By Michael Kelsey

 

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. 

The NC Executive Committee met in Kearney on Sept. 18 to discuss the demands of the beef industry and NC activities. After the Executive Committee meeting, President Wolf hosted 14 past presidents as well as former Stock Growers leaders and past NC executive vice president Roy Lilley. All of the 37 living past presidents were invited to participate in the meeting held at the Kearney Country Club.

The terrific turnout included J.D. Alexander, Dave Bruntz, Dave Burkholder, Byron Eatinger, Tom Hansen, Alan Janzen, John Klosterman, Richard Lackaff, Jack Maddux, Logan McClelland, Pete McClymont, Dick Mercer, Eddie Nichols and Roger Wehrbein as well as Roy Lilley. Current Executive Committee members in attendance were Jay Wolf, Todd Schroeder, Dave McCracken, Chuck Folken and NC executive vice president Michael Kelsey. President-Elect Larry Smith was part of the program at the Region 7 Roundup in Yutan held that night and was unable to participate at the meeting with the past presidents.

Serving in the beef industry is just a part of the duties this group has performed. They continue to be involved in activities in the state and beyond, including local and state elected policy makers, state senators, involvement in environmental agencies focused on land and water management, federal service within USDA, Nebraska Cattlemen and other foundation efforts for youth scholarships and industry betterment, U.S. Meat Export Federation leadership and service, NCBA leadership, Nebraska Beef Council leadership, national checkoff service and leadership, state Brand Committee and innovative beef marketing development.

The topics discussed during meeting covered NC’s current and future issues. NC has explored the possibility of a dues increase for the Cow/Calf, Farmer Stockman and Seedstock Councils. The attending past presidents provided thoughtful and valuable input on this issue. Another important topic discussed was the potential of raising the current $1-per-head beef checkoff and/or changing the Congressional Act and Order that provides the framework for the beef checkoff. NC Executive Committee member and chairman of NC’s Natural Resources and Environmental Committee Chuck Folken gave a detailed presentation of NC’s efforts working with NDEQ regarding groundwater monitoring research. This issue could potentially cost Nebraska feedyards, regardless of size, hundreds of millions of dollars in future compliance. Other issues discussed were the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Brand Committee, ethanol, the state fair, political races and candidates.

As important as the topics and issues debated that evening were, the renewed friendships and camaraderie were just as important. Serving the beef industry and Nebraska Cattlemen is the common thread this group of past presidents shares, but recognizing the satisfaction in representing the member organization that serves Nebraska’s largest and arguably the most important industry was evident that night.

The past presidents will be meeting again at the annual Nebraska Cattlemen convention in Kearney. A breakfast meeting will be held in the morning on Nov. 29 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Room F at the Holiday Inn. President Jay Wolf invites and encourages all of the past presidents to attend the upcoming NC Convention and specifically the past presidents’ breakfast. Y By Michael Kelsey, NC’s executive vice president.