LINCOLN — Another successful Annual Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show was held last week in Kearney, Nebraska. Over 600 attendees participated in the many meetings, meals and social events that happened during the 2018 convention.
The annual convention is the time for the NC membership to review and discuss current and new policy during committee meetings that were held on Thursday last week.
The Animal Health and Nutrition Committee heard speakers address the need for planning for catastrophic disease outbreaks and how the processes would be implemented and tracing animals for diseases. There was a presentation on an emerging disease, Bovine Congestive Heart Disease, that manifests itself differently than other heart diseases. Policy was adopted on this issue and will be taken to National Cattlemen Beef Association’s meetings in late January.
The Brand and Property Rights committee had a panel with representation from the Nebraska Brand Committee, a process verified program administrator, an animal identification company and a government official to discuss the past, present and future of animal identification. The roles of all these entities are changing and the future has great potential for utilizing identification systems that meet numerous needs.
The Education and Research committee heard from Nate Blum, NC Consulting Solutions, on The Coalition for 21st Century Innovation in Education.
Marketing and Commerce committee discussed CME Live Cattle Contract Modifications and received an update on the ELD mandate.
The Natural Resources and Environment Committee adopted new policy to strengthen private property and nuisance protections for livestock producers under existing state law.
The Taxation committee heard a preview on the 2019 legislative session and state Senator Curt Friesen shared comments on working with a variety of coalitions to address property tax reform in the coming session.
Convention is not only a time to discuss policy, educate, socialize and network but it also offers membership the opportunity to nominate and elect new council and committee leaders. NC congratulates the following on their new and re-elected positions:
Officers:
President: Mike Drinnin, Clarks
President Elect: Ken Herz, Lawrence
Vice President: William Rhea III Arlington
Past President & Nominations Chair: Galen Frenzen, Fullerton
Member Services Vice Chairmen:
Region 1: Lewis Coulter, Bridgeport
Region 2: Kenneth Stephens, Valentine
Region 3: Tyler Weborg, West Point
Region 4: Steven Fish, Norfolk
Region 5: Jared Jaixen, Loup City
Region 6: Steve Stroup, Benkelman
Region 7: Ed Klug, Columbus
Region 8: Dawn Caldwell, Edgar
Region 9: Shannon Petersen, Gothenberg
Council Leaders:
Cow/Calf Chair: Nancy Peterson, DVM, Gordon
Cow/Calf Vice Chair: Frank Utter, Brewster
Farmer/Stockman Chair: Andy Reigle, Humphrey
Farmer/Stockman Vice Chair: Dan Egger, Columbus
Feedlot Chair: Dean Wilken, Bloomfield
Feedlot Vice Chair: Jerry Kuenning, Lemoyne
Seedstock Chair: Larry Dybdal, Newcastle
Seedstock Vice Chair: Larry Mach, Weston
Allied Industries Council Representative: Andrew Dorn, Minden
Committee Leaders:
Animal Health and Nutrition Chair: Jeff Fox, DVM, Beemer
Animal Health and Nutrition Vice Chair: Scott Langemeier, Stromsburg
Brand and Property Rights: Duane Gangwish, Wayne
Brand and Property Rights Vice Chair: Tom Hansen, North Platte
Education and Research Chair: Doug Smith, Curtis
Education and Research Vice Chair: Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg
Marketing and Commerce Chair: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk
Marketing and Commerce Vice Chair: Hank Klosterman, David City
Natural Resources and Environment Chair: Chris Schluntz, Republican City
Natural Resources and Environment Vice Chair: Jacob Mayer, Weston
Taxation Chair: Dick Pierce, Miller
Taxation Vice Chair: Lavon Heidemann, Elk Creek
Member Services: Justin Jarecke, Kearney
NCW – Consumer Promotion and Education Committee Chair: Gina Hudson, Belvidere
During the annual banquet the Industry Service Award winners and Hall of Fame Honoree were recognized. This year the Industry Service Award was presented to Stanley Garbacz as well as to the late Jeffrey Biegert and Robert “Bobby” Gottsch.
Bill and Kathy Rhea of Arlington, Nebraska received the 2018 Hall of Fame Award. The award highlights Nebraska Cattlemen members who exemplify an ongoing commitment to the beef cattle industry. Presented only once annually, the Hall of Fame award is the organization’s highest honor.
Listen to NC President, Mike Drinnin, talk about the 2018 Convention and Trade Show: Listen here
— Nebraska Cattlemen
For more news from Nebraska, click here.