Nebraska Cattleman November 2026

NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 9 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY.

Chris Burris, Manager (620) 285-2183 Paul Woydziak, Manager (620) 792-2508 Matthew Vaupel, Manager 620-564-2200 Grady Woodard, Manager (620) 257-5106 Kurtis VenJohn, 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 Brian Carlton, Manager (620) 285-9800

BUILT BY A RANCHER. BUILT TO OUTWORK THE REST. MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF BUILDING EQUIPMENT AROUND THE WAY CATTLEMEN ACTUALLY WORK BUILT FROM EXPERIENCE. RawhidePortableCorral.com CLASSIC PROCESSOR RANCHO DELUXE PORTABLE WINDBREAK

QUICKSILVER FARM | HEMINGFORD, NE 321± acres offering productive pivot-irrigated cropland, dryland, grazing and haying acreage, with rental and investment potential. $675,000 John Stratman 303-912-8807 MOUNTAIN ROSE EQUESTRIAN RANCH | KEARNEY, NE Equestrian property on 33 acres, infrastructure to support a boarding and training operation while also offering pastoral park-like landscapes. $1,995,000 ~ Craig Townsend 970-846-3001 NEBRASKA HARD GRASS | CHADRON, NE Consists of 8,330 acres, profitable highly soughtafter calving operation, provides excellent natural forage, headquarters lie along the White River. SOLD 877-207-9700 sales@ranchland.com www.RanchLand.com SPRING VALLEY RANCH | BASSETT, NE 6,360 acres in the Sandhills with excellent grassland and consistent moisture conditions, Balanced registered Black Angus cattle ranch. SOLD Craig Townsend John Stratman Wayne Childers Rick Kusel stop by and visit our Exhibitors booth at the NE Cattlemens Convention NC Trade Show Exhibitor

MATERNAL MERIT COMMERCIAL FEMALE SALE AT NWSS ON JANUARY 13, 2027 • GENETIC INVESTMENT BULL SALE ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2027 Selling a daughter by growth fund. 2510Z Selling daughters by kessinger and glory. 1546J Selling daughters by Jefferson. 7615E Selling daughters by Kearney. 8115F Selling daughters by Jefferson. 0531H Selling a daughter by good times. 2501Z Selling a flush and daughters by kessinger. 845F December 15 GENETIC OPPORTUNITIES PRODUCTION SALE 1:00 PM CT AT THE RANCH IN ARAPAHOE, NEBRASKA “ building a better cowherd isn’t a goal but our mission. “ And we intend to make your cowherd better, too. Selling 100+ Elite Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer Females, as well as, 400+ Commercial Balancer, Angus, Red Angus, SimAngus and F1 Baldy Bred Heifers. Broadcasting Real-Time Auctions 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.

6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 9 REGULARS Insights ................................8 Ruminations ......................10 Nebraska Beef Council.....42 NCIG ...................................44 Consider This ...................44 IANR.................................... 48 NC Partners.......................49 Sale & Event Calendar......51 Advertiser Index...............53 Boots on the Ground........54 FEATURES PEOPLE Where Roots Run Deep, New Paths Grow.............................12 Meet three Nebraska women who are shaping agriculture through the work they do and the communities they invest in. At the Gate: Talking Cattle, Crops and Issues ......................20 Producers from across Nebraska share about what is currently happening on their operations. PERSPECTIVES Lack of China Access Is Frustrating, but Global Demand for U.S. Beef Is Resilient.................................................................30 USMEF discusses the current U.S. beef trade situation and emerging opportunities for U.S. beef. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Schedule ..............................................................24 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration..........................................................26 2026 Beef Summit Schedule................................................... 27 Telling Beef’s Story One Sandwich at a Time.......................36 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 Office 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: Cows graze winter pasture south of Whitman. Photo courtesy of Brianna Young.

“Vitalix Kickstart Weaning boosts immunity and health when we’re weaning calves. It has worked tremendously. We achieve our goals for health every time.” - Tyson Narjes, Narjes Cattle Company - Sidney, Nebraska - Vitalix Kickstart Weaning – with Diamond V® Beef Shield and Zinpro® Availa® 4 – is tailor-made for cattle under stressful conditions and formulated specifically to reduce the impact of stress on cattle’s overall wellness and performance. This product is Zinpro® Verified. Learn more from your sales manager today! Travis Schauda 308-870-3170 • tschauda@vitalix.com GET ‘EM GOING.

8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Craig Uden*, Johnson Lake, (308) 325-0285 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 VICE PRESIDENT: Jaclyn Wilson*, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 PAST PRESIDENT: Richard (Dick) Pierce, Miller, (308) 440-2489 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 326-7743 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Bill Baldwin, Mitchell, (308) 641-5011 2 – Lydia O’Brien, Whitman, (308) 546-7349 3 – Alfredo DiCostanza, Norfolk, (612) 590-7395 4 – John Kennedy, Primrose, (308) 396-1505 5 – Weston Svoboda, Sargent, (308) 215-0244 6 – Bob Wiseman, Hershey, (308) 530-3137 7 – Todd Schlueter, Blair, (402) 533-3741 8 – Becky Funk, DVM, Lawrence, (308) 360-3179 9 – Vacant PRODUCER COUNCIL CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 VICE CHAIR: Reiss Bruning, Bruning, (402) 768-3332 FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 VICE CHAIR: Joel Weber, Dorchester, (402) 946-4551 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL CHAIR: Austin Woltemath, Lincoln, (402) 419-0320 VICE CHAIR: Kenny Stauffer, Grand Island, (402) 435-0665 ~ COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ~ AG POLICY AND RESEARCH CHAIR: Steve Wellman, Syracuse, (402) 269-7024 VICE CHAIR: Lewis Coulter, Bridgeport, (308) 631-8240 ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR: Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 VICE CHAIR: Scott Reynolds, DVM, Broken Bow, (308) 870-0970 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS CHAIR: Matt Blackford, Thedford, (402) 322-1377 VICE CHAIR: Robert Star, Hershey, (308) 520-3488 MARKETING AND COMMERCE CHAIR: Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 VICE CHAIR: Marshall Hansen, Omaha, (402) 616-4541 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 VICE CHAIR: Logan Pribbeno, Imperial, (308) 883-7770 TAXATION AND EDUCATION CHAIR: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk, (402) 750-0149 VICE CHAIR: Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg, (308) 930-2162 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 The cattle industry is shaped by decisions made every day – in the pasture, at the sale barn and in the rooms where industry issues are discussed. When producers speak up together, their experiences and concerns carry further. That’s one important reason to belong to a cattle industry organization such as Nebraska Cattlemen; it connects individual voices and helps build a stronger voice for the people who raise cattle. That voice depends on people showing up. Attending meetings, asking questions, listening to others and serving when opportunities arise all help move the industry forward. You don’t have to be an expert or hold a leadership title to make a difference. Your perspective matters because it reflects the realities of your operation and your community. Membership is more than a name on a list. It’s a way to stay informed, share what you’re seeing on your operation and take part in conversations that affect the industry. Whether the issue involves markets, regulations, animal health, land stewardship or the next generation of producers, participation helps ensure that real-world perspectives are heard. No single member has every answer, but a united group can bring forward a wider range of knowledge, experience and ideas. Staying informed also means doing your own research. Social media can quickly spread information, but posts designed to attract clicks and likes may leave out context or oversimplify complex issues. Before forming an opinion or sharing a claim, look for reliable sources, read beyond the headline and check where the information came from. Ask questions, compare perspectives and talk with people who have direct knowledge of the issue. Taking time to verify what you hear helps each of us make better decisions and contribute more thoughtfully to industry conversations. Our upcoming Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention is a valuable chance to do just that. It brings producers and industry partners together to learn, connect and discuss the issues facing cattle country. You can receive the latest education on developments in our industry, hear from knowledgeable speakers, exchange ideas with fellow producers and bring useful information back home. What you learn may help you make decisions on your operation – and what you share may help someone else make theirs. Convention is also a reminder that our industry is strongest when we stay engaged. Challenges don’t wait for a convenient time, and opportunities can pass by when we’re absent from the conversation. Being there helps us understand what’s changing, contribute to the discussion and work together on what comes next. There’s a simple truth in civic life and in our industry: Change is made by those who show up. When cattle producers belong, seek out sound information, participate and attend local affiliate meetings and convention, they help shape a stronger future for the industry. We hope you’ll join us in Kearney at our annual convention. ~NC~ A STRONGER VOICE FOR CATTLE COUNTRY QUENTIN DAILEY | LEXINGTON NC MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

AMERICAN CATTLEMAN TRIBUTE EDITION .30-30 Available factory-direct for $1,100 with code CATTLEVIP at checkout on HenryUSA.com ★ MADE IN AMERICA, OR NOT MADE AT ALL LIFETIME WARRANTY | 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE Unwrapped at Christmas. OVER 250 MODELS OF RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, AND REVOLVERS TO CHOOSE FROM, WITH PLENTY OF OPTIONS UNDER $500 Remembered for Generations. Scan or Visit www.HenryUSA.com Order Your FREE 96-Page Holiday Gift Guide & Decals H1 CLASSIC YOUTH H4 GOLDEN BOY YOUTH H5 MINI BOLT YOUTH G2 GIFT THEIR FIRST HENRY

10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 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 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. REPRESENTING PRODUCERS FROM GATE TO PLATE LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT It is hard to believe the end of the year is just a couple of months away. This time of year is always a good reminder of all I have to be thankful for and to look ahead to the promises and joy the Christmas season brings, especially this year during a heartbreakingly difficult season of life for our family. By the time you read this, the midterm elections will be either almost here or already decided, and the commercials on the television and radio and the mailbox full of mailers will have ended. I’m not sure about you, but I am celebrating that event! This year, the mudslinging seemed greater than normal, and some of the commercials were almost impossible to listen to no matter who I was supporting. A common saying this time of year is “elections have consequences.” In recent times, the pendulum of control has swung wildly from the right to the left and back to the right. It seems like just when we get used to one party being in power, something changes. For some those changes are easy and for some they are hard. Despite the election results, business will continue. If you read my column each issue, you will remember me talking about the political whiplash we have experienced recently. In late September and October, market uncertainty continued, it rained heavily in eastern Nebraska causing harvest delays, and the coffee shop talk mostly centered around high prices for families and, particularly, the cost of diesel fuel and its impact on farmers and ranchers. In late September, Gov. Pillen issued two executive orders for a 90-day period. The first order increases agricultural producers’ ability to haul 25 percent over gross and axle weights. The second allows producers to use red-dyed diesel in offfarm vehicles and temporarily waives state diesel sales tax on sulfur diesel. Producers should keep receipts and be aware that the orders apply to state roads and highways, not Interstate 80. Shortly after these announcements, President Trump traveled to Nebraska to campaign for Gov. Pillen and Sen. Ricketts. While speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Grand Island, President Trump signed an executive order to allow dyed diesel for highway use and defer the federal excise tax for the remainder of the year. Since the payments are deferred and not suspended, the President indicated he has directed the Secretary of the Treasury to explore pathways to eliminate those taxes permanently. By the time I write my next column, Nebraskans will know who will represent them in the state executive offices, the state legislature and in Congress. Nebraska Cattlemen stands ready to engage with current and newly elected officials and continue to represent Nebraska’s cattle producers from gate to plate. I hope you, your family and friends count many blessings this Thanksgiving season and find much to be thankful for every day. ~NC~

Scott & Kim Ford (308) 991-2452 • Bertrand, NE 68927 www.crossdiamondcattle.com Over 250 bulls bred for balance in growth, maternal, and carcass traits will sell at our Annual Production Sale Monday, December 14, 2026 At the Ranch, Bertrand, NE 250 Red Angus coming 2-year-old bulls, 450 commercial bred heifers and 50 commercial bred 3-year-olds Pasture-developed, and age-advantaged for soundness and longevity.

12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 PEOPLE Rooted in Rodeo and Agriculture Growing up near Hayes Center, Rebel Adamson was surrounded by agriculture, horses and rodeo. Raised on her Where Roots Run Deep, New Paths Grow family’s cow-calf operation, her father also had a custom hay-grinding business while her mother was a veterinarian. With her agricultural background and an eye toward the future, she began forging her own path while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Majoring in agricultural communications and participating in the Engler Entrepreneurship Program, she explored how she could use her skills and interests to make an impact in the ag industry. Following college graduation, she took a year to serve as Miss Rodeo Nebraska and traveled more than 50,000 miles across the country – a truly formative experience. Settling down after a busy year of service, she picked up where she left off with a full-time role at the Rural Radio Network, where she had interned during college. Listeners across the Midwest likely recognize her name and voice from the Nebraska Rodeo Update and Breaking the Barrier podcast, two signature programs she shaped. “I got to spearhead some coverage of rodeo and western events, which is probably my favorite project that I got to work on during my time there,” Rebel says. Just less than a year ago, she switched roles and started a new job on the Rancher Success Team at Vence, a company under Merck Animal Health. As a virtual fencing livestock management system for cattle, Rebel helps ranchers across multiple states adopt cutting-edge grazing and land management tools. As a woman in ag at the intersection of technology and ranching, she works remotely while embracing another exciting new role in her life – becoming a bride. Last fall, she got married and began a new chapter of life with her husband, Cade, the fifth generation on his family’s operation, Broken Box Ranch, near Cody. “It’s been fun to relocate and build on community up here in the Sandhills,” Rebel says. “We just enjoy working together, when the opportunity presents itself, of course, with my day job, too.” Her new local community has been very welcoming. Meanwhile, she remains a volunteer as a member of the Their roots may look familiar, but Rebel Adamson, Haley Miles and Sheridan Brumback are each carving out their own place in an industry full of opportunity. Their stories reflect a common thread in the many ways women are shaping agriculture – through the work they do, the communities they invest in and the future they are helping build. KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rebel Adamson and her husband, Cade, are the fifth generation on his family’s operation near Cody. Rebel grew up surrounded by agriculture, horses and rodeo, and she says women are the glue that holds communities and families together.

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 Miss Rodeo Nebraska Association and the Engler Federation – the alumni arm of the Engler Entrepreneurship Program. Through her volunteer roles and life on a family operation, she encourages others to look at entrepreneurial ideas while also keeping their operation profitable and sharing agriculture’s story. “A lot of people will relate to being involved in a family operation and trying to look at it through a new lens of entrepreneurial ideas to apply to an already established business or operation,” Rebel says. “Those are things that my husband and I talk about often. We’re not in the driver’s seat of our operation yet, but it sure is fun to throw things at the wall and see what sticks.” In talking specifically about women in agriculture and what role they play in helping tell agriculture’s story, Rebel shares from her own experience that women are natural storytellers. “Women are the glue – at least in my view – that holds communities and families together,” she says. “So, I think it’s only natural that we kind of assume the role of communicating what we do on our operations every day to the public, and I think where that comes in is just being able to have really honest, candid conversations with people.” Rebel was able to encounter these experiences in her role as Miss Rodeo Nebraska and now as a volunteer. “Traveling as Miss Rodeo Nebraska was really interesting; there is such a direct line from our ranching roots to the rodeo arena, so it was really easy to tie to that,” Rebel conveys. “But now, as a volunteer with the organization, it’s really gratifying to see so many young women excited about and promoting rodeo while also being able to make the connection to agriculture and what our values are. The cherry on top is having a front-row seat in watching these young women progress through their education and careers.” Invested in Ag and Community Ainsworth is home to Haley Miles and her husband, Mark, where they are part of the fifth generation working on the family operation, Miles Feedlot. Raised on a diversified farm and ranch, Haley was active in FFA before attending UNL, where she studied agricultural economics and was part of the second class to participate in the Engler Entrepreneurship Program. “The Engler program was a really foundational experience for not just college, but really how I approach a lot of things in life now,” Haley recalls. “It was an instrumental program that still pays dividends from the networking and lens of view on life I have now.” After graduation, she went to work for an agricultural chemical company in a sales role, followed by a job with an ag tech startup, gaining experiences in both corporate settings. She had the opportunity to return home to Ainsworth to work remotely shortly after she married Mark. Returning to her local rural community sparked a deeper passion for not only the place she calls home, but also for the people, connections and way of life that make rural communities special. “I’ve always been really passionate about promoting the rural lifestyle and everything about what living in rural communities can offer – not just for families – but for young professionals, too,” Haley says. Much of her passion and involvement in community started when she interned for the local economic development office during school. She began to understand the backbone and behind the scenes of her community, helping rural communities grow and thrive. Her love for community and entrepreneurial spirit grew as she and Mark became more involved in the family operation. The couple ventured out on their own, building a cow herd through local pasture leases and expanding their yearling operation. Along the way, Haley found a creative outlet in photography, building a wedding photography business over nearly 10 years. Since welcoming her fourth child, she has scaled back her business, but photography remains an important part of her professional journey. Haley’s role in the community grew even larger when she had an opportunity to help bring a childcare center to Ainsworth. Haley Miles and her husband, Mark, are raising their four children on the family operation in Ainsworth. Haley is very passionate and involved in her community; she even helped bring a childcare center to Ainsworth. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 * Terms Apply. See website for details. 800-884-FARM | fcsamerica.com/lineofcredit With all the various management needs of your operation – input costs, equipment repairs, labor and livestock expenses – you need a line of credit that can keep up. An operating line of credit from Farm Credit Services of America has convenience, savings and flexibility built in, so you can meet each season’s needs without slowing down. Don’t keep your operation waiting. Fill year-end gaps with an adaptable line of credit. Scan to learn more about Farm Credit Services of America. Only borrow what you need No-limit remote deposit Multi-year commitment options Eligible for yearly cash-back dividends LOC_BDT01_0726

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 WWW.LEACHMAN.COM/SALES | 307-788-7165 CONTACT OUR REPRESENTATIVES Aaron Rasmussen (Regional Representative) | 308-763-1361 Russ Princ (Sales Manager) | 970-413-0993 Scan to request a catalog! A-12925846916 CAT T L E BULLS THAT BUILD BETTER COW HERDS Colorado Mountain Sale December 5, 2026 Loma, Colorado • 60 PAP-tested Stabilizer® bulls Fall Roundup & High Altitude Sale November 20, 2026 Meriden, Wyoming • PAP-tested Stabilizer® bulls • Stabilizer® heifers Fall Private-Treaty Offering • Angus bulls • Charolais bulls • Red Angus bulls More than 500 bulls sell!

16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 “After 2020, several local childcare providers closed, leaving very few options for families in our area,” Haley explains. “A group of six or seven moms came together because we were desperate for a solution. We realized that without childcare, we couldn’t recruit young professionals or keep families from leaving the community.” Along with a few others, Haley helped launch a $2 million capital campaign. “With my sales background, that part didn’t scare me – it was exciting to be part of creating a solution,” Haley says. “Today, our all-women board operates the childcare center full time, and we’ve created a space that has brought new life to Main Street. It’s pretty special to drive by and see kids playing outside right in the heart of our community.” She currently serves as vice president of the Ainsworth Child Development Center Board and helps oversee operations of the center, which employs nine staff and has been running full time for three years. Her other community involvements include supporting local 4-H programs and leading a weekly women’s Bible study at her church. Haley says women in agriculture bring the heart and soul to an industry that can sometimes appear rigid from the outside. She’s proud to have a role in their operation, bringing the kids along to work together, while also caring for their employees. “I’ve also found a lot of unexpected joy in supporting the people who work for us and their families,” Haley replies. “My role isn’t necessarily managing their day-to-day work, but I get to help create a workplace where young families can put down roots and grow. Whether that means helping with healthcare, housing or other needs, I really care about seeing our employees and their families succeed. That’s become a part of this operation that I didn’t expect, but it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.” Grasslands, Cattle and Community Enthusiasm for cattle and the grasslands they are raised on has always been in Sheridan (Wilson) Brumback’s blood. Growing up on her family’s cow-calf operation, Two Bar Two Ranch Company near Arthur, this fifth-generation producer says her love for range management started with 4-H plant boards and range judging in FFA, leading her to study grassland systems under the grazing livestock systems option at UNL. She was also part of the Engler Entrepreneurship Program. Sheridan graduated last year and moved back home to begin her career with AgSpire. Based out of Brookings, S.D., AgSpire partners with farmers and ranchers to provide technical assistance and financial incentives for conservation and sustainability practices. Her role as a technical advisor for grazing systems allows her to work directly with producers on their grazing management plans for herd efficiency, while helping with financial incentives. Even though the company is in South Dakota, Sheridan is glad to be able to work remotely from the ranch while traveling some to the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest. “I’m very blessed to be back home, just getting started dipping my toes with the family operation while building my career,” Sheridan says. Being a producer herself, Sheridan uses her knowledge and expertise in range management to work directly to help other producers. “Most of my time is spent conducting ranch visits, developing grazing plans and putting together implementation plans for whatever changes or improvements producers want to try,” Sheridan explains. “A big part of my role is also simply being available – whether that’s answering questions, taking phone calls or helping producers work through the process.” While this is Sheridan’s first job out of college, she did have other experiences and internships that helped pave her path. She has worked with Nebraska Extension, the Natural Sheridan (Wilson) Brumback and her husband, Luke, live near Arthur where Sheridan is helping with the family operation while building her career with AgSpire. She has always been passionate about cattle and grasslands, so she enjoys helping with Nebraska Youth Range Camp and working with the Nebraska Grassland Alliance. ROOTS RUN DEEP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 Member FDIC ONE THAT PROVIDES. Time-tested Agribusiness banking. /agribusiness TD Angus North Platte, NE © 2026 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. Dinkel_NC0124.indd 1 325.indd 1 Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and a cover crop company, Green Cover, helping her develop skills in communication, collaboration and sales, while expanding her technical knowledge of grassland management. “These experiences were really interesting and very valuable, and the people I learned from made them more meaningful,” Sheridan says. While it wasn’t her plan to return to the ranch immediately after college, she is glad to be back in her community and getting involved. Sheridan has helped with her church’s youth group and Bible studies, which has given her an opportunity to give back to the community that gave her so much. Returning to the ranch also meant bringing her husband, Luke, who grew up on a farm and cow-calf operation near White Post, Va. “Luke has fallen in love with Arthur, and he has helped teach me how to come home and rejoin the community, because he finds so much value in spending quality time with family and going to small town events to really connect with people,” Sheridan explains. Sheridan found the community really came together this spring when the Morrill Fire – the largest fire in Nebraska history – burned more than 643,000 acres across multiple counties. Sheridan’s family lost around 80 percent of their pasture. Immediately, people started showing up to help. “We got burned on the first day of the fire, so even when it was burning elsewhere, people started showing up and checking in with us,” Sheridan recalls. “Hay started showing up, people started rebuilding our windbreak, we started calving and people were there to help. Every time I would go do something and would come back, there’d be more people there to help.” It’s been months since the fire, but it is still such an emotional event to those affected, and Sheridan says it’s important to check on people in your community. “The grass will recover, but it might take years for those feelings to come up. You might not even think about it until much further down the road,” she shares. “Just watching my family and community come together, I expect this to be a pivotal point for us for years to come.” But that’s why community is important and why Sheridan wants to stay involved with people and her community, no matter where her career takes her. “I think some good examples of that are the things I’m already doing, like helping with Nebraska Youth Range Camp and working with the Nebraska Grassland Alliance, which brings together grassland organizations and ranchers to collaborate,” she says. “I also enjoy breeding heifers for neighbors as an AI tech. There are a lot of different ways to stay involved, but for me, they all come back to people and finding ways to help in some capacity.” ~NC~

18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 October 2026 Selling BULLS & FEMALES 21582 Hwy 62, Bellevue, Iowa | call: 563-872-4112 | email: josh@jjscheckel.com | www. AngusCattleGenetics.com | follow: JJScheckelAngus Sale Manager: American Angus Hall of Fame | call: 816-532-0811 | email: angushall@angushall.com BALDRIDGE BADGER SITZ STELLAR 726D SAV COURAGE 3003 SEVERAL SONS SELLING DL ZOOM SEVERAL SONS SELLING SELLING SEVERAL REGISTERED HEIFERS A.I. bred to SAV Courage 3003 ELLINGSON PROFOUND SEVERAL SONS SELLING SEVERAL SONS SELLING From the top end of our program! ANGUS BREEDER THE ONCE A YEAR OPPORTUNITY! Annual Black Friday A sturdy maternal herd from the rocky bluffs of Iowa, breeding for extra Length, Width, Depth, and Mass of Body with Fleshing Ability in a balanced and moderate frame size. The fundamentals of rock solid Feet, Udders, Longevity, and High Fertility are demanded and required. In a world of numbers, the real game is still won or lost in the pastures. in FUNDAMENTALS FOUNDATION 60+ World Champion AUCTIONEER Matt Lowery Free DELIVERY Nationwide The Nation’s Best MULTI-BULL DISCOUNT and Breeding Warranty Along with 50+ stout, 18 month old virgin bulls just like him selected from the top end of our herd. ONSITE + ONLINE LIVE AUCTION Bellevue, Iowa SALE STARTS AT 12:00 NOON CST 25375 Sale Book BY REQUEST! Scan QR code, call, or email - office@jjscheckel.com

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 A lot is packed into POET.® Pellets and Cubes - high digestibility, nutrition, performance - and when you contract now, you can pack in savings, too. Lock in fall feed rates with POET Pellets and Cubes, and pay upon pickup or delivery. Contact our team today to learn more! Clay - (605) 212-5404 Cole - (605) 496-4167 Marie - (605) 988-4047 ACT FAST AND SAVE ON FALL CONTRACTING RATES! HAVE YOU poet.com/feed © 2026 POET, LLC. All rights reserved. HERD ABOUT THESE RATES? NC Trade Show Exhibitor

20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 At the Gate Blair Caraway, Caraway Red Angus Ranch | Lexington Tell us about your operation: We are a multigenerational registered Red Angus and commercial cattle operation. What is currently happening on your operation? I would say part of what we’re going through is trying to figure out the plan for the future. Do we want to continue to grow? Do we want to stay where we are? The last few years we have added more heifers to grow our operation. While we’ve had this need for building the herd, it’s a good time to get in. So, we decided to take advantage of that. The operation is always a challenge for us because we have, besides my husband, one other full-time employee, but then everything else is seasonal. So, finding good help is very challenging. Now that our kids are older and they’re all in school, we can’t take them out of school to help all of the time. What are you thinking about as you prepare for winter? We’ve had very mild winters. I grew up in Nebraska, so one year you have snow, one year you don’t. My husband grew up in Minnesota; every year was snow, and so for him, these are very mild. That’s allowed us to get a lot of projects done; it’s allowed for easier calving without fighting the elements. But a lot of the updated forecasts are talking about potentially having more snow this year. So, kind of mentally preparing for mud and potentially more illness. Thinking about if we are going to have to start feeding cows sooner, and if so, do we have enough feed put up? And we’re kind of just trying to make sure we are able to get our hands on hay, cornstalks, making sure our silage is put up and our distillers is locked in. TRESSA LAWRENCE, CONTRIBUTING WRITER PEOPLE Talking Cattle, Crops & Issues Meet producers from across Nebraska as they share about what is currently happening on their operations, issues they are keeping an eye on and more. Ken Herz | Lawrence Tell us about your operation: I am currently phasing out of running the operation and my two sons are taking over. We each have our own thing we focus on, but we all work together. We raise crops that are mainly dryland with some irrigated and run livestock. What is currently happening on your operation? At this particular time, we are weaning calves. We have about half our calves weaned. We’re trying to put up the winter feed, so our silage chopping has been completed. We have most of our hay laid in. We’re going to be doing our crop harvesting before too long. Once that’s done, we’ll turn our attention back to the cattle – get the mama cows out on cornstalks and try to winter them over. We retain our heifers for our own herd. Usually what we do is sell the calves in December and then, as we move those calves out, we have more facilities for calving cows when we bring them in in February. What are you thinking about as you prepare for winter? You always worry about the weather, and you always worry about having enough winter feed for the cattle. We’re in good shape that way. We’ve got the winter feed supply pretty much wrapped up, and so then it becomes about taking care of the cows on the cornstalks and making sure they have water. Basically, it’s just taking care of the cows in the wintertime, doing some of the repair work in the shop and getting prepared for next year. Then, doing it all over again. Ken Herz, left, with his sons, Aaron and Zach. Blair Caraway and her husband, Jon, with their kids Gabrielle, Parker and Meredith.

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 Michael Dibbern | Wood River Tell us about your operation: We are a multigenerational family operation that has diversified into row crops, including corn, soybeans and alfalfa, as well as a commercial herd of Red Angus/SimAngus cattle. What is currently happening on your operation? We’re getting set for soybean harvest, and then we usually roll right into corn after that. We’ve got about 3,400 acres between the two to go through, so that’ll keep us busy for the rest of September and pretty much all of October. As soon as that’s done, we usually bring the cow herd home and start weaning. What is a state or federal issue that you are watching closely? Right now it’s federal mostly, and it’s really the Farm Bill. A lot of the main things, especially for a crop grower, got addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill last year, but there were still a lot of loose ends. Some of those conservation programs are in limbo and really need to be revamped. And this new Farm Bill would do that but, unfortunately, it’s in limbo in the Senate. Building off of that, specifically for us as corn growers, the year-round E15 is something we’re hoping that can ride along with that Farm Bill and get passed here before the end of the year. David Schuler, Schuler Red Angus | Bridgeport Tell us about your operation: We are a registered seedstock operation, and we diversify the operation by feeding out different sectors of home-raised cattle to gather carcass data on the herd’s genetic potential. What is currently happening on your operation? We had quite a bit of drought in the Western Panhandle, predominantly in southwestern Moore County. If you look at the red spot on the drought map, that’s where we are. We started weaning about a month earlier than usual, and we are focusing on getting them healthy – ready to rock and be developed as bred heifers. We’ll be getting all the cows home here soon. We chopped a lot of feed and are planting a lot of cover crops; I’m pretty hopeful about grazing that. What is a state and/or federal issue that you are watching closely? Something to always keep our eye on is state budget shortfalls – what that will look like for the entirety of property taxes and things like that. I’ll be interested to see if there are some better conversations moving forward with the budget later. Then, at the federal level, diesel prices are out of this world going into harvest. What’s that going to do for corn prices? We’re buying these feeders in these sales with the hope that the market’s going to go up to make a breakeven. There’s nothing I can really do about that, but I will be watching that closely. Tanner Nelson, Riverview Feeders | Bertrand Tell us about your operation: Historically we have been a commercial and registered Red Angus operation. In 2024, we jumped feet first into the feedyard business. What is currently happening on your operation? The feedyard we bought needed some work, so we are working on a big project where we tore out pens, we’re putting in overflow water tanks and building those all new and putting in new bunks. So, that’s a big project that’s kind of ongoing throughout the year. What is something you are looking forward to? I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the business and network with other producers. I think we’re in a really good area for feeding cattle, but trust takes a long time to build up. Having been in a purebred operation, this gives a unique insight into cattle feeding in terms of carcass data. I’m looking forward to building relationships with commercial cattlemen, people who retain ownership and want to feed, and other cattle feeders. ~NC~ David Schuler. Tanner Nelson and his wife, Shelby. Michael Dibbern holds daughter, Tatum, with his wife, Rozy, holding daughter, Claire.

22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 Commodity & Ingredient Hedging, LLC | CIH Trading, LLC | CIH Insurance Services, LLC There is a risk of loss in futures and options trading. CIH is an equal opportunity employer and provider. cihedging.com CIH_NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 1/2 PAGE COLOR___ISSUE DATES: November Comprehensive Cattle Risk Management Brokerage LRP and PRF Consulting and Technology Education

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 novonesis.com Every animal has a potential. Every drover, a purpose. Every choice, a consequence. With Novonesis’ Bovamine Defend® Plus biosolution, nutritional decisions become measurable gains. Backed by science, four proven probiotic strains support normal gut health and feed efficiency, delivering great value from start to finish. Driven to gain Bovamine Defend® Plus

24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 Tentative Schedule of Events Fairfield Inn– $129.95/night (308) 236-4200 Comfort Inn – $124.95/night (308) 236-3400 Additional hotel option - no room block. La Quinta Inn – $124.95/night (308) 237-4400 Hotels Room blocks under Nebraska Cattlemen are available at: When booking hotels, specify you are with Nebraska Cattlemen. The room block will be available until Nov. 8, 2026. A new schedule. A fresh approach.The same Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) tradition you know and love. After 18 months of discussion and a dedicated task force, the NC Board of Directors has streamlined the Annual Convention & Trade Show to maximize engagement, connection and trade show traffic.Thursday is now one action-packed day featuring policy meetings, the trade show, Market Outlook, Annual Business Meeting and Awards Banquet. Check out the new schedule and get ready for Convention 2026! NEW for 2026 NC PAC Silent Auction 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Dec. 9-10, 2026 | Younes Conference Center South, Kearney Wednesday, Dec. 9 8:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Nebraska Beef Summit NC and the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program senior class will host the Nebraska Beef Summit featuring research and industry updates designed to share knowledge and encourage new perspectives on issues impacting the beef industry. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Board Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NC Board of Directors Meeting 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Reception Honoring Past and Present Leaders of Nebraska Cowbelles, CattleWomen and Beef Ambassadors 3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions in Conjunction with Nebraska Beef Summit Ty Lawrence, Ph.D., Professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University, will talk about “Where Does Growth Stop? Strategic Insights into the Trend of Higher Finished Weights.” Dan Halstrom, U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO, will present “How Exports Deliver Critical Returns for U.S. Beef Producers.” Plus, a discussion on plant closures and the export market. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Allied Industries Council Meeting Hear updates from the summer meeting, learn about partnership opportunities and upcoming events and share ideas for getting more involved with NC members throughout the year. 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Opening General Session Hear from NC President Craig Uden and Executive Vice President Laura Field, recognize retiring board members and Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Endowment Award recipients, announcement of the 2026 Retail Value Steer Challenge winners and Young Cattlemen’s Connection Class of 2025.A keynote speaker will be announced soon. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception/Trade Show Connect with NC members and AIC partners while exploring the Trade Show Ballroom and catching up with friends from across the industry. Make an impact while getting in on the fun at the 2026 NC Political Action Committee (PAC) Silent Auction! Every bid helps strengthen the NC PAC’s work to support legislative candidates who understand Nebraska agriculture and will advocate for our cattle industry at the state capitol. Your participation helps ensure Nebraska cattle producers continue to have a strong voice where important decisions are made. Bid big, have fun and help keep Nebraska cattlemen represented in Lincoln!

November 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 The schedule is subject to change. Watch for more details and updates in upcoming issues of the Nebraska Cattlemen Chronicle e-newsletter and online at nebraskacattlemen.org. 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Dec. 9-10, 2026 | Younes Conference Center South, Kearney Thursday, Dec. 10 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Trade Show Stop in throughout the day to connect with industry partners, discover new products and services, and check out the latest tools, programs and resources designed for today’s cattle industry. 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Policy Committee Meetings 1 Natural Resources and Environment Hear updates on key state and federal natural resource issues, learn about conservation forage opportunities and participate in a review of NC policy impacting water, land and the environment. Marketing and Commerce Discuss U.S. beef imports, including tariffs and trade impacts, along with updates on CME cattle futures and feeder cattle imports from Mexico.The committee will also review standing resolutions and policy statements. 9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Policy Committee Meetings II Taxation and Education Hear from the Nebraska State Treasurer, get an update on TEEOSA funding, look ahead at legislative issues impacting education and taxation and participate in a review of NC policy. Ag Policy and Research Take on timely issues shaping the cattle industry, including meat processing and inspection, immigration and workforce challenges, and international trade while also reviewing NC policy. 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Trade Show Lunch 1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Policy Committee Meetings III Brand and Property Rights Get the latest from the Nebraska Brand Committee, explore emerging property rights considerations surrounding data center development across Nebraska and participate in a review of NC policy. Animal Health and Nutrition Hear state and federal updates on animal health and nutrition issues impacting Nebraska’s cattle industry followed by a review of NC policy. 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. NC Market Outlook Join NC Market Reporting Service staff member Jeff Stolle for a timely look at current cattle markets, key trends and what may be ahead for the industry. 4:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Annual Business Meeting Join fellow members to review and approve policy developed through committee meetings, set the organization’s direction for the year ahead and elect 2027 leadership. 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Social Hour 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Annual Awards Banquet Enjoy a steak dinner as we recognize outstanding leaders with the Hall of Fame and Industry Service Awards along with the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation’s Friend of the Foundation Award.

26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Dec. 9-10, 2026 | Younes Conference Center South, Kearney TOTAL Amount Due from Above $  Check (# ) Payable to Nebraska Cattlemen  Visa  MasterCard  Discover  AmEx Exp. Date V-Code Card Number Name on Card Card Billing Address/City/State/Zip List if different than above, but MUST match address on credit card statement. Signature Name Business Name Address City State Zip Code Phone Email ONE REGISTRATION PER PERSON Please Select:  NC Member  Non-Member Convention Package Convention Package ONLY available during Early Registration. Early Registration ends Dec. 4, 2026. Lodging NOT included. Mail to: Nebraska Cattlemen 4611 Cattle Drive Lincoln, NE 68521-4309 Note: You can register ONLINE at www.nebraskacattlemen.org Convention Base Package (Save $30)..................................................................................  $225 Make the most of NC Convention with the full package! Registration includes Wednesday’s Opening General Session and Welcome Reception, plus all Thursday programming, including policy committee meetings, the Trade Show, Trade Show Lunch, NC Market Outlook, Annual Business Meeting, Social Hour and Annual Awards Banquet. Save $30 compared to purchasing events individually. Non-Member Fee...........................................................................................  $25 TOTAL CONVENTION PACKAGE PAYMENT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... __________ Single-Day and Event Registration Wednesday, Dec. 9 Nebraska Beef Summit ( See schedule on page 27). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $60 Day Registration.........................................................................................................  $75 Includes Opening General Session and Welcome Reception in the Trade Show Complimentary Honor Reception.......................................................................................  $--- Reception honoring past and present leaders of Nebraska CowBelles, CattleWomen and Beef Ambassadors. No charge to attend, but we do ask that you give the number attending so that we have an accurate head count. Guests: _______ Thursday, Dec. 10 Day Registration.........................................................................................................  $105 Includes all policy meetings, Trade Show, Trade Show Lunch, NC Market Outlook and Annual Business Meeting. ADD: Annual Banquet....................................................................................................  $75 Non-Member Fee...........................................................................................  $25 TOTAL SINGLE-DAY AND EVENT REGISTRATION PAYMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. __________

Made with FlippingBook

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMxNTA5