NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 7
A-12676527791 WWW.LEACHMAN.COM/SALES | 307-788-7165 CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES JERROD WATSON (WESTERN) | 303-827-1156 AARON RASMUSSEN (MIDWEST) | 308-763-1361 KURT SCHENKEL (EASTERN) | 740-503-6274 CAT T L E BULLS THAT BUILD BETTER COW HERDS OCT 10 OCT 17 OCT 22 NOV 5 NOV 20 DEC 5 DEC 11 DEC 17 Fall in the Ozarks Sale Ozark, AR California Stabilizer® & Angus Sale Dinuba, CA Sunshine $PROFIT® Sale Chiefland, FL 1-70 Gateway Fall Bull Sale Kingdom City, MO Fall Roundup and High Altitude Sale Meriden, WY Colorado Mountain Sale Loma, CO Texas Panhandle Stabilizer® Sale Amarillo, TX Texas $PROFIT® Sale San Saba, TX Scan to request a catalog! Make plans to join us for our fall sales! More than 1,100 bulls sale!
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6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 Vol. 82 | Issue 7 REGULARS Insights ....................................8 Ruminations .........................10 Membership Application....22 NC Partners ........................... 22 NCIG........................................36 Consider This .......................38 Nebraska Beef Council ........40 IANR .......................................42 Advertiser Index...................43 Sale & Event Calendar.........43 NC Dispatch...........................46 FEATURES PRODUCTION Helping Calves Handle Weaning Stress ...................12 What new research says about maternal bovine appeasing substance. PEOPLE Nebraska Ranch Practicum....................................... 26 The Nebraska Ranch Practicum has served generations of ranchers through hands-on experience. POLICY mCOOL and Its Unintended Consequences ............32 NC Vice President Jaclyn Wilson unpacks some of the unintended consequences of mandatory country-of-origin labeling. PERSPECTIVES Using Stockmanship to Improve Cattle Grazing Behavior ........................................................................ 20 Skilled stockmanship can influence how cattle graze, respond to herd movement, develop trust in handlers and more. PAST Chalkware Bull Banks and Nebraska History.........16 A look at the history and restoration of chalkware bull coin banks that were popular in Nebraska in the ‘40s and ‘50s. 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: Cattle greet a new day near Harrisburg. Photo Courtesy of Abby Samuelson with Abby D Photography.
HERD BUILDER SALE 12:30 PM | SATURDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2026| AT THE RANCH Free Delivery to the Lower 48 states with total purchases of $15,000 or more. Office (913) 727-6446 • Dirck Hoagland (816) 225-1246 25332 Wolcott Road • Leavenworth, KS 66048 • www.blackhereford.com Watch a video of sale cattle on our website. www.blackhereford.com This sale will be broadcast live on the internet. Real time bidding & proxy bidding avaialble. BLACK HEREFORDS Featuring of JN BALDER J043M Ranks in the top 30% of the breed for 8 out of 12 traits including: the top 4% for Milk, the top 10% for BW and API, and the top 20% for CE, MCE, and Marbling. the service SELLING 55BLACK HEREFORD BRED HEIFERS 13 HEAVY SERVICE BLACK HEREFORD BULLS
8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 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) 310-2294 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 LESSONS ONLY THE LAND CAN TEACH ERIC HANSEN | NORTH PLATTE NC PRESIDENT-ELECT I’ve spent most of my life looking across the Nebraska Sandhills, checking cattle, watching the grass respond to different conditions and treatments, and learning lessons that only the land can teach. If there’s one thing I’ve come to believe, it’s that cattle ranching has never really been about the cattle alone. It’s about stewardship. The cattle are our livelihood, but the land and our families are our foundation. When you’re fortunate enough to ranch on the same ground that your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents cared for, you gain a different perspective. You realize you’re not the first steward of that land, and you certainly won’t be the last. Every decision you make – whether it’s moving cattle to a fresh pasture or creating new rotational systems with fence and water development – affects what the next generation will inherit. I’ve learned that Mother Nature always has the final say. She’s humbled every rancher with drought, blizzards, floods, fires and years like this that have tested both resolve and faith. But she’s also shown us that healthy grasslands are remarkably resilient when we manage them with care. I’ve always said the Sandhills are surprisingly tough for how fragile they are. Healthy soil grows healthy grass. Healthy grass supports healthy cattle. And healthy cattle support the families who make their living on the land. Years ago, many of us measured success by how many cows a pasture could carry. Experience has taught me that a better measure is how healthy that pasture is after the cattle leave. If the grass has recovered, the roots have grown deeper, the wildlife is thriving and the soil is holding moisture, then we’ve done our job. Good stewardship isn’t about taking everything the land can give today – it’s about making sure it has even more to offer tomorrow. The best ranchers I’ve known were never afraid to try new things. They were never afraid to fail and learn from it. And, they always respected the wisdom passed down from previous generations, but kept an open mind. Better grazing management, improved genetics, thoughtful development and conservation practices have all helped make our operations stronger without losing sight of the values we were raised with. Today, I enjoy watching younger cattlemen bring new ideas to the industry. They understand technology in ways I never imagined, but the principles remain the same. Respect the land. Take care of your livestock. Be a good neighbor. Leave things better than you found them. That’s the kind of legacy worth leaving. Nebraska’s grasslands are among our state’s greatest treasures, and they’re productive because generations of ranchers have understood their responsibility to care for them. These wide-open spaces provide wildlife habitat, protect water resources, capture carbon in healthy soils and produce high-quality beef. None of that happens by accident. It happens because someone is willing to think beyond this year’s calf crop and invest in the future. When people ask what I’ve accomplished over the years, I don’t start with cattle numbers or market prices. I think about the pastures that are healthier today than CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
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10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 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. ‘WHY NOT?’ AND ‘WHY?’ LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Most of the time those questions are reversed – “Why?” first, followed by “Why not?” They are two of the most asked questions we hear. In early August, I found myself in two very different conversations where both questions were asked. In the hours that followed, I had some windshield time to think about what they meant, especially to me. The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program held its inaugural Engler Summit in Kearney this year. The Engler program began at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) following a gift from Nebraska native and cattle feeding legend Paul Engler. The program has changed the lives of hundreds of young people, and it is what brought my family to Nebraska. On the final Sunday morning of the summit, my family had the privilege to listen to Dona Kay Rule, 68, five-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) barrel racing qualifier. Her story is inspiring, and I listened carefully as she talked about training horses, the time and investment in each animal and the grit, tenacity and determination to keep chasing her dream. When asked why she thought she could qualify for the NFR in her 60s, she shared a story of watching an NBA game and hearing Russell Westbrook asked how he continued achieving and breaking records. His response was simple: “Why not?” Rule shared that she sat back and asked herself some “Why not?” questions. Why not try her hand at the NFR? Why not chase what she had always loved and wanted? So, she did! And she shared with the crowd she is not done yet. Later that evening, I had a discussion with Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) leadership ahead of the August board meeting. As we covered a number of topics, a story was shared of a conversation with a mentor many years ago – a conversation that ended with, “What is your ʻWhy’?” The question “Why?” can be asked about almost anything. Why did you choose that outfit? Why did you buy that brand of car? Why do I have to clean my room? As fall begins, it is a busy time for ranchers and farmers. Many of us step into fall thinking about what lies ahead for the rest of the year. As school calendars fill up and the pace quickens, I am spending time pondering many “whys,” including “Why Nebraska Cattlemen?” My “Why?” to leading the organization is deeply rooted in my belief that being an NC member is imperative. Participating with and advocating for like-minded cattle producers is essential. Lending a voice to the hard-working Nebraskans who drive the state’s economy is an awesome privilege. The “Why?” comes by showing the value of membership to those who join and for those who are considering joining, proving we can make a difference. As you move into the fall season in a tractor, on horseback or on the road, I hope you have time to consider the importance of both your “Why not?” and your “Why?” ~NC~ Lending a voice to the hard-working Nebraskans who drive the state’s economy is an awesome privilege.
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12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 PRODUCTION Helping Calves Handle Weaning Stress What New Research Says About mBAS JESSICA WESSON | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Weaning is one of the most challenging transitions a calf will experience. Separation from the cow, changes in diet, transportation, processing and exposure to unfamiliar environments all occur within a short period, creating significant stress that can affect calf health and performance. Because of that, researchers continue searching for management tools that help calves adapt more successfully during weaning. One of those tools is maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS), a synthetic version of the natural appeasing pheromone produced by cows. Since Nebraska Cattleman last covered the technology, several new studies have been completed, giving researchers a better understanding of how it works, where it may provide the greatest benefit and how it fits into an overall weaning program. Looking Beyond Weight Gain Much of the earliest research surrounding mBAS focused on traditional performance measures such as average daily gain and health outcomes. While those remain important, researchers have increasingly shifted their attention toward calf behavior. Rodrigo Bicalho, CEO of FERA Diagnostics, says understanding behavior helps explain why cattle perform differently after treatment. “We need to understand how the product is impacting the eating behavior, the activity of the animals and intake,” Bicalho says. “That behavioral research ties everything together and allows us to have a full understanding of what’s going on.” According to Bicalho, stress causes calves to produce cortisol, a hormone that prepares the body for immediate survival. While that response is beneficial during a life-threatening event, elevated cortisol also suppresses the immune system, making calves more susceptible to respiratory disease during stressful periods such as weaning. Rather than focusing solely on weight gain, researchers began examining behaviors that signal how quickly calves are adapting to their new environment. What Researchers Are Seeing Recent studies have found that calves receiving FerAppease – the commercial mBAS product used in the research – returned to normal behaviors more quickly following stressful events. Instead of waiting until they became very hungry before eating, treated calves visited the feed bunk more frequently and consumed smaller meals throughout the day. Researchers also observed increased water intake and significantly more rumination or cud chewing. Rumination plays an important role in digestive health because chewing cud stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps buffer the rumen and maintain a healthy digestive environment. According to Bicalho, treated cattle spent an additional 30 to 45 minutes each day ruminating, a meaningful increase for an animal with limited time each day to eat, rest and ruminate. Researchers also observed noticeable differences in calf behavior immediately following weaning. Treated calves spent
September 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 less time pacing pens and standing idle while spending more time lying down, eating and drinking. “If we wean our calves, we want them to go to the feed bunk and eat and go to the water trough and drink,” Bicalho says. “Those are the two things that every cattleman knows are associated with health.” Those behavioral changes have been accompanied by encouraging health results in larger commercial studies. In one recent feedlot trial involving nearly 1,600 calves, researchers observed substantially lower rates of bovine respiratory disease, mortality and removals among treated cattle compared to untreated cattle. A Nebraska Perspective While several previous studies have focused on higher risk calves in other regions of the country, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) researchers wanted to evaluate the technology under Nebraska conditions. Galen Erickson, Ph.D., UNL cattle industry professor of animal science, says the study intentionally looked at a different type of animal than many previous trials. “This was a commercial study,” Erickson says. “These were big yearlings, so not real high-stress cattle. I think it’s important to have different types of cattle from different regions included.” The Nebraska study found only modest differences in overall performance, but researchers did observe a small improvement in hot carcass weight along with a tendency toward improved feed efficiency. According to Erickson, those findings resulted from small numerical differences in both feed intake and gain rather than dramatic changes in either measurement individually. “They’re not huge differences,” Erickson says. “But these are the types of biological data you need when deciding whether a technology is economical to use.” Perhaps most surprising, Erickson says he had not expected to observe a measurable response in such low-stress cattle. “I didn’t expect it to have any response with these lowstress, big yearlings,” he says. “Having an efficiency response that I think is repeatable was a bit of a surprise.” Matching the Tool to the Situation Although the Nebraska results were more modest than some previous studies, Erickson cautions against comparing individual studies too closely. Different research projects involve different cattle, environments and stress levels. Just as other well-established technologies produce varying responses from study to study, he says researchers rely on multiple trials across different production systems to understand average performance. “Some studies are going to be smaller responses and some are going to be larger responses,” Erickson says. “When you average them together, you have a really good idea of whether it will work for you or not.” Based on the available research, Erickson believes the greatest opportunity for mBAS is likely during higher stress events. “I think it’s got more of a place in high-stress situations,” he says. “The highest priority use would probably be newly received calves around weaning time.” Bicalho agrees that weaning remains one of the most valuable opportunities to use the technology. “Weaning is always going to be stressful,” he says. “It doesn’t matter what management system you’re using. Just removing the offspring from the mother is, by itself, a scientific model of stress.” Research Continues While researchers have learned considerably more about how mBAS influences calf behavior and performance, both experts agree that continued research remains valuable. For Bicalho, the recent studies have strengthened confidence in the effectiveness of FerAppease across multiple applications in the beef industry. Erickson, meanwhile, believes future work will help determine the best timing for application and further define where producers can expect the greatest return. “I think more research is certainly needed, particularly to better understand responses under different management situations and to identify the best opportunities for using the technology,” Erickson says. For producers, the message is a practical one. Weaning stress cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed. As research continues across different cattle types and production systems, mBAS is emerging as another management tool that producers can evaluate alongside sound nutrition, vaccination programs and low-stress handling practices to help calves make one of the most difficult transitions of their lives. ~NC~
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16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 Chalkware Bull Banks MARK BOGGESS | DIRECTOR, U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER Some of you may know me as the director of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, but what you may not know is that I am also a collector of “remarkable things.” One thing I really like to collect and often restore are “chalkware” bull coin banks. To my knowledge I had not seen a chalkware bull bank until I moved to Nebraska in 2018. The first one I spotted was in an antique store and I was hooked. I consider these banks to be a Nebraska phenomenon and have been hunting them and trying to learn as much as possible ever since! Here’s what I have learned about these bull banks along the way. The chalkware bull banks that interest me were originally made by the Nebraska Art Statuary in Omaha during the 1940s and 1950s and were often used as carnival prizes across the Midwest. There are two common sizes: a 9-inch, stylized design and a larger 13-inch more realistic design. My interest is only the larger 13-inch version. The most common type or breed of bull banks is Herefords, and they were made from a soft, chalkware plaster, giving them a textured, hand-crafted appearance. All of these were produced from the same soft molding process, so they are identical in general shape and form but vary in thickness and dimension due to the soft mold. The Hereford banks were also painted in a virtually identical fashion that indicates a fast and efficient painting process. The Hereford bull motif was most popular in the ʻ40s and ʻ50s, reflecting the cattle industry’s cultural significance in Nebraska. These original bull banks are stamped with “Nebraska Art Statuary” on the belly near the left flank, and they all have a circular access point on the sternum that could be broken out to retrieve your coins. Unfortunately, I have not yet found any information on the production process, the history of the company or the fate of the mold. Over the last few years, I have steadfastly monitored several auction sites and online vendors, looking for these bull banks. And, while the Hereford bull version is by far the most common (more than 90 percent), there are other breeds and one key interesting variation. Some of the banks have the Nebraska Art Statuary stamp, but many do not. Of those with the stamp, I have found the following variations: Hereford, Charolais and Hereford-Angus (black baldy). Based on my observations, the Charolais and black baldy banks are very rare. There are also a few Angus banks to be found. These are clearly produced by the same mold and process but modified to be polled. However, of the handful I have seen, none have the Nebraska Art Statuary stamp. Of the bull banks described above, one interesting variation exists. A few of each of these were produced with the Nebraska state map across the top of the bull and embossed with “Nebraska The Beef State.” This variation also includes Angus without the Nebraska Art Statuary stamp. The chalkware bulls with the Nebraska state map are my holy grail, and these are very rare indeed. In addition to Angus, there are several other traditional and custom variations of the chalkware bull banks without the Nebraska Art Statuary stamp. They are from the same mold but modified somewhat in form, shape or color. While the history of these variations is also not known, I speculate that the original Nebraska Art Statuary mold was possibly sold or copied, and that many of these banks were produced somewhere else. These variations include some that were PAST
September 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 Member FDIC ONE THAT PROVIDES. Time-tested Agribusiness banking. /agribusiness and Nebraska History stretched to be longer necked, had their hair coat changed or were painted with brighter red and other color combinations. Many of these are poorly molded and were mishandled while the chalk paste was wet. And even the best of the bulls often show large seams, bubbles or other minor defects, which in some cases, adds to their character. It is always interesting to see what you can find! As you might expect, since the banks are literally made of chalk, a great many have been lost, broken or otherwise damaged over time. Some of the ones I have collected were missing an ear or horn, were chipped or had a broken leg. Unfortunately, two of my recent finds were crushed during shipping. It is very disappointing to open the package hoping to find a treasure, only to find a shattered mess. So, this is where I come in. One of my hobbies is restoring fossils, antlers and related items, so it is great fun for me to restore and preserve these chalkware bulls. From a “purist” perspective, some of the antique value is lost with restoration. I understand that, but I balance that perspective with a need to preserve the past and to keep these bulls “alive” for another generation. And, I usually restore damaged bull banks and make them better! When I restore a broken bull, I repair the damaged areas, clean up the seams from the mold, replace the plug if it is missing and improve the feet and hooves, which rarely came out of the mold in perfect condition. Then I repaint the bull to match the original breed and finish with a preservation step that also gives the bull a deeper aged patina. Occasionally, I have added my own variation. For example, I repainted one restored bull with a Nebraska top as a red-roan Shorthorn for my personal collection. There were no shorthorns produced by the Nebraska Art Statuary, but they were an important breed in the industry in the last century. To date I have restored several Herefords and one Angus for beef industry friends and hope to do more in the future! There are several waiting their turn in my shop. Currently my collection includes Hereford, Angus, Charolais and a black baldy bull, all with the Nebraska map on the top. I also have the Shorthorn bull. Recently, I added a unique variant that I think must have been a Santa Gertrudis bull, which is very interesting. I am always looking for more bull banks and am happy to visit about them. I would very much like to hear your stories and learn more about their history if you have information to share. ~NC~ One of the shattered bull banks is now fully restored – a Hereford with the Nebraska state map – and will be donated to the Nebraska Cattlemen for its fire and drought relief funds. It will be auctioned at the association’s annual meeting next winter. Look for it there! It is named Phoenix! Risen from the ashes. Before After
Club Calf Producers NEBRASKA 1 4 5 6 2 7 3 morganranchshowcattle.com Roger Morgan 308-750-4453 Pat Morgan 308-214-0772 Hereford show calves for sale Private Treaty Burwell, Neb. 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 LOCATION ADDRESS 2291 240TH AVE. ALBION, NE 68620 1 MILE NW OF ALBION ON HWY 14, 1.2 MILES N ON 240TH AVE. Alex Christo 402-741-1887 Hosted on SC Online Sales Dustin Christo 402-741-2950 Greg Christo 402-920-2901 christocattle.com RESERVE CHAMPION STEER + 4TH OVERALL WINTER WARM-UP 2 FULL SIBS + 1 HALF SIB SELL! RESERVE CHAMPION STEER ILLINOIS BEEF EXPO 2 FULL SIBS + 1 HALF SIB SELL! Sunday, Oct. 11 Online at sconlinesales.com 130 Autogate Rd. Chadron, NE 69337 (308) 430-3634 (308) 430-3960 sellmanranchshowcattle@gmail.com www.sellmanranch.com Landgren RANCH Mark & Julie Landgren 402-340-0673 49812 Hwy. 70, Bartlett, NE 68622 ONLINE PASTURE SALE New World Order Say No More How Great Thou Art In God We Trust Worth the Wait Sires Tuesday, Sept. 22 on Show Circuit SALE LOCATION 376 Co. Rd. N North Bend, NE 68649 Ethan Bang 402-916-0309 • Wayde Bang 402-916-0582 Bill Gross-Rhode 402-719-4751 ONLINE CALF SALE Monday, Sept. 21 Hosted by Show Circuit For additional information E/W Cattle Company Triple J CaTTle SHOW CIRCUIT ONLINE SALE Monday, SepT. 21 1340 County Rd. E Craig, NE 68019 Johnnie Johnson 402.720.8797 Will Johnson 402.317.1444 Find Us on Facebook!
September 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 WE’RE NO.1. AND THAT’S NO BULL. NEBRASKA IS NO. 1 IN RED MEAT PRODUCTION, BUT OUR LEADERSHIP DOESN’T END THERE. AGRICULTURE HAS A $21.4 BILLION IMPACT ON THE NEBRASKA ECONOMY, AND YOUR NEBRASKA SOY CHECKOFF IS DIALED INTO IT TO ENSURE YOUR NEBRASKA SOYBEANS ARE A MAJOR PLAYER. FOOD, FEED, INDUSTRIAL USES ANYWHERE THERE IS A NEED FOR MEAL AND OIL, NEBRASKA SOYBEANS ARE FINDING A PLACE AT THE TABLE. Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture. ©2021 United Soybean Board. [61078-10 7/21] #CROPPORTUNITY NEBRASKASOYBEANS.ORG
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 PERSPECTIVES Using Stockmanship to Improve Cattle Grazing Behavior TOM NOFFSINGER, DVM | PRODUCTION ANIMAL CONSULTATION Observing cattle with Bud Williams more than 20 years ago sharpened my attention to measurable differences in grazing behavior, herd distribution and handler response. After turning out on high-quality spring pasture, some yearling groups repeatedly traveled the pasture perimeter for several days, while others began grazing near the gate within minutes. Some cattle dispersed across the pasture, while others maintained tight social subgroups. Buller activity occurred in some steer groups and was absent in others. Cow-calf pairs also varied; some dams stayed within a few yards of their calves and bedded down as daylight faded, while others spent more time searching and calling. In rough country, some herds resisted gathering, while others responded to orderly movement and joined cattle traveling toward pens or load-out areas. These differences are not random inconveniences; they point to management opportunities. Skilled stockmanship can influence how cattle graze, distribute across pasture, respond to herd movement and develop trust in handlers. Stockmanship Practices That Improve Grazing Performance Effective stockmanship begins with reading cattle from their perspective and applying pressure with timing, position and release. Handlers should place themselves where cattle can use vision, hearing and scent to assess both the handler and the intended direction of travel. Whenever possible, cattle should see their destination and the source of guidance simultaneously, reducing confusion and unnecessary lateral movement. Approach and introduce pressure to the left eye first when appropriate, allow cattle time to process and interpret handler intention, then release pressure as soon as they commit to the desired movement. The objective is not simply to move cattle from one point to another, but to build enough trust and predictability that cattle can pass by the handler, maintain forward motion and continue grazing or traveling with minimal stress. Handler movement direction relative to the herd regulates herd movement rate. Handler movement parallel to herd direction slows or stops herd movement. Handler movement at a slight outward angle continues herd progress. Handler movement against the direction of herd motion speeds herd movement. Managing herd flow through gates at turnout or during paddock rotations is key to orderly, voluntary herd movements. Establish cattle trust in caregivers by expecting cattle to pass by handlers at the gate and continue when emptying pens, rotating pastures or handling cattle in holding pens. Our goal is to teach cattle to follow handlers they trust. Regulate herd behavior – if movement through the gate is voluntary and orderly, allow more cattle to pass through. If cattle start to rush and push on lead cattle, stop cattle movement long enough to achieve desired behavior as more cattle follow the herd. Expect pairs to travel as families. Avoid allowing cows to
September 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 pass through gates without their calves at side or nearby. Ideally, form a team of two handlers who lead the herd through gates. One rider continues in front of the cattle and the teammate passes through the gate and stays close enough to regulate gate behavior. Eventually herds will volunteer to follow handlers. Proper stockmanship in cow-calf grazing operations contributes to production parameters, including first-service conception rates, nursing frequency, neonatal health and lowstress weaning. Build maternal behavior during daily interventions. Ask calves to be near their dams and train pairs to move together during calving, tagging and pasture rotations. Calves walk more slowly than cows, horses or four-wheelers. Avoid asking cows to walk ahead of calves, leaving babies at rear of the herd. Never interrupt nursing prior to early morning gathering. Wait for calves to respond to pressure and volunteer to accompany their mothers. Expect the last animals arriving at a pen destination to be a mother and her calf, side by side. Skilled stockmanship can influence how cattle graze, distribute across pasture, respond to herd movement and develop trust in handlers. Pasture management, rotational grazing and building soil health is paramount to the sustainability of the beef industry. Focus on both soil health and mental fitness of grazing animals. Expect cattle to be content, confident and productive in grazing systems. Ask herds to move together while checking water or doing health evaluations. The herd should be willing to move short distances in an orderly fashion between paddock moves. Avoid herd anticipation of moving to new feed. Take time to retrain herds that replace grazing with move anticipation. Spend time early in behavior changes to save time and improve cattle performance. Remember that cattle do what we ask, and their behavior is a product of our communication skills. Wait for them to analyze our intent. Pressure and timing of release is key. Look where we want cattle to go and know that silence is power and pressure is intermittent and lessening. Enjoy learning how to build trust and confidence in animals we have been granted dominion over. ~NC~
22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 Platinum Partners Gold Partners Silver Partners Bronze Partners The companies below have committed substantial and continual support to the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) organization and membership. NC appreciates the support of these partners. Their dedication to Nebraska's cattle/beef industry and this organization does not go unnoticed. If you would like more information about the benefits of being an NC partner, please email nc@necattlemen.org or call (402) 475-2333. NC PARTNERS Barnell Land & Cattle Company Membership at the Grass Roots begins with you! Primary Contact: _____________________ Business Name: ______________________ Address: __________________________ City: ____________________________ State: __________ Zip: ______________ Phone: ___________________________ E-Mail: ___________________________ Local A liate: ______________________ Recruiter: _________________________ Contact Information PRODUCER COUNCIL– Voting Cow/Calf Farmer/Stockman Seedstock Check one option for the above Councils: # of Option I: Option II: Head: NC/NCBA/Local NC/Local 0-100 $295.00 $115.00 101-250 $512.50 $152.50 251-500 $752.50 $212.50 501-750 $1,066.50 $287.50 751-1,000 $1,442.50 $362.50 1,001-1,250 $1,818.50 $437.50 1,251-1,500 $2,191.50 $512.50 1,501-1,750 $2,567.50 $587.50 1,751-2,000 $2,943.50 $662.50 2,001 & up $2,981.00 $700.00 +$.75/addt’l hd +$0.30/addt’l hd FEEDLOT COUNCIL– Voting NC/NCBA dues are unified Monthly Quarterly Semi-annually Annually Capacity Dues Placement Billing # of head X $1.19 # of head X $0.62 Total: $_________ Total: $_________ Student Membership – Voting Under 24 years of age. Birthdate: ______________ Option I: NCBA – $85 Annually Option II: NC – $25 One-Time Fee Supporting Membership– Non-voting, non-owners of livestock and local business Option I: NC/NCBA/Local – $330 Option II: NC/Local – $150 Associate Membership– Unified vote on Allied Industries Council Option I: NC/NCBA/Local – $640 Option II: NC/Local – $400 Membership Classi cations Total dues investment: $ _________________________ Add Donation to NC Political Action Committee: $ ___________ The investment in Nebraska Cattlemen is based on fair share dues. Fair share dues allow for all sizes of businesses to participate. Payments of NC/NCBA dues are tax deductible for most active members as a business expense. NC estimates 15% of the dues payment is not deductible as a business expense due to our direct lobbying activities on behalf of members - please check with your tax professional. Card Type: _________________________ Name on Card: _______________________ Address: __________________________ City: _____________________________ State: ______________ Zip: __________ Card Number: _______________________ Expiration: ________ Security Code: ______ Credit Card info Add Nebraska Cattlewomen membership (no charge) OPT-OUT of Seedstock, Feedlot and Associate Directories Remit to: Nebraska Cattlemen 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 (402) 475-2333 | www.nebraskacattlemen.org *Payment required for all memberships except Feedlot Council. DID YOU KNOW: Both members and non-members receive the Nebraska Cattleman magazine. By receiving this magazine, you may think you are a member, but that may not be the case! To check your membership status, call (402) 475-2333.
September 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 Control thistle this fall. Give your forage the advantage next spring. Thistle germinates during fall and winter, making fall an ideal time to get ahead of spring weed pressure. Apply Triumph® 22K for effective broadleaf weed and thistle control, cleaner pastures, and a stronger start to the grazing season. ALLIGARE.COM GRASS INTOGAINS Triumph 22K is a federally restricted-use herbicide. Always read and follow label directions. ATTENTION CATTLEMEN! Robert Cooper Ph.D. | (402) 480-0440 Cole Cooper | (402) 580-0828 CSF AV4 Breeder Mineral Is Now On The Market After two years of using CSF AV4 Breeder, and seeing great results in multiple trial herds, we’re launching the product! CSF AV4 Breeder is a high-quality free choice cattle mineral that contains Amaferm and a full 7 grams of Zinpro Availa-4 per 4 oz of consumption. Designed to be fed a month prior to calving through breeding, but priced low enough that year around usage is very popular. CSF AV4 Breeder is carried in stock year-round! • Hi-mag • Garlic • Clarifly • Temp Control • Fescue Plus Various lines will be offered pre-order only including:
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26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 PEOPLE Nebraska Ranch Prac cum Serving Generations of Nebraska Ranchers TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Each year, Nebraska Ranch Practicum participants from across Nebraska and the United States come together over eight days from June through January to take a deeper dive into understanding their own ranching operations through hands-on experience. The program, which was started in 1999, was designed to give ranchers the opportunity for hands-on learning over the course of three seasons. The curriculum is designed to set participants up for success in today’s ever-evolving and complex ranching industry. “The program is designed to take us through one growing season and then one production cycle and is sequential in nature,” explains Troy Walz, Nebraska Ranch Practicum coordinator and instructor, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) livestock systems educator. Walz participated in the first practicum in 1999 and started working with the program in 2002. “We are able to see how the grass changes in the pasture throughout the growing season. Plant identification is one of the things that we talk about in the ranch practicum,” Walz says. “Looking at the production cycle for the cattle, students get to observe a cow with a calf at side and see how that changes throughout the summer as the forage changes. We teach them how it all works together.” The practicum covers topics such as grazing strategies and systems, calving and weaning dates, cull cow management, methods of managing market risk, feed rations and mineral supplements, reproduction, health, genetics and livestock nutrition. The ranch practicum hosts classes at different locations, one of which is the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory north of Whitman. The ranch is part of UNL and always has a variety of ongoing research projects regarding ranch systems (forage and livestock systems) and how they intermingle, making it the perfect location for the practicum. “As the grass gets more mature and the calf grows, we look at what the body condition score is of that dam at that time,” Walz explains. “Then when we wean, participants can see how weaning a calf affects the cow. She’s able to put condition back on easier once you wean that calf because that calf is a nutrient draw for her. She has to provide milk for that calf. They’re able to see all of that firsthand while on location.” Participants develop plant-identification skills while determining range conditions and monitoring wildlife habitat. Photo courtesy of Karlie Gerlach. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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28 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 Hazy Delzer attended the ranch practicum as part of her graduate school studies; however, she had heard of it long before her days in the classroom. Her parents, Jonathan and Trenda Nielson of Ellsworth, were in the first class of the ranch practicum in 1999. Delzer’s brother, Tyler Nielson, and her husband, Eric Delzer, have also attended the practicum. “I was excited to be a part of the practicum. I’ve always loved learning things,” Delzer says. “I knew my mom and dad got a lot out of it and really valued what they learned, and they were excited for me to take it. When I got home, I told my husband and brother they both needed to go take it because it was just so valuable.” “This is our 26th session of the ranch practicum,” Walz says. “We’re starting to see multiple generations coming through the practicum. The current participants’ parents may have gone through it 20 years ago, and some even come back to take it with their kids to see what changes there have been, what the new research was. So that is really fun.” The practicum accepts up to 35 participants each year, with most years averaging 20 to 25 participants. Since its inception, there have been more than 700 participants. There is no cookie-cutter mold for the ranch practicum participants. It is available for credit hours through UNL, so there are usually some college students. Ranch managers, ranchers and even absentee landowners have taken the practicum in an effort to better understand how it all works. Even professionals in the ag industry such as ag lenders and veterinarians have taken the class in an effort to better serve the industry. The lineup of instructors is second to none, with a knowledge base that is as broad as it is deep. In addition to Walz, Jerry Volesky is on staff as the range and forage specialist; Jay Parsons is the ag economics specialist; Karla Wilke is the cowcalf stocker management specialist; Rick Funston is the beef reproductive specialist; and T.L. Meyer is a livestock systems educator. Additionally, they have a variety of educators and specialists present throughout the year. One of those is Brent Plugge, a livestock systems educator who works specifically with the ranch practicum alumni group and was one of the program’s founding members with Volesky. Throughout the eight days of instruction, participants develop plant-identification skills while determining range conditions and monitoring wildlife habitat. They also learn to formulate grazing strategies based on livestock production objectives and natural resource management, and identify the grazing system that will best accomplish those goals. Participants also spend time evaluating live animals to better understand body condition scores, and they discover how meadow and range forage meet animals’ requirements for both maintenance and growth. “The practicum covers so much that it’s really hard to pinpoint one specific thing that was the most impactful,” Delzer says. “I really appreciated the amount of time spent body condition scoring cows. That’s one of those things that you really just have to do a lot to get good at it, so that was very helpful. They give you a lot of opportunities to practice, and it’s not just you looking at your own cows and hoping you’re seeing them right. They guide you by letting you know if there’s something you’re missing or if you’re a little off. And that has been super helpful on the ranch.” Practicum participants get hands-on experience through one growing season and production cycle. The course begins in June and runs through January. Photo courtesy of Karlie Gerlach. NEBRASKA RANCH PRACTICUM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 The lineup of instructors is second to none, with a knowledge base that is as broad as it is deep.
September 2026 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 29 FALL BULL & FEMALE SALE OCTOBER 17, 2026 JOPLIN REGIONAL STOCKYARDS, CARTHAGE, MO SELLING 150 - 18 MONTH OLD BLACK GELBVIEH, & BALANCER BULLS & BLACK FEMALES COMMERCIAL FALL OPEN HEIFERS & SPRING BREDS RED REWARD ‘FALL EDITION’ BULL & FEMALE SALE NOVEMBER 7, 2026 WHEELER LIVESTOCK AUCTION OSCEOLA, MO SELLING 50 RED GELBVIEH, BALANCER BULLS & RED FEMALES COMMERCIAL OPENS & BREDS BID & BUY AT: DVAUCTION Fall BUll Sale Dates REQUEST YOUR CATALOGS TODAY * 877-486-1160 matt@seedstockplus.com • Guaranteed Sight-Unseen Purchases Let us help you find the bull to fit your program and needs • Free Trucking on every bull! No fine print! • The best disposition & soundness sort • Extensive Data & Genomic EPDs • All Bulls Are Semen & Trich Tested • Videos of sale bulls on website the week before the sale! • www.seedstockplus.com. Seedstock Plus SALES | AUCTIONS | FINANCE | MANAGEMENT | APPRAISALS o’neill, ne • 4,045± acres $7,950,000 South fork ranch hartville, wy • 1,255± acres $7,200,000 Turkey ridge ranch wolf point, mt • 2,753± acres $3,740,000 lomac farms box elder creek tracts CARR, CO • 1,779± acres $4,750,000 sidwell hereford ranch Mark Johnson | 402.322.1991 mjohnson@hallandhall.com for more information contact:
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