Monday October 6 Ag News

Beginning Farmer Numbers Grow in Nebraska
Dave Goeller, Deputy Director, North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center

According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, a 30-year trend of declining numbers of farmers under 35 years of age appears to be, at least temporarily, reversing. Nebraska's principal farm/ranch operators in the age group under 35 grew by 1,394 – from a total of 3,353 in 2007 to 4,747 in 2012. The previous 20-year history indicated overall losses in the number of beginning farmers from 12,609 in 1987 to a low of 3,353 in 2007.

Nebraska's total number of farm/ranch operators in the state grew as well, moving from 47,712 in 2007 to 49,969 in 2012 also apparently reversing a long-term trend of fewer and fewer farm operators in Nebraska.  The trend continues to indicate a rising number of older operators. The effect of this is a concentration of agricultural assets, such as land, machinery and livestock, in older hands.  Examining 2012 operators as a percentage of the 1982 operators demonstrates that there has been a reduction in under 35 operators of nearly 65 percent while the over-65 operator group has increased by 50 percent.

Certainly farm profitability has significantly impacted long-term trends regarding the age of operators. Another factor may be the rise in popularity of farmer's markets and the buy local phenomena. The increase in the labor-intensive organic or direct marketing type of farming is naturally suited for beginners. This type of farming operation requires lower capital investment while demanding more physical labor. That mix is well suited for beginners. One can also argue that programs such as Nebraska's Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program and  USDA's beginning farmer programs such as Transition Incentives Program and Farm Service Agency beginning farmer loans have had a beneficial effect as well.

Related to the change in the number of  principal operators in the under 35 age group from the 2007 Census of Agriculture to that of 2012, Nebraska shows an increase of 1,394 compared with South Dakota's increase of 534. Illinois shows an increase of 371 and Colorado shows an increase of 103. Kansas gained 1 beginner while both Iowa and Minnesota lost 36 and 213, respectively.

Even though there is some light at the end of the tunnel with the increase in younger operators in Nebraska, much still needs to be done to encourage older farm operators to mentor and coach a successor so their farming or ranching business has a chance to continue after the retirement and/or death of the older operator. The health of rural Nebraska's communities depends on viable farming businesses succeeding in the future.



Once Upon a Farm

On Saturday November 8th in conjunction with the theme “Once upon a Farm” the Nebraska Cattlemen Consumer Promotion & Education Committee will be doing BEEF activities at the Children’s Museum in Omaha.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share what we do as farmers, ranchers, and feeders in caring for our cattle.

This is a very big event and we welcome all cattlemen and women who are willing to volunteer their time or materials in helping make this event a very rewarding experience for the children in the metro area of our state and our beef industry.

For more information, please contact:  Melody Benjamin mbenjamin@nebraskacattlemen.org 308-760-6464 or Tammy Hansen jtranch4@gmail.com 308-530-6579.



Helicopter to make low-level flights over northeast Nebraska

Northeast Nebraska residents should not be alarmed if they see a low-flying helicopter over areas of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in early to mid-October.

Beginning this week and lasting up to 3 weeks, instruments mounted below a helicopter will collect and record geologic measurements to learn more about buried sand and gravel aquifers. The LENRD, along with the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) and the University of Nebraska Conservation and Survey have planned and sponsored the flights.

According to Katie Cameron, coordinator of ENWRA, the flights “will improve our understanding of the available ground water resource and potential ground water/surface water connections in an area of the state made more complex by the presence of glacial deposits”

Exploration Resources International LLC. (XRI) will oversee the flights, process the data and information, and produce a final report. Cameron added, “This technology allows for fast data acquisition, upwards of 50 miles per hour, with exploration depth down to 900 feet below the land surface from the air.”

The helicopter will fly lines spaced three-miles apart over much of Wayne, Pierce, and Madison Counties and the western edge of Stanton County. The remaining flight lines will be on the order of 12 miles apart and will cover the northern part of eastern Nebraska in the Lewis & Clark, Lower Elkhorn, and Papio-Missouri River NRDs.

Scientific equipment is towed about 100 feet below the helicopter in a ‘spider web’ array and is designed to map geologic structures beneath the earth. The helicopter will be manned by experienced pilots who are specially trained for low-level flying with this equipment (owned by Native American Helicopters llc/SHI is a 100% Native American owned minority certified company). They operate under FAA unlimited part 135 unscheduled air-taxi operations, part 133 a,b,c and d external loads, and part 137 agriculture dispersal.

This scientific program is designed to study the area’s water resources such as sand and gravel aquifers using an aerial perspective.  It is part of an ongoing program of the agencies listed above to identify physical occurrences such as changes in geologic materials and sediment types.



Five Myths of Ag Landlord Rights

More than half of Nebraska's farmland is leased, and much of that with only a handshake agreement. At one time, that might have been enough, but now a written agreement allows both parties — landlord and tenant — the opportunity to spell out rights and responsibilities before issues arise, said Dave Aiken, UNL Extension Agricultural Law Specialist. A written lease gives both parties an opportunity to discuss various operational aspects which may not be similarly understood and develop a mutually beneficial plan.

Landlords probably have narrower legal rights than they thought under handshake leases in Nebraska, AIken said. However, tenants suddenly wanting to assert their rights may find themselves looking for different land next season.

The Myths
Aiken outlined five points of commonly misunderstood landlord rights...
    Landlords can tell their tenants how to farm the land. During the period of the lease, the tenant is in charge of how things are done on the farm, not the landlord. From a legal perspective the tenant calls the shots unless the parties both agree otherwise. If the landlord wants to specify how it should be farmed, the best route to avoiding misunderstandings midseason may be to discuss farming practices and note them in a written lease.
    
    Landlords can come onto their land any time they want because they own it. In fact, a landlord can be a trespasser on his/her own rented land if the landlord comes without the tenant's permission. Without a written lease, the landlord legally has the right to come onto rented land only to collect the rent and make repairs. Otherwise, the landlord can come onto the property only with the tenant's permission. Of course, Aiken said, the tenant would be pretty short-sighted to push this too hard.
    
    Selling the farmland automatically terminates any leases on it. In fact, if the landlord sells rented land, the new buyer is subject to any existing lease. And if the lease has not been legally terminated, the new buyer may be stuck with the tenant for one to two more years. If the landlord sells the land, the tenant is not likely to give up the lease without being paid.
    
    Landlords can change the rent any time before the new crop year begins, which in Nebraska is considered to be March 1. In fact, in Nebraska, after Sept. 1, the landlord can't raise the rent for the following year without the tenant's agreement.
    
    Landlords can hunt on their rented land without their tenant's permission. In fact, landlords can't hunt on rented land unless the tenant agrees to it.

In all these instances, discussing these rights ahead of time and noting them in the lease can help avoid misunderstandings and keep landlord-tenant relations positive. While the savvy tenant often will accommodate the landlord's interests in order to keep the lease, working from a written lease will benefit both parties.

For more information on ag leases, go to aglease101.org, where the document library has information on land, pasture, building, livestock and other farm leases as well as sample lease forms. Ag Lease 101 was created by and is maintained by the North Central Farm Management Extension Committee.



Interactive Workshop to Provide Nebraska Dairy Farmers with Tools and Training for New Margin Protection Program

On Thursday, October 30, Nebraska dairy farmers can participate in an interactive workshop to learn about the Margin Protection Program (MPP) at one of five locations throughout the state. The MPP is the new safety net for dairy producers established in the 2014 Farm Bill, replacing price supports and MILC payments.

All dairy farmers can participate in MPP and protect up to 90 percent of their milk production. The program offers affordable premiums and a simple-to-understand design that could make a big difference for producers’ bottom line should another crisis hit dairy and feed markets.

Dr. Marin Bozic, dairy economist from the University of Minnesota, will lead the workshop from the Farm Credit Services office, 4865 Old Monastery Rd., Columbus. It will be simulcast to four additional locations in Beatrice, Hartington, Kearney and O’Neill, with University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension and Farm Service Agency representatives at each location to lead discussion and answer questions.

Simulcast locations include:
-    Gage County Extension Office, 115 West Scott, Beatrice, 402-223-1384;
-    Cedar County Extension Office, 101 East Centre, Hartington, 402-640-0612;
-    Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th (Fairgrounds), Kearney, 308-236-1235; and
-    Holt County Extension Office, 128 N. 6th St, Suite 100, O’Neill, 402-336-2760.

“The safety net as we know it is gone. Every dairy farmer must attend one of these sessions to understand how the new MPP fits best into their business plan and marketings,” said Bill Thiele, Clearwater, dairy farmer and president of the Nebraska State Dairy Association. “We’re very fortunate to have direct access to one of the developers of the FSA decision-making tool – Dr. Marin Bozic – in Nebraska to lead this essential workshop.”

The two-hour workshop will begin at 10 a.m. with an overview of the MPP, followed by an interactive session where producers can bring their annual milk marketings (pounds shipped) for 2011, 2012 and 2013 to see how the program will work with their operation. Producers are encouraged to bring their own laptop or portable device; a limited number will be available for use at the workshop.

The workshop is free. With limited space at each location, pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least 48 hours before the workshop. Register by email at rod@nebraskamilk.org, or call 402-853-2028 or the Extension office where you plan to attend.

The workshop is hosted by the Nebraska State Dairy Association, North Central Risk Management Education Center and University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension.  



Lawsuit Challenging California Egg Law Disallowed

A federal judge has tossed a lawsuit brought by six attorneys general challenging a California law requiring that eggs sold in the Golden State come from hens raised with enough space to stand up, turn around and spread their wings. According to Agri-Pulse, U.S. District Court Judge Kimberly Mueller ruled in Sacramento that Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, who brought the initial lawsuit, and his counterparts from Alabama, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and Oklahoma lacked standing to attack the California law, which goes into effect in January.

"Plaintiffs' arguments focus on the potential harm each state's egg farmers face," Mueller wrote in her 25-page decision. "The alleged imminent injury, however, does not involve an injury the citizens of each state face but rather a potential injury each state's egg farmers face when deciding whether or not to comply with AB 1437."

In other words, they failed to show that the law does real harm to citizens, instead of possible future harm to some egg producers.

Koster filed the lawsuit in February in a bid to block the 2010 California law, which goes into effect at the start of 2015, arguing that the law violates the Commerce and Supremacy Clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The other states joined the lawsuit later in the year.

Voters in California approved a 2008 ballot measure that required pigs, calves and egg-laying hens to be raised with enough space to allow them to lie down, stand up, turn around and fully extend their limbs. The law was later expanded to ban the sale of eggs in the state from any hens that were not raised in compliance with its animal care standards.



Syngenta Genetically Modified Corn Ruined US Corn Exports To China, Farmers Say

American farmers in three states are suing seed giant Syngenta AG in billion-dollar lawsuits, alleging that the company harmed U.S. corn markets when it released a new genetically altered strain of corn that wasn’t approved by Chinese authorities.

Three lawsuits filed on Friday from Sioux City, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska and Springfield, Illinois allege that Syngenta “destroyed the export of U.S. corn to China and caused depressed prices for all domestic corn,” according to according to Courthouse News Service.

The product in question, Agrisure Viptera, also known as MIR162, is a corn seed that’s modified to protect against insects such as the corn borer and corn rootworm, which have evolved over the past few years to resist ordinary fertilizers. Syngenta released an original version in 2009 and another version this year. 

While it was approved for production in the United States, Chinese regulators have yet to give it the green light, and have rejected more than 2,000 tons of corn imports this year.

The National Grain and Feed Association said earlier this year that American corn exports to China were just 171,000 tons between January and April, down 85 percent since the same period a year earlier.



Beef Checkof Enhancement Discussion
(from NE Cattlemen newsletter)

Last Tuesday, September 30, 2014, beef industry organizations met with Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack and received his report regarding an enhancement to the beef checkoff program. Organizations present were: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American National CattleWomen, American Farm Bureau Federation, Livestock Marketing Association, Meat Importers Council of American, National Farmers Union, National Livestock Producers Association and U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. The Secretary outlined a plan to:
  • Implement a new beef checkoff program by January 2016.
  • The new program would operate under the 1996 Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act.
  • Initially this action would be separate from the current beef checkoff program as defined through the 1985 Beef Promotion Act.
  • A referendum on the new proposal would be held within three years of implementation.
  • The proposed new checkoff will be published by the end of 2014 or early 2015 in the Federal Register. A comment period will follow.  

NCBA and the Federation of State Beef Councils will engage in reviewing this proposal, discussing details with stakeholders and providing appropriate comments.NCBA and the Federation have very clear priorities relative to any enhancements to the beef checkoff program including that Federation and state beef council interests must be protected and grassroots producer input must be preserved.

NCBA and the Federation remain committed to defining elements of the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Work-ing Group Memorandum of Understanding as directed by the NCBA board.

In a statement to media, Scott George, NCBA past president, said while additional resources for educating consumers about the benefits of beef are certainly needed, the values expressed in the 1985 Beef Promotion and Research Act – and validated by nearly 4 of 5 producers who, in a recent independent survey, said they support the checkoff – should not be ignored or discounted. Those values include strong grassroots involvement through the Federation of State Beef Councils and individual state beef councils.

He added, grassroots involvement is fundamental to the principles of our organization. “We have serious concerns about a top-down, federal government-controlled beef checkoff program, or one that doesn’t recognize and involve grassroots producers. As we analyze the elements of a program envisioned by Secretary Vilsack, we will continue to be an active participant – with other interested producer-controlled groups – in developing successful ways of maintaining and enhancing our successful check-off program, which returns $11.20 for every dollar invested by beef producers nationwide.”



How Herbicide Labels Restrict Using Cover Crops as Forage
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Many growers have planted or are planning to plant cover crops after grain harvest. Remember, however, that grazing these cover crops or harvesting these fields for forage is likely illegal.

The problem stems from the herbicides used in the previous crop.  With the exception of glyphosate, most herbicides commonly used with annual crops in Nebraska have rotational restrictions limiting the length of time until other crops, including forage crops, can be planted in that field.  It doesn't matter whether the previous crop was seed corn, hailed out, chopped for silage, or combined normally.

If the label doesn't specifically mention your cover crop or one of the species in your cover crop cocktail, the rotational restriction automatically becomes the maximum interval, which usually is 18 months.

If you ignore this restriction, you're breaking the law and potential penalties are severe. Your livestock could be quarantined or destroyed.

These label restrictions exist because sufficient herbicide residue tests have not been conducted to determine a tolerance level for the herbicide on that specific cover crop. You or other farmers may have used this cover crop forage with no ill effects in the past, however, it's important to recognize that that use is illegal.



NDA DIRECTOR IBACH TO LEAD TRI-NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ACCORD MEETING

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach will serve as the head of the U.S. delegation this week at a three-country meeting to discuss agricultural trade issues.  The Tri-National Agricultural Accord between agriculture leaders from Canada, Mexico and the United States will be held October 7-9 in Chicago, Illinois.

“As the lead U.S. delegate, I look forward to facilitating open and honest dialogue among my colleagues and the delegates from Canada and Mexico,” Ibach said.  “There are a variety of critical agricultural trade and development issues impacting all three nations.”

During the Accord country-to-country discussions will be held, as well as tri-lateral (all three countries) discussions.  All three countries’ delegates can request discussion on issues of interest.  As head of the U.S. delegation, Ibach will work with other U.S. agriculture department leaders to facilitate the discussions with their Canadian and Mexican counterparts on issues that they feel should be addressed in the coming year.  He will be the key U.S. spokesperson during the negotiations, and as the chief point person for all communications between the three countries, he will be the U.S. signatory on any agreements made between the three delegations.  The results of the discussions can include joint letters to government leaders on certain issues and a work plan for future dialogue.  

The Tri-National Agricultural Accord dates back to 1984 when efforts to expand the U.S./Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) began. In the early 1990s, as work to create a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) began, it was decided to invite Mexico to participate in the Accord.  The first trilateral Accord meeting was held in 1992 and since that time the annual meeting has rotated among the three countries.

In the United States, the Accord is hosted through the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). NDA is a member of NASDA, and Ibach is the organization’s current vice president and also the chair of the body’s International Trade and Marketing Committee.



Ag Finance and Legal Assistance Clinics in October

One-on-one, confidential Farm Finance Clinics are held across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.

October Clinic Sites and Dates
-    North Platte — Thursday, Oct. 9
-    Valentine — Thursday, Oct. 16
-    Lexington — Thursday, Oct. 16
-    Norfolk — Friday, Oct. 17
-    Fairbury — Wednesday, Oct. 22
-    Norfolk — Friday, Oct. 24

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.



Avoiding Compaction at Harvest
Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer

With harvest underway across Nebraska, some producers are concerned about compaction as their large combines and grain carts move across the fields. In some areas, fall rains have left the fields soft and ruts are being cut into the soil during harvest. These ruts leave the soil surface rough and have severe compaction below them. This compaction can impede the crop's roots next season and increase runoff because of reduced infiltration.

If the combines and grain carts aren't leaving a rut, don't worry about compaction from the heavy equipment. Compaction is the loss of pore space between soil particles and occurs when that space is squeezed out of the soil and reappears somewhere else, such as in the form of a rut. If a rut wasn't formed, there was enough soil structure present to support the weight without causing additional compaction.

If ruts were formed during harvest, tillage can break up compaction but the soil must be dry to fracture compaction. If the soil was wet enough to cause ruts, the odds are that it is too wet to do tillage. Tilling a wet soil causes more compaction as the soil particles are lubricated and easily slide under the weight of the tractor and tillage implement. This compaction is harder to see because the entire soil surface is compacted, even though the surface looks loosened. Deep tilling a wet soil often only cuts slots and smears the soil rather than fracturing compaction.

Regardless, tilling destroys soil structure and more tracks will be formed with future passes. Typically ruts are as deep as the soil was tilled, down to the compaction layer from the tillage. The majority of compaction is caused primarily by tillage. It breaks up the existing soil structure and packs the soil below the tillage depth. With little soil structure in the tilled layer, the next pass easily compacts the soil, either full width with tillage or in tracks with traffic.

Controlling Traffic, Controlling Compaction
Producers should practice controlled traffic to reduce the areas in the field with wheel traffic compaction. Eighty to 85 percent of soil compaction damage is done with the first pass of the tires. If additional passes are made on the same traffic lanes, little additional compaction occurs. Because once a traffic lane has been driven on and the soil has been firmed up, subsequent passes have little effect on the amount of compaction. By using the same traffic lanes year after year, the soil structure and water infiltration in the untrafficked areas greatly improve.

Controlled traffic lanes improve traction, soil load bearing, and timeliness of planting and harvesting operations while minimizing potential yield reduction from compaction. Compaction is managed, not eliminated, and the area subjected to compaction is minimized. The concept is to separate traffic zones from root zones. Controlled traffic keeps compaction where it is less detrimental to root development and uptake of nutrients and water. Fertilizer placement and furrow irrigation practices can be modified as these traffic zones are established and the traffic lanes are known.

To minimize wheel compaction at harvest time, grain carts should be following the same tracks as the combine. A lot of grain cart drivers think they should move over a few rows and spread out compaction, but this will only compact more of the field. Likewise, grain trucks shouldn't be driven in the field as the axle loads and tire pressures are not suitable for soils.

If ruts were cut at harvest, wait until the soil is dry to smooth them out to avoid causing additional compaction. This smoothing operation may be a light tillage operation next spring before planting. Deeper tillage in the spring will usually cause more compaction as the soil is wet and the tillage will break up soil structure.

To fracture the compaction in the ruts from this year's harvest, a producer may have to wait until next fall before the soil is dry enough. However, often the compaction in the bottom of the ruts extends deeper into the soil than most producers will be able to till. This is a case where prevention is far more effective than the cure. It's best to build soil structure and not drive on wet soils if possible. Controlled traffic, no tillage, and cover crops will all help build soil structure and reduce compaction concerns.

10 Tips to Avoid Compaction on Wet Soils at Harvest Time
-    Wait until the soil dries enough to support the combine.
-    Don't use grain bin extensions or fill the combine as full.
-    Use wide tires with lower inflation pressures.
-    Keep trucks out of the field. Consider unloading at the ends of the field, not on the go.
-    Grain cart should track the same rows as the combine.
-    Don't turn around in the middle of the field.
-    Don't fill the grain cart as full, unload more often.
-    Establish a grain cart path and stay on it.
-    Don't till wet soils as they are easily compacted.
-    Use cover crops to help build soil structure.



Johanns Encourages Comments on Misguided Water Rule

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R- Neb) today made the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that it will extend the comment period on its proposed rule to redefine U.S. waters under the Clean Water Act. The deadline to comment has been extended from October 20 to November 14, 2014.

“Though today’s announcement is little more than election-year politics from an Administration worried about retaining control of the Senate, I invite Nebraskans who recognize the rule as a power grab to take advantage of the opportunity to air their grievances,” Johanns said. “The proposed rule could have enormous consequences for farmers and ranchers. I hope the agency is flooded with additional comments that bring much-needed commonsense to an out-of-touch EPA.”

If finalized, the rule would expand federal regulatory authority beyond current jurisdiction to include water that has even the remotest connection to traditionally navigable waters, such as farm ponds, ditches, streambeds, and even low lying areas that may be dry for much of the year.

Johanns has long been a vocal opponent of this proposal, as highlighted in a floor speech earlier this year. He previously cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation  to prevent EPA from finalizing the overreaching proposal. During the August work period, Johanns joined a coalition of Nebraska ag groups in a press conference highlighting the proposed rule’s dangers to the ag community.

Those wishing to leave a comment can do so HERE.... http://www2.epa.gov/uswaters.  



AG LEADERS BACK RICKETTS

Agricultural leaders from across the state of Nebraska today voiced their support of Pete Ricketts’ campaign for governor.

“Pete is the leader we need to move agriculture forward,” said Dale Spencer of Brewster, a past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen Association.  “He’s demonstrated he’ll not only be a friend and supporter of animal agriculture, he’ll be a promoter and advocate for Nebraska livestock producers.”

“Pete understands agriculture is a business,” said Debbie Borg of Allen, a Nebraska Corn Board member.  “As someone with a record of success in business, he knows about risk and making the right decisions for long-term growth.  We need his fresh perspective in Lincoln.”

"Pete is the right leader for our state and for the future of agriculture,” said Ken Boswell of Shickley, president of the Nebraska Soybean Association.  “He's made a concerted effort to gather input from producers across the state, and he's formulated sound plans to grow agriculture as a business and as an industry. I'm proud to support him in his campaign for governor."

"I support Pete,” said Joel Grams, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers.  “He's demonstrated that he's willing to listen and work hard on behalf of farmers and rural communities.  His family is only one generation removed from the family farm; he understands the importance agriculture has not only on our economy but also on our communities."

In last week’s gubernatorial debate, Chuck Hassebrook claimed he had the endorsements of presidents and board chairmen of Nebraska agricultural commodity groups.  He later had to clarify his statement, saying he misspoke and meant to say “past” presidents or chairmen of those groups.

Ricketts, at the outset of his campaign, formed a 15-member agricultural advisory team consisting of ag producers and agricultural experts from across the state.  He’s also earned the endorsement of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the support of the Nebraska Cattlemen PAC.

The following list of current and former leaders of Nebraska farm commodity groups are endorsing Ricketts.  The organizations have not endorsed political candidates; the following list reflects the personal endorsements of ag leaders and does not necessarily represent the views of their organizations.

J.D. Alexander, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Pilger
Doug Bartek, Nebraska Soybean Association Board Member, Wahoo
Debbie Borg, Nebraska Corn Board Member, Allen
Ken Boswell, Nebraska Soybean Association President, Shickley
Dave Bruntz, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Friend
Homer Buell, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Bassett
Dayton Christensen, Nebraska Wheat Growers Association Past President, Big Springs
George Cooksley, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Anselmo
Nathan Dorn, Nebraska Soybean Association Secretary, Hickman
Larry Flohr, Nebraska Wheat Board Member, Chappell
Chuck Folken, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Leigh
Dennis Fujan, Nebraska Soybean Association Vice President, Prague
Joel Grams, Nebraska Corn Growers Association President, Minden
Shane Greving, Nebraska Soybean Association Board Member, Chapman
Tom Hansen, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, North Platte
Dave Harrington, Nebraska Pork Producers Association Past President, St. Paul
Brandon Hunnicutt, Nebraska Corn Board Member, Giltner
Alan Janzen, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Henderson
Von Johnson, Nebraska Wheat Board Chairman, Cambridge
Robert Johnston, Nebraska Soybean Association Treasurer, Clearwater
Eric Kamler, Nebraska Corn Growers Association State Director, Geneva
Dave Merrell, Nebraska Corn Board Vice Chair, St. Edward
Shane Meyer, Nebraska Pork Producers Association Past President, Diller
Jim Miller, Nebraska Soybean Association ASA Director, Belden
Scott Olser, Nebraska Wheat Growers Association Board Member, Elsie
Randon Peters, Nebraska Wheat Growers Association Board Member, McCook
Kevin Peterson, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Board Member, Osceola
Jim Ramm, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Atkinson
Jay Reiners, Nebraska Corn Growers Association Board Member, Juniata
Scott Richert, Nebraska Soybean Association Board Member, Gresham
Bill Rishel, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, North Platte
Brent Robertson, Nebraska Wheat Board Vice Chair, Elsie
Jeff Rudolph, Nebraska Cattlemen Political Action Committee Chairman, Gothenburg
Geoff Ruth, Nebraska Soybean Association Board Member, Rising City
Craig Safranek, Nebraska Corn Growers Association Board Member, Merna
Todd Schroeder, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Wisner
Carl Sousek, Nebraska Corn Growers Association Board Member, Prague
Dale Spencer, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Brewster
Mark Spurgin, Nebraska Wheat Growers Association Board Member, Paxton
Al Svagjr, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Cozad
Russ Vering, Nebraska Pork Producers Association Board Member, Howells
Greg Whitmore, Nebraska Corn Growers Association Board Member, Shelby
Jay Wolf, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, Albion
 
Ag Team Members:
Ron Coufal, Howells
Mike Henn, Battle Creek
Jon Holzfaster. Paxton
Dan Hughes, Venango
Mike Jacobson, North Platte
Mark Jagels, Davenport
Paul Kenney, Kearney
John Kuehn, Heartwell
Nick Lapaseotes, Bridgeport
Pete Lapaseotes, Bridgeport
Greg Olson, Alliance
Scott Spilker, Beatrice
Alan Tiemann. Seward
Steve Wellman, Syracuse
John Widdowson, Lodgepole
Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside



2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Registration Opens Today

Registration for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show is underway. The 117th Annual Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-7, 2015. Advanced registration is open until Jan. 10, 2015.

Convention participants will hear from industry leaders, gather insight on industry trends, and enjoy an evening at the Cowboy Comedy Club & Mustache Bash After-Party. NCBA President Bob McCan said this convention is a must for everyone involved in the cattle industry.

“The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest, national convention in the cattle business,” McCan said. “It is a unique opportunity to join other leaders in the industry to network, discuss policy, and visit with the many trade show participants. Plus, San Antonio is a hard location to beat!”

In addition to access to all of the 2015 convention events, registrants for the full convention will receive a 50 percent off coupon for Roper and Stetson apparel and footwear at the NCBA Trade Show.

To register for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit www.beefusa.org or e-mail meetings@beef.org.