As the Legislature convenes on Jan. 9, 2008, there may be issues related to beef producers that will be introduced, debated and either killed or passed. Nebraska Cattlemen leadership and staff will be present in the upcoming 60-day session, working for members and their policy.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary provides the following as a definition of religion: “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” Interesting! Notice that first word – “cause.” A synonym for cause could be activism, don’t you agree? If you ponder for a moment the activist movements that champion animal rights and environmentalism, you may find yourself thinking that activism is a new religion.

Three miles southwest of Ashland, tall shade trees guard the Platte River Valley. It is in this valley that Larry Smith started his first purebred Angus cattle herd. Smith began his one-year term as Nebraska Cattlemen president at the annual convention in Kearney Nov. 28-30.

A number of outside forces influence livestock prices – the cost of pasture ground, the abundance of rain, the outlay for corn, the proximity of an ethanol plant, and the rise and fall of the futures market. Ultimately though, livestock prices are determined in the various markets where the animals are sold, whether cried out by an auctioneer in the sale ring, the marketing expert at the terminal market or the individual producer by way of private treaty sales.

Concerns about the concentration of hormones in animal waste produced from concentrated animal-feeding operations (CAFOs) have recently attracted the attention of the European Union Regulatory Agencies, Environmental Protection Agency and livestock industry groups.

How do you calculate the value of something? Is it what you paid for it? Is there a depreciation or appreciation schedule attached? Is it what you would sell it for? Do you include the worth that you received while you used it? How about the opportunity costs (all you ag economics guys rejoice)? Just how do you calculate the true value of something?

With some spectacular items – like the NC stained glass pictured at left – up for auction at the annual banquet during the NC Convention in Kearney, the winning bidder is the beneficiary as are all NC members and supporters.

NC President Jay Wolf, the NC Executive Committee and the Board of Directors strive to use all resources available to benefit members. The group of past presidents and leaders from the Nebraska Stock Growers, the Nebraska Livestock Feeders and the Nebraska Cattlemen are a valuable asset to be tapped. 

For 24 years, the Nebraska Cattlemen has operated the Beef Pit at the Nebraska State Fair, promoting Nebraska beef and beef producers. The 2007 Beef Pit had another successful year and, once again, Certified Angus Beef teamed up with the Beef Pit to serve great-tasting prime rib, roast beef and BBQ brisket meals to fairgoers. This year’s Beef Pit served over 12,500 meals during the 11-day event, a 5 percent increase over 2006. 

With this likely my last column for 2007, I’d like to take more of a “big picture” look at the marketing arena as we prepare for 2008 and beyond. In that spirit, let’s start out by looking at the biggest recent change in the ag commodities marketplace – and one that has had and will continue to have wide-reaching effects on many production ag sectors and eventually the consuming public.

Let’s take a minute together and look back over the Nebraska Cattlemen’s past year. I’d like to do it in the context of the goals NC set out as the year began.

President J.B. Milliken’s goal for the University of Nebraska is that we will be the best university in the country in terms of serving the interests of the citizens of the state. As a fervent believer in the land grant university system, I say amen.

It’s easier to understand the term foreign country when you see 6’3” Dave Hamilton (taller in his western boots and hat) towering above everyone in a sea of Japanese. Or, when a bunch of Nebraskans sit on the floor to eat dinner and they can’t pronounce anything that is served, but it sure looks like raw fish.

The NC Board has begun discussion on changes to the dues structure. NC’s dues structure is complex in that it tries to be fair to all segments involved in the organization. Some changes the Board has been looking at are a student membership for our youngest cattlemen; an adjustment to the cap on feedlot dues at $16,500; and an increase in the investment from members of the Seedstock, Farmer Stockman and Cow-Calf Councils.

The Unicameral won’t convene until Jan. 9, but that doesn’t mean little is happening in regards to potential legislation. In fact, successful legislation often is rooted in the months preceding a session. Nebraska Cattlemen is an active participant in many different issues leading up to the second session of the 100^th Legislature.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation’s Eighth Annual Retail Value Steer Challenge (RVSC) awarded its winners at Nebraska Cattlemen’s Midyear Conference in Columbus, June 7-8.

Summer is over, school has begun and I am ready for some football! However, before I jump headlong into the fall season, I need to give you a quick recap of a few items.

The state operating permits of small and medium animal feeding operations (AFOs) expired on Dec.31, 2005 – a result of amendments to Title 130, Livestock Waste Control Regulations.

In Longsdorf Cemetery, New Kingstown, Pa., stands a large granite headstone. The engraving on the headstone tells the story of the man buried beneath it.