NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 8
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in first-treatment respiratory morbidity.* * Word, A.B., et al. (2022). The effect of supplementing CLOSTAT® 500 (Bacillus subtilis PB6) to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard on health, Salmonella spp. prevalence, feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics. Translational Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txac131. © Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2024. All rights reserved. ® ™ Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A. Healthy Cattle = Healthy Closeouts 28% REDUCTION Supplementing with CLOSTAT®,an active microbial, can result in a kemin.com/clostat-beef THE SICK PEN THE ONLY ONE YOU WANT EMPTY.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 8 AM-2 PM................ Check-In All Open Show Cattle 2 PM...........................All Elite IV Gelbvieh/Balancer Sale Cattle must be checked in Enter Elite IV Sale (Deadline: Oct. 1): Tom Murphy, 308-470-0001 6 PM........................... Elite IV Youth Showmanship THURSDAY, OCT. 30 8 AM........................... Open Breed Show (Two Rings) Gelbvieh/Balancer NEW - All Breeds Welcome 9 AM........................... All Generations Interactive Education Day Noon........................... Cattlemen’s Lunch 6:30 PM...................... Elite IV Gelbvieh/Balancer Sale Social/Meal/ Sale to follow FRIDAY, OCT. 31 8 AM-Noon................ NCC Junior Cattle Check-In 10 AM......................... Gelbvieh/Balancer Junior Show *Youth can also enter NCC Fall Edition Shows 1:30 PM...................... Show Products Demos 3 PM........................... Youth Fitting Contest Prelims 6 PM........................... Halloween Treats, Costume Parade, Games 7 PM........................... Nebraska Cornhusker Classic Sale Cornhusker Hereford Sale - Details: Hannah Pearson, 308-870-3805 SATURDAY, NOV. 1 Junior Show - One Ring 9 AM........................... Market Show (followed by Breeding Heifer Show) 3 PM........................... Fitting Contest Finals SUNDAY, NOV. 2 Junior Prospect Show - One Ring 9 AM........................... Prospect Market Show (followed by Breeding Heifer Show) The Fall Edition is for Cattlemen of All Ages. Event includes a Trade Show. SCHEDULE OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 2, 2025 Buffalo Co. Fairgrounds | Kearney, NE | NEW: Open to the World Open Breed Shows For details, call Ronette Bush-Heinrich: 308-627-6385 or 308-627-7309 | NebraskaClassic.org
6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 Vol. 81 | Issue 8 REGULARS Insights ....................................8 Ruminations .........................10 Consider This .......................20 USMARC ................................30 NC Dispatch........................... 32 BQA ........................................34 MRS .......................................36 NC Foundation .....................42 NC Partners ...........................44 Advertiser Index ..................45 Sale & Event Calendar.........45 Boots on the Ground ...........46 FEATURES PRODUCTION Thinking About Upgrading Your Corrals? ............................16 The ultimate goal of building new livestock handling facilities – portable or stationary – should be to increase usability while prioritizing safety and stress levels of both the cattle and people working with them. PEOPLE Nebraska Cattle Producers Promote U.S. Beef in Latin America............................................................................. 12 Mark Goes and Steve Hanson attend USMEF’s Latin American Product Showcase event in Guatemala City. PAST The Start of Great Plains Ranching ....................................... 22 The initial stocking of Nebraska and other western states started in the early 1860s; ranches were built on hard work and determination. POLICY NCBA Works to Deliver Increased Market Access to Cattle Producers........................................................................ 26 NCBA remains committed to expanding market access for U.S. beef and creating more opportunities for producers to increase their profitability. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE 2025 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention & Trade Show Preview.................................................................28 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: Moving cattle on the Rex Ranch, south of Whitman. Photo courtesy of Brianna Young Jensen.
“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 – which includes NaturSafe® 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 October 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 BUILDING THE INDUSTRY … ONE GENERATION AT A TIME JJ PETERSEN | SHELBY, IOWA NC ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL MEMBER Greetings fellow Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) members. My name is JJ Petersen, and I am a member of the NC Allied Industries Council (AIC). For the past 22 years, I have worked at Rueter’s Equipment Company, a multi-generation, family-owned company that sells and services ag and heavy equipment. In my position I am fortunate to have the role of traveling throughout Nebraska focusing on the cattle industry. I enjoy working with cattle feeders on their equipment needs to help them maximize their operation’s goals. One of the things I have enjoyed most during my tenure with Rueter’s is to have met and built great relationships with so many remarkable people in the cattle industry and allied industries. One common theme among these business professionals – whether AIC members or cattle producers – is the family and generational aspect. Many producers in the cattle industry are part of a family operation that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s one of the most fun and impressive things about the cattle industry in Nebraska and around the country. Nebraska cattlemen raise the best beef in the world, and it is always impressive to see how innovative and forward thinking they are in accomplishing that goal. Those fortunate enough to do it side-by-side with multiple generations add a certain revered and sacred element to the goal of feeding the world. Additionally, they have the challenge of ensuring their operation is sustainable for the next generation. Many of us in allied industries share that goal of building something that can be grown and passed down. In my case, I am following in my dad’s footsteps to support Nebraska cattlemen. My dad always told my brother and me that “people deal with people.” He built so many trusting relationships and friendships with cattlemen through his work at Rueter’s, and I now get to work with many of those same people today. In many cases, I have the opportunity to work with the next generation on Nebraska beef operations, too. Just the other day, I had lunch with a customer and his son, who recently started working in the family cattle business. During our visit, I couldn’t help remembering meeting his grandpa for lunch along with this young man’s dad, who was getting his start working in the family business. Over the years, I have built a great relationship with this family. Visiting with both father and son gave me great hope for the future. It also got me thinking about how exciting it would be to someday see one of my kids continue working with this family, growing both of our businesses through the relationship that our dads built many years ago. I think that young man’s dad and I both have the same goal in mind. Those close, long-term relationships are vital to our growth; they allow for honest feedback and collaboration to ensure we are working together in the best way possible. Nebraska cattle producers are always teaching, mentoring and striving to pass along something great to the next generation. The Allied Industries Council is always looking for opportunities to help share in the goals and mission of Nebraska beef producers. I encourage any members of your team to attend NC events and engage with people in the allied industries. We are here to CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
October 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 9 BEAR MTN FOREVER LADY 0579 Reg. *19850220 BEAR MTN RRS EISA ERICA 9501 Reg. *19571587 *Connealy Ruger x #*K C F Bennett Absolute CED BW WW YW SC Milk Marb RE $M $C 11 .7 71 123 1.07 29 1.17 1.04 71 329 BEAR MTN JUDY 6535 Reg. *18583302 BEAR MTN FOREVER LADY 7833 Reg. 19187563 BEAR MTN JAMIE 5025 Reg. *18228171 BEAR MTN ERICA 0555 Reg. *19850206 She Sells! Female SaleSATURDAY OCT. 25, 20251 PM CST AT THE RANCH, PALISADE, NE Selling Donors, Donor Prospects, Spring Bred Heifers, Proven Cows, Fall Pairs, Open Spring & Fall Heifers and 150 Commercial Bred Heifers The Influence of these Donors Sell! BEAR MOUNTAIN ANGUS Brian, Tiffany, Reagan & Mckinley Stoller 35789 Highway 6 • Palisade, Nebraska 69040 (308) 285-3313 • (308) 737-6213 Cell bearmtnangus@msn.com www.bearmountainangus.com 405-641-6081 matt@mcsauctions.com Save the Date! BULL SALE FEBRUARY 5, 2026 *Bear Mtn Justify x Koupals B&B On Course 5068 CED BW WW YW SC Milk Marb RE $M $C 7 -.9 83 150 1.52 27 .66 1.32 83 335 #*KG Justified 3023 x #S A V Pioneer 7301 CED BW WW YW SC Milk Marb RE $M $C 10 -.3 75 120 1.28 29 .81 .20 87 278 #+*PVF Insight 0129 x #Vin-Mar O’Reilly Factor CED BW WW YW SC Milk Marb RE $M $C 9 -.5 60 101 .01 26 .42 .98 56 278 Koupals B&B On Course 5068 x #*Barstow Cash CED BW WW YW SC Milk Marb RE $M $C 14 -1.7 74 133 .42 28 .27 1.21 91 319 *Bear Mtn Justify x LEMAR Hickok 6016 CED BW WW YW SC Milk Marb RE $M $C 10 -.5 60 109 1.78 36 .68 .51 79 271
10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 LAURA FIELD | NC EVP 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. WHAT THAT YEAR TAUGHT ME LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT In the fall of 1992, I stepped onto the campus of Texas Tech University as a visiting high school senior. On that trip, I met a professor who told me he couldn’t wait for me to be a member of the 1995 Meats Judging team. I just smiled and nodded awkwardly because I had no idea what meats judging was or why in the world I would be on the team. This fall, I went back to Lubbock for the 30-year reunion of that team I never imagined being a part of to see the teammates I had never met before we started college. I was the only girl on an eight-member team, and almost all the guys had spent time high-school judging. As for me, I had never laid eyes on a meat carcass and didn’t know the difference between a quality or yield grade. Being on that team was one of the most challenging things I have done in life to date. There were days we never saw the sun while driving hundreds of 90-mile round trips to the nearest packing plant in a rickety old van. We won three contests in 1995 and battled to the end with Colorado State University. We broke records, had our hearts broken in the losses and celebrated many individual and team awards. At our reunion, three of my teammates and our coach spent an evening together sharing stories, laughing and reminiscing about the year we traveled thousands of miles across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Pennsylvania and many parts in between. While our judging year ended with a loss, what we won proved to be much more. Having grown up on a purebred seedstock operation, I had little exposure to other parts of the livestock or meat industry. Being a part of the team helped shape my appreciation and understanding of the cattle industry from conception to consumption. The camaraderie of that team taught me what it was like to be in a van with people I started out barely knowing who became lifelong friends. Those miles taught me that it is all right to stand up for your decisions and fight hard for what you think is the right choice, while knowing that what was good for the group may not always have been what I wanted. Eight strong-willed individuals worked together even when it was a challenge. We fought, we got along and we proudly represented our university and ourselves. If you would have told my 22-year-old, post-judging self what my 50-year-old self would feel 30 years later, I would have never believed it. I flew home that weekend with a full heart, reflecting on the teamwork, assertiveness, critical thinking, standing by decisions and commitment that year taught me. I am grateful for that experience that helped shape who I am today. ~NC~ To view the most current online issue of the Nebraska Cattleman magazine, visit: https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/ nebraska-cattleman-magazine
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 OF 81CHAROLAIS, 36 RED ANGUS AND 41 BLACK ANGUS COWS - ELITE DONORS INCLUDED AND 75 BRED STABILIZER HEIFERS PRIVATE TREATY OFFERING - 20 AGE-ADVANTAGED RED ANGUS BULLS HIGH ALTITUDE BULL SALE DECEMBER 6TH, 2025 SALE LOCATION: LOMA LIVESTOCK LLC - LOMA, CO OFFERING 280 HIGH ALTITUDE PAP TESTED AGE-ADVANTAGED STABILIZER BULLS JERROD WATSON (CO) - 303-827-1156 AARON RASMUSSEN (NE) - 308- 763-1361 KURT SCHENKEL (OH) - 740-503-6270
12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 PEOPLE Nebraska Cattle Producers The U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Latin American Product Showcase began nearly 15 years ago as a small event aimed at allowing U.S. exporters of beef, pork and lamb to meet with buyers from small Western Hemisphere markets at a single location. At that time, export volumes to Central and South America and the Caribbean were small, but new opportunities were emerging due to a growing middle class and improved market access through trade agreements such as the Central America Dominican Republic-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and bilateral pacts with Colombia, Peru, Chile and Panama. Fast-forward to 2025, and the product showcase has exploded into a must-go event for dozens of exporting companies and importers, distributors, retailers and restaurateurs from throughout the Latin American region. When the 13th edition of the showcase was held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, prospective buyers from 18 countries met face-to-face with representatives of more than 80 U.S. exporters. Nebraska’s beef industry was also well-represented, with Mark Goes of Odell and Steve Hanson of Elsie participating. Goes, who raises purebred Gelbvieh seedstock, served for many years on the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors and is now the Nebraska Beef Council District 8 director. The Beef Council is a longtime supporter of the Latin American Product Showcase, and Goes’s experience in Guatemala drove home the foresight involved in making this investment. “The export market is essential to our success, and the relationships we need to expand demand for U.S. beef are right here in Central America and across Latin America,” Goes says. “It’s great to see so many buyers here with such a strong interest in our product.” Steve Hanson, NC past president and USMEF chair, was especially impressed with the diverse range of beef cuts attracting interest at the showcase. “There are buyers here who want the top-of-the-line, then we have people wanting that mid cut and there is also a lot of demand for cuts we don’t use in the United States,” Hanson says. “That adds value and, as a U.S. cattleman, I see it as a win-win situation.” USMEF staff from the region also guided Hanson, Goes and other U.S. ag industry leaders on an in-depth tour of Guatemala City’s retail sector, visiting a wide range of outlets offering U.S. beef. Nebraska cattle producers Mark Goes (left) and Steve Hanson (right) display U.S. beef cuts available at a Guatemala City meat shop. U.S. Meat Export Federation Regional Director Gerardo Rodriguez (left) guides U.S. ag industry leaders through a Guatemala City wet market.
October 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 U.S. MEAT EXPORT FEDERATION STAFF Promote U.S. Beef in Latin America “We were able to visit four tiers of marketing, starting with a wet market,” Goes says. “Then we moved up three levels, touring a local grocery store, then a Walmart-type of market, then a premium market. As we moved on up to the upper levels, we saw those premium cuts of beef, with U.S. Choice and Prime in great demand. Select [grade] not so much, because they’re able to get that type of product locally.” “Our product looked really good in those meat counters, and I was extremely pleased to see how well it was displayed,” Hanson adds. “All the retail visits were interesting, but the high-end grocery store really knocked your socks off. That high-end consumer wants quality, and they don’t necessarily care what that price is. And, they want U.S. beef because it’s safe, it’s sustainable and the taste is unsurpassed.” Central America has emerged as a rising-star destination for U.S. beef exports, with record-large shipments in 2024 reaching nearly 22,000 metric tons (mt), valued at more than $160 million. In the first half of 2025, led by robust demand in Guatemala and Panama, exports topped last year’s pace by 8 percent (11,655 mt) while valued soared 32 percent higher to $103.2 million. First-half exports to South America were up just 3 percent from a year ago in volume (9,588 mt), but value climbed nearly 40 percent to more than $70 million. Growth was primarily led by Chile, but demand is recovering in Colombia, where access was restricted for much of 2024 due to avian influenza-related restrictions. Full access to Colombia was restored in late September. Export value to the Caribbean is also trending higher, with first-half shipments to the region up 11 percent in value to $160 million, despite a 7 percent decline in volume (16,187 mt). Top growth markets this year include the Bahamas and Netherlands Antilles. In addition to the Nebraska Beef Council, the USMEF Latin American Product Showcase is made possible through support from USDA, the Beef Checkoff Program, the National Pork Board and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. For more details on this event, please visit usmef.org. You can also scan this QR code to view video highlights on your mobile device. ~NC~ Nebraska cattle producer Mark Goes (left) photographs U.S. beef cuts on display at a Guatemala City supermarket. Buyers from 18 countries throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean met with more than 80 U.S. exporting companies at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s Latin American Product Showcase in Guatemala City.
ANNUAL FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE ELITE HEIFER CALVES AND PERFORMANCE FEMALES 1:00 PM \\ Monday \\ October 27, 2025 Held at the ranch 9 miles south of Brewster, NE Brandon, Kami, Kyra & Kasey Meyer 1459 Road AA \\ Blue Hill, NE 68930 Brandon 402-469-0439 \\ Kami 402-469-8895 Kyra 402-519-0572 \\ Kasey 402-519-0566 www.4mangusfarm.com \\ bkmeyer@gtmc.net Jeff, Lisa & Ethan Johnson 43581 Drive 818 \\ Anselmo, NE 68813 Jeff Johnson 308-870-0265 lonesomeriverranchllc@gmail.com LonesomeRiverRanchllc.com David & Jeanene Dal Porto 925-250-5304 \\ 209-535-3657 djdalporto@aol.com Dawson Dal Porto 925-980-9940 dplangus@aol.com 82914 Milburn Ave Anselmo, NE 68813 Josh Valdez 559-647-6287 www.DalPortoLivestock.com WITH GUESTS Dal Porto livestock
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16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 Thinking About Upgrading Your Corrals? PRODUCTION TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Whether the sun is beating down and sweat drips down your back or the wind is howling and snow is traveling past you horizontally at 35 miles per hour, we all have memories of time spent in the corrals over the years. Livestock handling facilities are one of the mainstays of any cattle operation. The old wooden plank corrals with the wide alleys where big groups of livestock were crowded before sorting or processing are a fixture in the history of the American West. You can still find these structures in use on ranches across the country, but over time, the design and materials used in corrals have evolved. Since the introduction of these corral systems, ranchers have constantly strived to make them more efficient for both cattlemen and livestock alike. Time for an Upgrade? If you are thinking that it is time to upgrade the corrals that your great-great-grandfather built, there are lots of things to consider. The ultimate goal of building new livestock handling facilities should be to increase usability while prioritizing safety and stress levels of both the cattle and the people working with them. If you are ready to take on building an entirely new livestock handling system, there are many people and resources you can turn to for guidance. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, is the director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance and was a livestock systems Extension educator for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A lot goes into designing a new livestock handling facility. Visiting with your local veterinarian or Extension agent can be a great place to start brainstorming ideas for your corrals. Photo courtesy of Brute Cattle Equipment.
October 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 “In the beef industry, we tend to do things very traditionally, sticking with doing what we’ve always done. But what we’ve noticed over time is that, as an industry, we have become much more aware of cattle’s senses and how to handle them properly,” Waechter-Mead explains. “We have evolved our facilities to really utilize those senses on the animals so that they are less stressed, it is safer for the animals and us, and we just have a much more pleasant experience in working and processing them and doing our day-to-day activities.” Her biggest advice: get some fresh eyes on the situation. Ask a neighbor, friend, veterinarian or Extension agent to take a good look at your current setup and see what they recommend to improve your system’s efficiency. “You need to have somebody come in who doesn’t work in those facilities every day,” Waechter-Mead says. “We kind of become immune to what we see every day, and they can offer valuable insight.” To start with the basics, decide first if you want to build a permanent livestock handling setup or if a portable corral system would better serve your operation. Just because you have always had a permanent structure does not mean that a portable one might not be the better option. Both setups have their benefits. Going Mobile There are multiple companies offering a variety of solutions in terms of portable corral options. These systems are great for people whose operations are spread out across big spaces Portable corral systems come in all shapes and sizes, with some large enough to hold 600 head of 800-pound cattle. Photo courtesy of Rawhide Portable Corral, Inc. or even multiple leases since they can be easily transported from one location to the next. “My father invented our corral system that is able to go down the road at the speed limit, and one person could do it all,” says Cassy Wilson with Rawhide Portable Corral, Inc. “It is easy to set up and then put it back into transport mode.” The portable hydraulic corral systems come in a variety of sizes and holding capacities. The largest setup Rawhide offers can hold up to 600 head of 800-pound cattle. “My father invented this as I was heading to college, and my other two siblings were about ready to graduate high school,” Wilson explains. “We understand that sometimes you don’t have a lot of people to help, so this was designed with that in mind. We’ll see a lot of couples or smaller operations that use it, too.” Staying Stationary If you choose to build onto current permanent facilities, you might consider upgrading your alley system. Lowstress cattle handling designs, such as Bud Boxes or curved, solid-sided-fence facilities are great options that allow cattle to flow more easily through the facilities. “It is so important to build a properly flowing facility,” explains Austin Gubbels with Brute Cattle Equipment. “If we CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 aurorapharmaceuticalinc Follow us! ad022503 Aurora Pharmaceutical, Inc. ©2025 Quality You Trust. Value You Love. Scan to learn more www.aurorapharmceutical.com talk the feedyard side of things specifically for a moment, the less stress and impact we have on an animal going through that processing, the faster we’re going to get them back on feed. The average is three to four days before cattle return back to full feed after being worked, but with a good flowing facility and quality squeeze chute, you can have biotics and live vaccines a heck of a lot better than when they’re stressed. “We want to be more efficient all around, whether it’s the cattle converting better, the pharmaceuticals working more efficiently or the processing time that it takes to run those cattle through and get our protocols done. Efficiency is the name of the game.” Consider This If you opt for permanent facilities, there are a lot of things to consider before starting dirt work and setting posts. A good place to start is to establish where you are putting these corrals. Does it need to be accessed by semis, or are you planning for pickup and trailers? Either way, is it easily accessible from a road? It is beneficial to have water easily accessible, even if you do not necessarily plan to keep livestock there for extended periods of time. The same can be said for utilities. Once you have a preliminary plan drawn up, it may be helpful to stake out the plans in actual size where you plan to put them. Cattle naturally move easier uphill, so use slopes to your advantage. Running alleys and chutes east to west will help reduce shadows and should help the cattle flow more smoothly through the system. Curved alleys or working facilities help prevent the animal from seeing the chute ahead and keeps the animals moving. If you are planning on using concrete around the chute, make sure it is deeply grooved for traction. It is important to design a clear escape route out of pens or alleys in case something goes wrong and handlers need to make a quick exit. Gates and panels made out of metal pipe or rectangular rails allow cattle to see out, ideally keeping them calmer. If you are thinking about upgrading either part of or your entire corral system and are looking for resources, reach out to your local livestock Extension educator. Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance has a checklist available online to ensure your cattle handling facilities are designed with animal behavior and efficiency in mind. ~NC~ them back on feed in two to three days, which is saving everyone money.” A facility designed with low-stress management in mind not only decreases risk factors in regard to safety but can also increase profitability through the increase in efficiency. “There are a lot of studies going on, especially with the stress hormone cortisol,” Gubbels says. “If we can have less impact, less cortisol in the animal, they’re going to respond to those antiTHINKING ABOUT UPGRADING YOUR CORRALS? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
October 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT Moly Equipment is Better by Design Let us develop a custom facility for your operation. 785-472-3388 | molymfg.com SILENCER® Hydraulic Squeeze Chute Single Alleyway All-Purpose Corral™ TurretGate™ Upgrade Your Equipment, Maximize Your Deductions with Section 179
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22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 PAST The Start of Great Plains Ranching BOB HOUGH | CONTRIBUTING WRITER With the end of the Civil War in 1865, restless war veterans and other citizens looked west for new land and new opportunities. By this time, the Midwest was well established as an agriculture powerhouse, and the far west of the Oregon Territory and California were populated with settlers. Therefore, the opportunities lay in the Great Plains, which people were coming to realize was far from the “Great American Desert,” as it was first described. The end of the Civil War also brought a shift in political power to the West. Prior to the war, Virginia held sway as the major political power, providing the country with six presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Zachary Taylor and John Tyler – in what became known as the Virginia Dynasty. However, from the end of the war until the turn of the century (1865 to 1900), the center of power shifted to west of the Allegheny Mountains and Ohio in particular. During this period, five Ohioans would hold the highest office, including Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley. In their 1919 book American History, authors Arthur Perry, Jr., and Gertrude Price observed: “And these men [post-war presidents] came neither from the old North nor from the old South, but from the newer West. All were born in Ohio, one of the states carved out of the great Northwest Territory [defined by the United State’s initial western border at the Mississippi River] that was organized at the close of the Revolution. How that region was settled and how it furnished presidents is all part of a wonderful story of progress.” The initial stocking of states like Nebraska, as well as the other western states, started in the early 1860s. This was before rich investors invaded the cattle country of the Plains, and these initial ranches were built based on capital from hard work and determination. In western Nebraska, Edward and John Creighton are generally credited with being the first to stock a ranch in the state. The Creightons acquired much of their capital by taking on the mammoth task of building the 1,100 miles of telegraph line needed to connect eastern and western lines already in place. On Oct. 24, 1861, the telegraph line reached Fort Bridger in Utah, where the California telegraph line terminated. Thus, the job of connecting east and west was completed, and the Creightons immediately invested their funds into ranching and freighting. This was in spite of the risk of running cattle in the 1860s – Indian raids were still a major problem, and the infrastructure for getting cattle to market was not yet in place. However, by the 1870s, the Plains started to be stocked at a more rapid pace. By this time in Nebraska, the risk of Indian raids had largely subsided and the trail drives from Texas were in full swing. In 1869, the first railroad passing through the West A portion of the stone corral that was built by Tom Webster, the original owner of what is now the Maddux Ranch near Imperial.
October 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 traversed Nebraska, giving the state the first hubs – which included Ogallala, Kearney and Sidney – to transport cattle east. The cow herds soon followed. Two of these early pioneers were the brothers Mark and John Coad. As Irish immigrants, they acquired their capital to enter the cattle business through freighting as well as supplying hay and firewood to Fort Laramie and Fort Sedgwick. With these funds, they bought 10,000 Longhorns from Texas as well as pedigreed bulls from Illinois to breed them, which at that time would have been red, dual-purpose Shorthorns. The brothers also started moving their steers east to a major farming area in Nebraska so they could be fattened before going to market, making them pioneers in both breed improvement and finishing cattle. One enterprising Nebraska ranch owned by Tom Webster lay along the spur of the Chisholm Trail that led to Ogallala. His ranch had the last water on what was often called “Fetcher’s Route” before the final 40 miles to Ogallala – the longest stretch on the trail without water. He allowed the trail drives to water and rest their cattle there before making the last A map of the Great Plains, Wikimedia commons, public domain. A prize herd of fat Shorthorn-Longhorn crosses by Currier & Ives. Credit: Library of Congress. stretch of the trip, which by necessity required an overnight without watering the cattle. Webster built a stone corral, and for payment for his services got two sore-footed cattle that were unlikely to make it to Ogallala anyway, and a sound animal. He would also trade a sound animal for three more sore-footed cattle. He would heal up the cattle, starting them in the corral, and through this process was able to stock his ranch. Today, the Webster Ranch is owned by the well-known Maddux family where much of the stone corral still stands. William A. Paxton is another success story from those early years. He started working as a farm hand at the age of 12 for $8.50 per month before going into business for himself, breaking sod for homesteaders. He would go on to work for Creighton on the telegraph line and the railroad, leveling land and supplying railroad ties. When he had enough money, he went into business for himself, which included developing one of the largest ranches in Nebraska. He was based in Omaha and was one of the key players in the development of the Omaha Stockyards. Of course, these examples of the start of early ranches in Nebraska only represent a sample of the many that were getting into the ranching business. They preceded the investors from Europe and the East Coast, who joined in get-rich-quick schemes of the cattle and grass gold rush. Quite the opposite, most of these very first ranchers had entered the business based on money earned by the sweat of their brow. However, when the industry started switching over to promoters and rich investors, it was slowly building a house of cards that would eventually topple. Novice managers, overstocking, no winter management and utilizing the wrong type of cattle to improve their herds would all hasten this inevitability, which will be covered in the next edition of this feature. ~NC~ President Ulysses S. Grant. Credit: Library of Congress.
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26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 POLICY NCBA Works to Deliver Increased Market Access to Cattle Producers KENT BACUS | NCBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS It has been a whirlwind year on the international trade front with numerous announcements from the Trump administration regarding tariffs and trade deals. In April, President Trump implemented reciprocal tariffs on imported goods to address trade practices contributing to the large and persistent annual trade deficit. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) supports the president working to hold our trading partners accountable and expanding opportunities for U.S. cattle producers to sell their beef abroad. Let’s first dive into work to expand export markets. These foreign markets are a top priority for NCBA’s advocacy efforts because U.S. cattle producers benefit from the added value international trade brings. In 2024, export markets added $415 per head of cattle. A big part of that is because foreign markets value cuts like tongue at a much higher price than in the U.S. domestic market, helping drive up prices overall. NCBA is working with the Trump administration and Congress on possible new trade agreements and to hold our current trading partners accountable. We also regularly meet with various foreign trade officials to promote U.S. beef and discuss trade issues. NCBA is excited for future possibilities as the Trump administration is currently doubling down on expanding U.S. beef exports. Now let’s look at tariffs. Tariffs can be an effective tool in negotiations where we seek to improve trading conditions for American cattle producers. The $29 billion beef trade deficit we have with Australia is a great example of the U.S. getting the short end of the stick. For the past 20 years, Australia has enjoyed open access to the U.S. market, and they have sold more than $28.7 billion worth of Australian beef. At the same time, Australia has thrown up countless administrative hurdles and non-tariff trade barriers to block the United States from being able to sell even $1 of American beef into their market. This is a lopsided and unfair trading relationship, which is why NCBA supports President Trump potentially using tariffs and other tools to hold Australia accountable and ensure a fairer market. All we want is a level playing field and the same access to the Australian market that we provide in our market. Numerous other countries impose tariff and non-tariff trade barriers on American beef and other countries that limit our opportunities to export our high-quality product. Vietnam places a 30 percent tariff and Thailand places a 50 percent tariff on U.S. beef, making it close to impossible to sell U.S. beef in either country. The European Union also places numerous non-scientific, misguided and incorrect climate restrictions on American beef, such as carbon taxes that limit market opportunities. NCBA submitted this information to the Trump administration in formal comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and also highlighted that countries like Brazil and Paraguay were allowed access to the U.S. market by the Biden administration, despite overwhelming evidence of their animal health risk. This includes both countries’ history of dangerous foot-and-mouth disease and deficient safety practices. President Trump is already delivering results on improving trading conditions. In May, President Trump unveiled a trade agreement-in-principle with the United Kingdom (U.K.) that includes market access for beef. This announcement follows years of NCBA’s hard work building the foundation for a trade deal with the U.K., including numerous meetings with British industry stakeholders; members of Parliament; the British Embassy; the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and other top British authorities. All this work NCBA put in to expand trade with the U.K. has proven to be fruitful after the U.K. left the European Union in 2020. That opened the door to secure trade deals like the current agreement and ultimately allows for more top-quality U.S. beef to be exported to the U.K. NCBA appreciates the Trump administration for engaging in these high-stakes international trade negotiations and for utilizing all available tools to rebalance trading relationships, helping to ensure American beef is treated fairly in foreign markets. NCBA has always played the long game in international trade talks and will continue working to expand market access for U.S. beef and create more opportunities for producers to increase their profitability. ~NC~
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28 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 Green Bay Dressed Beef Green Bay, WI Holstein Steers | Fed Cows Lean Cows | Dairy Cross Fats Dean Derricks 920-436-6529 Long Prairie Packing Long Prairie, MN Bulls | Lean Cows Tyrel Lembke 651-256-6115 America’s Heartland packing Warren County, MO Fed Cows | Bulls | Lean Cows Holstein Steers | Dairy Cross Fats Clay Boyles 660-254-3454 Gibbon Packing Gibbon, NE Fed Cows | Bulls | Lean Cows Robby Burchett 276-832-1098 American Foods Group Kimball, MN Holstein Contracting Dairy Cross Fats Tim Schiefelbein 320-398-2700 Holstein Steers • Bulls • Fed Cows • Lean Cows • Dairy Cross Fats - CATTLEBUYERCOVERAGE - THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEST OWNED FAMILY 2025 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual C e & r d h Dec. 10-12, 2025 | Younes Conference Center South, Kearney Wednesday, Dec. 10 Council Meetings, Opening General Session, Trade Show Reception Thursday, Dec. 11 Trade Show, Committee Meetings, Career Fair, Trade Show Luncheon, Annual Banquet Fairfield Inn* – $114.95/night (308) 236-4200 Complimentary suite upgrade when available. Comfort Inn* – $114.95/night (308) 251-2722 *Specify you’re with Nebraska Cattlemen to receive the discounted rate. Room block will be available until Nov. 10, 2025. H t l Room blocks under Nebraska Cattlemen are available at: La Quinta Inn – $114.95/night (308) 237-4400 Additional hotel option - no room block. Friday, Dec. 12 NC Market Outlook, Annual Business Meeting This schedule is subject to change. Watch for more details and updates in upcoming issues of the Nebraska Cattlemen Chronicle e-newsletter, the November issue of the Nebraska Cattleman magazine, and online at nebraskacattlemen.org. T n a c f v n s
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30 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 “I like the fact the information will come from an independent source. The information provides needed and valuable feed ration information for a specific set of circumstances. There is no pressure to buy a certain product or do business with a specific provider.” - Jim V. Broken Bow, NE Join the prime producers! Order your feed testing kit today! 308-234-2418 www.wardlab.com 4007 Cherry Ave. Kearney, NE 68847 PEERS CATTLE CONNECTIONS AND A FEEDLOT RESEARCH UPDATE FROM USMARC MARK BOGGESS | U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER DIRECTOR Greetings! U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) strives to stay in step with the beef industry conversation so that we can best describe the Agricultural Research Service world-class research programs going forward. Consequently, I was very interested to see the Beef Industry Federation presentation from Ty Lawrence, Ph.D., professor of animal science and director of the Beef Carcass Research Center at West Texas A&M University, where he predicted that beef carcass weights might eventually reach 1,500 pounds. The logic behind that prediction certainly makes sense, but the implications are extraordinary! For example, what will the dams of those steers look like? Will the industry be mandated to use a terminal-sire breeding program to limit mature cow weights? How will feed and nutrition programs change? What evolution will be required for feedlot penning and handling systems, trucking and transportation, etc.? This conversation will certainly contribute to our interesting times! Another way we keep in step is through direct interaction with producers and stakeholders. At USMARC, we have a formal Beef Focus Group that includes producers and industry stakeholders from across the country. These are great conversations! We also have an external Livestock Industry Advocacy Council (LIAC) that includes numerous beef industry stakeholders. The LIAC is new but is doing a great job representing the needs of the beef industry. Currently, we have numerous research efforts focused on beef systems and beef production, including work focused on nutrition and growth, heifer development and lifetime productivity, genetic and genomic systems, genome editing for disease prevention, bovine congenital heart disease, salmonella, feed efficiency, feedlot surface issues, tenderness and meat quality and more. Each of these areas of focus has great teams doing great work. We are also developing a living-lab approach for the center, which I will feature in a future article. We have also expanded the famous Germplasm Evaluation Herd to locations at Texas A&M and El Reno, Okla., with more to come, which will allow us to begin to better evaluate the relationships between genetic background and local production environments. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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