10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 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. A TIME OF MANY LESSONS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT In 2023, I wrote about the key week at the end of my summer that included both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association summer meeting and the Saunders County Fair. As this year’s fair wound down, I sat in my chair in the cattle barn in Wahoo, reflecting on many things. This year, our now 13-year-old twins competed in a multitude of competitions, including showing breeding cattle, baking, woodworking and even ice cream rolling where their “double doodle” ice cream was reserve champion. We watched friends and neighbors compete, cheer, laugh, cry and lift each other up for five days, and it got me thinking about the many lessons learned at the county fair and programs like 4-H and FFA that can be used not just during fair week, but in all things. Leadership and Responsibility – Leadership of older 4-H and FFA members teaches younger members responsibility and gives them confidence. Time management, planning and pride in ownership are all lessons learned in these mentoring relationships. Sportsmanship and Graciousness – Even when we have our own strong opinions, my husband and I repeatedly stress that the show ring is one person’s opinion on one given day. Learning to win and lose with dignity is important, and giving and receiving congratulations, thanking volunteers and supporting others are key to the process. Work Ethic and Perseverance – Completing a project in any class or category requires effort and dedication. No matter the setback or challenges, learning to adapt and overcome is not easy. Resilience and Adaptability – Not every project wins a blue or purple ribbon. Being proud of the product you raise or produce includes striving to improve and realizing opportunities for growth. Appreciation for Agriculture – County fairs showcase agriculture and connect the public with the food produced by hard-working ranchers. The opportunity to learn about and highlight animal care and food production processes are unmatched. Pride and Confidence – Being proud of what you do is a valuable lesson. Gaining confidence from achievements is an important recognition for future endeavors. There is a sign in the show pavilion at the Saunders County Fairgrounds that states, “We don’t have kids to help raise our livestock. We have livestock to help raise our kids.” There is quite a bit of truth in this sentence as there are many lessons to be learned from raising livestock. The beef cattle community is at its best when we lift each other up. As fall begins, I hope I keep these lessons from the county fair top of mind as I travel the state and meet with like-minded cattle producers, building relationships and supporting our fellow cattle producers. ~NC~
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