab Tweety Krab Jerry Kuenning Chase Mathers Becca Moss Shaun Moss Mark Spurgin Amanda White Tony White NC Young Cattlemen’s Connections Millie Albrecht Dustin Eide Drue Knobbe Shaylee Jones Stephanie Nelson Misty Stauffer Collin Thompson Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Rarah Barnes Kelly Bruns Alejandro Casella Tera Horky Jessy Linden Tristan Martin Jessica Rodman Afton Roberston Kacee Jo Saffer Gage Sorensen Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board Kelsey Bergen Mike Bergen Jill Bookhout Cale Buhr Chris Grams Amy Harsch Kevin Harsch Brandon Hunnicutt Jamie Huyser Todd Kral Jason Lewis Kori Lewis Dave Merrell Tom Nathan Daren Niemeyer Dale Ogden Mitch Oswald Doyle Rathman Whitley Rut Blake Samuelson Payton Schaneman Andrew Schlichtemeier Ted Schrock Kaitlin Taylor Dave Utecht Dale Valentin Dave Warner Dan Wesely Rachael Whitehair Ethan Zoerb CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE
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