Friday September 11 Ag News - Successful State Fair - Radicle Corn Challenge Winners - Block & Bridle Steak Fry - ISU Harvest Prep webinar - Ethanol Production Slips 1% - FY'27 Beef Checkoff Plan of Work - and more!

Contrasting two beef-producing regions
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

I had the opportunity to guide a group of Argentinians on a tour of beef producers. I spent a bit of time with two of them whom I had the opportunity to interview. A few items we discussed, from which I discovered interesting contrasts that deserve attention.

Farming and ranching are cultural and born from a family business in the US while they are business only in Argentina. This was one of the main differences they pointed out between our two countries. In the US, farmers and ranchers participate

as a family. In Argentina, a young person participates in farming and ranching only if mom or dad own a farm or ranch, which they frequent only sometimes during the month as they live in the city. In Argentina, access to services in rural areas including education, health care, communications, and other infrastructure prevents rural development and forces even families wishing to live on their ranch or farm to remain in the city. This has created a greater divide between agriculture and the consumer than what we see in the US.

Another significant difference we discussed is how business safeguards in the US protect the buying-selling transaction. We had the opportunity to spend time at West Point Livestock. There, they learned that the seller receives payment immediately for cattle they sold. Business in Argentina, on the other hand, takes a bit longer. The same transaction would result in a longer term to cover the check, about 90 days.

We are fortunate to live in this country where the appropriate protections exist so that businesses may thrive. Also, as I have said before, the connection between family and agriculture is key to the future of agriculture in the US. While safeguards keep business moving forward with as few glitches as possible keeps trust in the transactions and protects intentions for agriculture to grow forward.



Fair celebrates another successful year
 
More than 300,000 guests came together during the 11 days of the 2026 Nebraska State Fair, marking another successful year of celebrating Nebraska agriculture, youth, entertainment and tradition.

The Fair experienced one of the warmest 11-day stretches on record, and overall attendance was the 4th highest in the seven fairs since Covid in 2020. Despite the challenging temperatures, nearly every other key measure of the Fair showed strength or growth, including increased guest satisfaction, higher concert attendance, record numbers of livestock and competitive exhibitor entries, strong vendor sales and record-setting participation in signature events.

“The success of the Nebraska State Fair has never been measured by a single number,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair Executive Director. “We had 306,351 guests join us for a safe and unforgettable experience and what happened once Fairgoers arrived tells an important story. Guest satisfaction increased, more than 10,000 head of livestock filled the barns (up nearly 800 head year over year), Open Class Livestock alone paid out $108k in premiums, our outdoor concerts were larger than the previous 3 years, and events like demolition derby welcomed record participation as well. We are very proud of the 2026 Nebraska State Fair.”

The Fair saw increases of 437 livestock in Open Class, 298 head in 4-H and 37 head in FFA. In addition to increases in the barns, there were also 169 additional quilts over 2025, and Photography, Textile Arts and Visual Arts were all up by more than 100 entries each.

Fair officials say the results are particularly encouraging as the organization continues to use guest feedback to shape programming, entertainment, and the overall Fair experience.

“We spend a great deal of time listening to what our guests tell us,” said Courtney Glock, Nebraksa State Fair Marketing Director. “That feedback helps us determine what is working, where we can improve and where we should invest additional resources. Seeing satisfaction continue to grow tells us those efforts are making a difference and we hope that seeing these improvements reinforces to guests that their input matters and we are absolutely listening.”

Glock said improvements weren’t limited to ARPA paving improvements but also included added seating outside, changes to concert models, new strolling performers and additional emphasis placed on Nebraska-based businesses.

All of the success determined by vendors, concessionaires, exhibitors, staff and guests occurred despite the event taking place during an unusually persistent stretch of hot weather.

Weather data from the National Weather Service shows that Aug. 28 through Sept. 7 was the third warmest occurrence of that specific 11-day period on record, based on average daily temperature. Only 1922 and 1913 were warmer.

The average high during the Fair was 92 degrees, 8.5 degrees above normal, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees or higher on eight of the Fair's 11 days.

The hottest day came on Labor Day, Sept. 7, when the temperature reached 99 degrees and the heat index climbed to 104 degrees, which was 25 degrees warmer than the same day one year prior.

Parr said that attendance is one part of a much larger picture.

“When we look at guest satisfaction and participation as well as partnerships and experiences across the Fair, we see a very successful event and a strong platform established in 2026," she said. "That was seen at each stage show and in the barns as folks from nearly every zip code gathered to experience the Fair.”

More than 300,000 guests chose to make the 11-days of Nebraska State Fair an important part of their summer.

Fair staff are already reviewing guest feedback and building on the successes of 2026 as planning begins for the 2027 Nebraska State Fair.

Guests interested in sharing their feedback can fill out the Nebraska State Fair survey at www.statefair.org. 




Nebraska Block and Bridle Club To Host Annual Steak Fry on September 18

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Block and Bridle Club will host its annual Steak Fry event on Friday, September 18.

The event will be held at the Animal Science Complex on Nebraska's East Campus from 5-7 p.m. Presale meal tickets can be purchased for $12 on UNL Marketplace or can be purchased at the door for $15. The meal consists of steak, cheesy potatoes, beans, chips, and cookies. To-go containers will also be available. The steaks for the meal are provided by Cargill, Incorporated.

The proceeds from the event helps the club pay for educational opportunities such as industry tours, meeting expenses and club awards and also provides the club an opportunity to engage with friends, family, faculty and staff outside of a classroom setting. The club has been hosting the steak fry for over 60 years and it serves as the largest fundraising event put on by the club's beef interest group.

The Block and Bridle Club at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is comprised of students that are interested in animal agriculture. The Nebraska chapter is a charter member of the National Block and Bridle Club, which was established in 1919.



Radicle Growth and U.S. Corn Growers Announce Winners of The Radicle Corn Challenge

Radicle Growth announced Citroniq and Future Origins as the winners of The Radicle Corn Challenge Sponsored by U.S. Corn Farmers during the Bio Innovations North America conference in Omaha, Nebraska on September 9. The global competition, launched in January 2026, was created to identify and support companies developing breakthrough technologies that create significant new demand for corn beyond traditional food, feed and fuel markets. The Challenge attracted applicants from around the world working to transform corn and corn-derived feedstocks into higher-value products across industrial, chemical, materials and emerging bioeconomy applications.

As winners of the Challenge, Citroniq and Future Origins will receive investment from Radicle Growth and the coalition of corn organizations supporting the initiative. Together, the two companies represent compelling opportunities to expand the role of corn as a sustainable feedstock for high-value global industries.

"The quality of innovation we saw throughout this Challenge was exceptional," said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner at Radicle Growth. "Citroniq and Future Origins stood out for their ability to create entirely new demand pathways for corn at a commercial scale. Both companies are addressing highly valuable existing markets with technologies that offer sustainability, supply chain resilience and economic value, which is exactly the type of innovation this Challenge was designed to accelerate."

Citroniq
Citroniq is transforming the plastics industry with the world's largest next-generation, commercial-scale platform for producing 100% bio-based polypropylene using fuel-grade ethanol derived from corn. By combining proven technologies through its proprietary E2O production platform, Citroniq produces carbon-negative resins and olefin intermediates that eliminate dependence on fossil-based hydrocarbons while helping companies reduce their carbon footprint and advance Net Zero objectives.

The company's approach utilizes domestically produced corn ethanol to create sustainable alternatives for one of the world's most widely used plastics, opening a substantial new avenue for corn utilization across packaging, consumer goods, automotive, and industrial applications.

"We're honored to receive the 2026 Radicle Corn Challenge Award," said Kelly Knopp, CEO & Co-Founder of Citroniq. "This recognition is especially meaningful to our team and validates our goal of creating an economic path to sustainable plastics. We're proud to be part of writing the next chapter for U.S. corn demand, to drive a broader shift toward a more sustainable and resilient plastics industry."

Future Origins
Future Origins is commercializing fermentation-based technology to produce sustainable alternatives to ingredients widely used in home and personal care products. The company utilizes renewable feedstocks, including corn-derived dextrose, to create more resilient and traceable supply chains for ingredients traditionally produced from palm oil and fossil-based feedstocks.

Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between Genomatica, Unilever, Kao and L'Oréal, Future Origins has successfully scaled its technology through a large-scale demonstration campaign producing more than ten tons of drop-in product validated by strategic partners. The company is now advancing toward commercial-scale production in the United States using corn-based feedstocks.

"We are thrilled to win the Radicle Corn Challenge," said Priti Pharkya, Chief Business Officer and Founder of Future Origins. "By transforming corn into existing widely used home and personal care ingredients, Future Origins is opening an entirely new high-value use for Midwest corn. It's great to have the growers join us in the journey and build awareness, as the market opportunity here is massive."

The winners were selected following a rigorous evaluation process that included scientific, technical, commercial and market diligence conducted by Radicle Growth and representatives from participating corn organizations, assessing market potential, technology readiness, commercialization pathways and expected impact on future corn demand. The companies were formally recognized during the Bio Innovations North America conference, which brings together leaders across agriculture, biotechnology, energy and advanced materials to explore innovations shaping the future of the bioeconomy.

The Radicle Corn Challenge was established to identify innovations capable of developing durable new markets for corn and corn-derived feedstocks. Sponsored by twelve leading U.S. corn grower organizations, Colorado Corn Promotion Council, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Kansas Corn Commission, Kentucky Corn Promotion Council, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, National Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Ohio Corn Marketing Program, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council and Tennessee Corn Promotion Board, the initiative was created in response to the need for expanded demand opportunities beyond traditional food, feed and fuel applications.

"Research is only as valuable as the markets it leads to," said Rachael Whitehair, Nebraska Corn Board director of innovation & stewardship. "Citroniq and Future Origins show what's possible when new technology meets a reliable, high-quality supply of corn. We congratulate both companies and look forward to seeing these partnerships develop."

The selection of Citroniq and Future Origins reflects the growing opportunity to position U.S. corn as a foundational feedstock for the next generation of sustainable materials and consumer products. By supporting technologies that unlock new, high-value markets for corn, the Radicle Corn Challenge and its sponsoring grower organizations are helping create opportunities for increased demand, new value chains and long-term growth across rural America and the broader bioeconomy.



NU DEAL cohort announced for 2026-28

Sixteen University of Nebraska System colleagues have been selected to participate in a system-wide program that aims to develop the next generation of higher education leaders.

The NU System’s Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) program, sponsored by all four campuses with support from the Office of the President, offers an intensive two-year curriculum that helps participants develop their leadership skills, expand their networks and explore key issues and challenges facing the University of Nebraska and higher education.

“I’m delighted to welcome another cohort to the NU DEAL,” said NU System President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This program ensures promising leaders have opportunities to hone the skills that will position the NU System to meet the ever-changing needs of the students we educate and the state we serve. This program, the experiences it provides and the network it fosters, is critical to the long-term sustained success of our institution.” 

The 2026-2028 NU DEAL fellows, selected by their campus leadership, are:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Yusong Li, Ph.D. - associate dean, college of engineering
    Santosh Pitla, Ph.D. - co-director, University of Nebraska Artificial Intelligence Institute
    Jamie Reimer Seaman, D.M.A. – faculty senate president elect
    Joe Luck, Ph.D. - interim department head, biological systems engineering

University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Ann Anderson-Berry, M.D., Ph.D - executive director, Child Health Research Institute; professor, UNMC Division of Neonatology; vice chair of research, department of pediatrics
    Rusty McCulloh, M.D. - associate vice chancellor for clinical research, UNMC; vice president for research, Nebraska Medicine; professor, UNMC Division of Biomedical Informatics and Health Systems
    Sheri Rowland, Ph.D. - assistant dean for evaluation and continuous quality improvement; associate professor, college of nursing
    Meghan Wolever - assistant dean, business and finance

University of Nebraska at Omaha
    Jodi Kreiling, Ph.D. - associate dean, college of arts and sciences; professor, chemistry
    Adam Rosen, Ph.D. - director and professor, school of health and kinesiology
    Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles – associate dean, college of business administration, professor of management
    Susan Reay, Ed.D. - director and associate professor, Grace Abbott School of Social Work

University of Nebraska at Kearney
    Kristy Kounovsky-Shafer, Ph.D. - associate dean, college of arts and sciences; professor, chemistry
    Joel Berrier, Ph.D. – chair and associate professor, physics and astronomy
    Daniel Chaffin, Ph.D. - associate professor, management
    Bryce Abbey, Ph.D. - co-chair, kinesiology and sport sciences; professor

Over the course of the program, the fellows will hear presentations from University of Nebraska System representatives and members of the NU Board of Regents, visit each NU System campus to engage with senior leaders and discuss timely higher education topics including:
    Strategic planning
    Philanthropy
    Higher education finances
    Facilities and infrastructure
    Opportunities and challenges related to teaching, learning and research
    Academic leadership skills and styles

“NU DEAL is designed to build a cadre of senior leadership with faculty who already have leadership skills to understand how the NU System works at the highest level,” said UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, M.D., who developed the program. “NU DEAL cultivates advanced thinking skills and empowers participants to lead with vision, purpose and lasting impact in today’s changing world, positioning them to step confidently into the next level of leadership.”

Applications for the 2028-30 cohort of the NU Deal fellows will open next spring. 



Farmers Business Network® Announces 2027 Farmer2Farmer VIII Event

Farmers Business Network® (FBN), the leading agriculture marketplace and farmer-to-farmer network, today announced the next edition of its renowned Farmer2Farmer (F2F) Event, taking place from February 9-11, 2027.

This year's conference, Farmer2Farmer VIII, will convene nearly 1,000 farmers from across the U.S. and Canada for several days of programming at the CHI Health Center, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Farmer2Farmer VIII will include more than 30 expert presentations, keynote speakers and producer educational sessions, as well as dozens of trade-show vendors.  Speakers will include farmers, prominent ag & technology innovators, and business, AI, ag policy and leadership experts.  

"Farmer2Farmer brings together hundreds of  farms of all types for honest, direct conversations on the future of ag and how to improve their operations," said Charles Baron, Co-Founder, FBN. "We want FBN members to create deep connections, uncover new ideas from other farmers and partners, and leave F2F with strategies and operating programs in hand for a successful 2027 season."

For more information and to sign up to attend Farmer2Farmer, please visit www.farmer2farmer.ag



2026 Iowa Grain Harvest Webinar 

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering team will hold the 2026 Iowa Grain Harvest webinar Monday, Sept. 21 at noon.  

Planned for grain producers and anyone with an interest in this fall’s grain harvest in Iowa, the webinar will feature segments discussing grain quality concerns and potential issues, harvest losses and equipment set up and planning for successful grain storage. 

“Harvest comes with challenges related to grain quality, harvest equipment and short-and-long-term storage,” said Tony Mensing, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This webinar will feature experts from the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative and the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex providing commentary and sharing insight on grain harvest 2026.” 

Gretchen Mosher, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State who leads the Grain Testing Laboratory, will explore grain quality issues and potential concerns as we go into harvest. Dirk Maier, director of the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, will share valuable information on the science of grain storage and managing it successfully. Mensing will discuss grain loss during harvest and equipment setup and adjustment. 

The timely topics have a direct impact on the bottom line for growers and the entire grain value chain and aim to help participants understand potential challenges and make the most of what has been produced. 

The webinar is available at no cost to participants, but online registration is required https://go.iastate.edu/FEN88N.

For more information, contact Tony Mensing at tmensing@iastate.edu or 515-290-0952. For registration inquiries, please contact Melissa McEnany at mmcenany@iastate.edu or 515-294-9075. 




Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/4/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 4, ethanol production dipped 1.0% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.16 million gallons daily. Output was 0.5% lower than the same week last year but 7.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.5% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.94 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks edged up 0.6% to 25.2 million barrels. Stocks were 10.3% more than the same week last year and 13.9% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 4.2% to 8.55 million b/d (131.45 bg annualized)—the lowest weekly volume since the end of February. Still, demand was 0.5% more than a year ago and 0.2% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slid 3.4% to an 8-week low of 908,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.96 bg annualized. Yet, net inputs were 3.2% more than year-ago levels and 1.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports scaled up 41.3% to 147,000 b/d (6.2 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Checkoff Plan of Work

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $39.5 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications during fiscal 2027, subject to USDA approval. 

In action at the end of its September 2-3 meeting in Denver, Colorado, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved Checkoff funding for a total of 12 “Authorization Requests” – or grant proposals – for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The committee, which includes 10 producers and importers from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 producers from the Federation of State Beef Councils, also recommended full Cattlemen’s Beef Board approval of a budget amendment to reflect the split of funding between budget categories affected by their decisions.

Nine contractors and four subcontractors brought 13 Authorization Requests worth approximately $49.6 million to the BPOC this week, approximately $10.1 million more than the funds available from the CBB budget.

“Each year, our contractors bring forward strong ideas for reaching consumers, strengthening demand for beef and addressing the issues that matter to our industry,” said Cheryl DeVuyst, chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. “With limited Checkoff dollars available, our responsibility is to carefully evaluate those opportunities and invest in the programs we believe can deliver the greatest value for beef producers.

“I’m proud of the thoughtful work this committee put into reviewing the Authorization Requests and making some difficult funding decisions. We had productive discussions about where Checkoff dollars can make the greatest impact, and ultimately, we came together around a budget that supports important work in research, promotion, foreign marketing, industry and consumer information and producer communications. I appreciate the time and commitment of our committee members and contractors, and I’m looking forward to seeing this work come to life in FY27.”

In the end, the BPOC approved proposals from eight national beef organizations for funding through the FY27 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget, as follows:
    American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture - $750,000
    Cattlemen’s Beef Board - $2,000,000
    Meat Foundation - $750,000
    Meat Import Council of America / Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative - $1,000,000
    Meat Institute/New York Beef Council - $270,000
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - $26,050,000
    United States Cattlemen’s Association/Duke University/University of Florida - $598,000
    United States Meat Export Federation - $8,100,000
     
Broken out by budget component – as outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 – the FY27 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board budget includes:
    $9,270,000 for promotion programs, including beef and veal campaigns focusing on beef’s nutritional value, eating experience, convenience, and production.
    $9,598,000 for research programs focusing on pre- and post-harvest beef safety, scientific affairs, nutrition, sustainability, product quality, culinary technical expertise, and consumer perceptions. 
    $7,850,000 for consumer information programs, including Northeast influencer outreach and public relations initiatives; national consumer public relations, including nutrition-influencer relations and work with primary- and secondary-school curriculum directors nationwide to get accurate information about the beef industry into classrooms of today’s youth. Additional initiatives include outreach and engagement with food, culinary, nutrition and health thought leaders; media and public relations efforts; and supply chain engagement.
    $2,700,000 for industry information programs, including dissemination of accurate information about the beef industry to counter misinformation from other groups, as well as funding for Checkoff participation in the annual national industrywide symposium about antibiotic use. Additional efforts in this program area include beef advocacy training and issues/crisis management and response. 
    $8,100,000 for foreign marketing and education, focusing on 13 regions, representing more than 90 countries around the world. 
    $2,000,000 for producer communications, which includes investor outreach using national communications and direct communications to producers and importers about Checkoff results. Elements of this program include ongoing producer listening and analysis; industry collaboration and outreach; and continued development of a publishing strategy and platform and a state beef council content hub.  
     
The full fiscal 2027 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget is approximately $43.9 million. Separate from the Authorization Requests, other expenses funded include $332,000 for program evaluation; $833,000 program development; $214,000 for Checkoff education resources; $540,000 for USDA oversight; $230,000 for state services; $200,000 supporting services and litigation; and approximately $2.0 million for CBB administration. The fiscal 2027 program budget represents an increase of  3.4% percent, or $1.5 million, from the $42.4 million FY26 budget.

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com. 



Swine Health Information Center to Integrate into National Pork Board by Year’s End

The producer-led boards of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and National Pork Board (NPB) have approved an agreement to integrate SHIC into NPB by the end of 2026. For pork producers, the integration is designed to preserve SHIC’s emerging-disease capabilities while connecting them more directly to the industry’s broader swine health priorities. 

SHIC’s established system for identifying and responding to emerging disease threats, from surveillance and monitoring to reporting and research, will continue throughout the transition. Continuity in these services and support to producers, researchers, veterinarians and industry partners is a top priority for both boards.  

“When producers created SHIC, they asked it to watch for emerging disease threats around the world and move quickly when risks appeared,” said Joe Dykhuis, Michigan pork producer and SHIC board president. “SHIC built that capability through disease monitoring, focused research and practical information. This integration sustains that work and positions it to serve producers into the future.” 

Aligning SHIC’s monitoring, research investments and resources with the producer-led National Swine Health Strategy will strengthen coordination, focus producer dollars and help turn science into practical tools and action on farms. 

“Producers benefit when researchers, veterinarians and industry organizations are aligned around shared priorities and focused on outcomes at the farm,” said Chad Groves, National Pork Board president. “Bringing SHIC’s information, expertise, research and producer support into the National Swine Health Strategy strengthens that connection.” 

The National Swine Health Strategy provides a long-term framework for protecting the U.S. swine herd and improving overall herd health. Its priorities include stronger industry coordination and improved prevention, preparedness and response for endemic, emerging and foreign animal diseases. 



Applications Accepted for CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship

Students pursuing careers in the beef industry are encouraged to apply for the 2027 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship through the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded.
 
Introduced in 1989 and sponsored by CME Group, the scholarship identifies and encourages talented students who play a vital role in the future of food production. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship program.
 
“We are honored to partner with the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to champion the next generation of leaders in the cattle industry,” said John Ricci, CME Group managing director and global head of agricultural products. “By investing in these emerging leaders today, we're helping ensure that tomorrow's cattlemen and cattlewomen have the knowledge, innovation and resilience needed to feed a growing world for generations to come." 
 
Eligible applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two- or four-year institution. The application process includes submitting a one-page letter expressing career goals related to the beef industry, a 750-word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem, and two letters of recommendation. The applicant or a family member must be a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. 
 
The application deadline is Oct. 9, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Scholarship recipients will be recognized during CattleCon 2027, Feb. 2-4, in Nashville, Tennessee. 
 
Organized in 1972, NCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing charitable, scientific and educational activities to benefit the cattle industry.