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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