LINCOLN, Neb. — During the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Banquet in Kearney on Dec. 2, 2021, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation recognized numerous honorees. The mission of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is to advance the future of Nebraska’s beef industry through investing in educational and research programs.
“We had another outstanding year for the foundation and would like to thank all of the individuals that made it possible,” said Mark Jagels, president, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation.
The Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment award was established to provide grants to beef industry-related research and teaching positions at Nebraska’s post-secondary educational institutions. This award rewards professors or instructors who provide cutting-edge research or student instruction in the beef industry. This year’s winner is Dr. Matt Spangler from Lincoln, Neb. Dr. Spangler is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in beef cattle genetics and genomics.
“We are grateful to have Dr. Spangler here in Nebraska. We thank him for his dedication to the beef industry,” Jagels said.
The Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment provides grants to range management and conservation research or teaching positions as Nebraska post-secondary educational institutions. This year’s honoree is Dr. Karla Wilke from Kimball, Neb.
“Dr. Wilke’s passion for the industry is evident, we thank her for her knowledge in nutritional management for cattle that she shares with producer,” Jagels said.
The Friend of the Foundation award is presented annually to a person or business that has shared endless amounts of time, talent, and treasure with the Foundation. David and Ann Bruntz of Friend, Neb., are this year’s Friends of the Foundation Honorees. Their roots run deep in Nebraska agriculture, where they have both served in key leadership roles locally, statewide, and nationally. The Bruntzs have built many relationships across the globe and are respected as leaders shaping, promoting, and preserving Nebraska agriculture.
“Today we honor the philanthropic work these two outstanding individuals have committed to Nebraska agriculture. Their lifelong roles in contributing their time talents, and treasure to benefit the future of the agriculture industry we can all learn from,” Jagels said.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is proud to be able to provide scholarships yearly to students seeking secondary education. This year the foundation funded $69,500 in scholarships, which awarded 54 students. This year at the annual banquet, the foundation announced a new scholarship to honor the memory of Shari Flaming. Shari, was a vibrant teacher, a cattle feeder, a rancher, and a lifelong Nebraska agriculture enthusiast. This scholarship will be awarded to students residing in Nebraska, majoring in animal science, feedlot management, or range management. A student must be involved in student organizations related to their field of study, have a 3.3 GPA and preference will be given to those with cattle industry involvement. A minimum of $1,000 will be awarded to an outstanding junior or senior level student with strong character and leadership skills.
“Shari’s passion for youth and agriculture was evident in her life. We are blessed we can honor her in providing a scholarship in her memory to future leaders in the beef industry,” Jagels said.
“The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation would like to congratulate all of our Honorees this year and thank all of our generous donors who allow us to provide funding to research and educational programs,” he said.
— Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation