Monday November 09 Ag News - NE Soybean Bd Hires Dir of Agronomy & Research - PVC November Cow-Calf Meeting - Sign ups for See It For Yourself Tour - Reichmuth is NECC Distinguished Alumni - Barns of Tomorrow Webinars - and more!

Nebraska Soybean Board Hires Director of Agronomy and Research

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is pleased to announce the hiring of David Meredith as Director of Agronomy and Research.

In his role, David will oversee NSB’s soybean research and farmer support programs, working closely with University researchers, industry partners and Nebraska soybean farmers to identify projects that address growers’ needs and support their success. He will also help guide strategic research investments, coordinate the annual research grant process and share timely, relevant research findings with producers across the state.

David grew up near Nehawka, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Agronomy with Minors in Plant Biology and Precision Agriculture. His background includes serving as an Agronomy Sales Specialist at Norder Supply Inc., where he provided agronomic support while gaining experience working directly with farmers. In addition to his professional experience, David remains actively involved in his family's farming operation near Nehawka where they grow corn & soybeans.

“We are excited to welcome David as the Director of Agronomy and Research,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB Executive Director. “His agronomy background, paired with his desire to improve all aspects of soybean production will be invaluable as we continue promoting the value of Nebraska soybeans and engaging with the next generation of Nebraskans.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Nebraska Soybean Board and contribute to the ongoing important work on behalf of Nebraska soybean farmers. I am looking forward to aiding in our research process and sharing findings that improve the Nebraska soybean industry and farmer profitability."

David started his role on November 2. He can be contacted and welcomed at david@nebraskasoybeans.org



Platte Valley Cattlemen Meeting Nov 16
Joey Kratochvil, President

It's time for us to meet again on Monday, November 16th, for our Cow/Calf meeting. It will be held at Wunderlich's Catering in Columbus. Social hour will begin at 6:00 P.M., and the meal will be at 7:00 P.M.

Our featured speaker for the evening is Halter Fencing Company, who will present on their innovative virtual collar fencing product. This technology has helped cattle producers graze their pastures more efficiently.

We want to thank Halter for sponsoring the social hour and Frontier Cooperative for sponsoring our meal.

Hope to see everyone there.



Nebraska Soybean Board: See for Yourself Program

The See for Yourself program is focused on cultivating a generation of leaders who are passionate about advancing Nebraska's soybean industry. 

This program equips local leaders with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to positively impact agricutlure while preparing them to serve as advocates and potential future members of the Nebraska Soybean Board or take on other leadership roles across the industry.

Participants will gain industry awareness, networking opportunities, personal and professional growth and access to new knowledge of the Nebraska ag industry with a soybean focus. 

Who can join the See for Yourself Program?
Candidates for this program should be:
    A Nebraska farmer or industry representative (agronomist, ag lender, etc.)
    Over the age of 21
    Interested in learning more about the Nebraska soybean industry 

Each class size is limited to 6 participants. Applicants should have a willingness to learn, actively participate in all aspects of the program and show an interest in personal growth.

Program Overview
Participants selected for the See for Yourself Program will commit to a 1-year term consisting of: 
    3 in-person learning sessions
    2 online learning sessions
    1 national learning mission

Each session immerses participants in key soybean industry topics. 

To apply, submit an application here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TB66BY7! Application deadline is November 13, 2026. Contact sophia@nebraskasoybeans.org with any questions. 



Reichmuth Honored with Nebraska Community College Association Distinguished Alumni Award

Northeast Community College helped lay the foundation for the successful career of Bryan Reichmuth of Humphrey, the 2026 Nebraska Community College Association Distinguished Alumni award recipient.

Reichmuth, a 1981 graduate of Northeast’s Agri-Business program, recently accepted the award during the Nebraska Community College Association’s annual conference in October. He was also recognized during the annual Northeast Community College Achievement Awards celebration.

A native of Humphrey, Reichmuth credits his experience at Northeast with laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to agriculture, education, and service. Through hands-on learning at the college farm, participation in basketball, and the mentorship of instructors, including Chuck and Neal Pohlman brothers, he developed skills and values that guided his professional and personal accomplishments.

Following graduation, Reichmuth embarked on a 42-year career in the cooperative industry. Beginning with a summer internship in 1980, he advanced through a series of leadership positions before retiring as senior vice president of Central Valley Ag, a multi-billion-dollar agricultural cooperative.

"I am completely humbled by this award," Reichmuth said. "To be recognized by the institution that gave me the foundation I needed for a great career is truly an honor. Northeast means a lot to me, not only for the education I received but also for the relationships and opportunities that shaped my life."

During his career, he helped lead significant growth initiatives and strengthened partnerships between Central Valley Ag and Northeast Community College through workforce development and apprenticeship programs.

Reichmuth's commitment to service extends beyond his professional achievements. He previously served as president of the Humphrey St. Francis School Board and currently serves as president of the St. Francis Parish Finance Board. He is also co-chairing a $25 million campaign to build a new elementary school and activity center for the St. Francis community. In addition, he remains active in Madison County 4-H and has a variety of community and school activities.

A dedicated mentor and coach, Reichmuth is in his 24th season as head girls’ basketball coach at Archangels Catholic High School, formerly St. Francis High School, in Humphrey. During his coaching career, he has earned more than 400 victories, four state championships and four state runner-up finishes. He considers the opportunity to positively influence the lives of young athletes among his greatest accomplishments.

"The greatest satisfaction of my career has been the opportunity to lead, coach, and help others succeed," Reichmuth said. "That's why I continue coaching today. Seeing others grow and achieve their goals has always been my greatest reward."

Reichmuth and his wife, Lori, recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. They have four children and 11 grandchildren.

Although retired from his executive leadership role at CVA, Reichmuth remains active in mentoring young professionals, farming, and helping manage the family's cattle operation.

Reichmuth said his success is the result of support from family members, mentors, colleagues, and community members throughout his life and career. His dedication to agriculture, education, leadership, and service reflects the values Northeast Community College seeks to instill in its students and alumni.



Five FFA Members Named U.S. Presidential Scholars

National FFA Organization is pleased to announce that five members from five different states have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2026. These students are being celebrated for their achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.

Out of 3.9 million high school seniors graduating in the spring, more than 6,700 candidates qualified for consideration based on outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or nominations by state leaders. Of those, 161 high school seniors were selected to be U.S. Presidential Scholars, including one young man and one young woman from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 at-large Scholars, 20 Scholars in the arts, and 20 Scholars in career and technical education. 

The FFA members named as scholars are: 
    Harrison Andrew Jackson, Lafayette FFA in Florida (Career and Technical Education)
    Alexavier Colton Garrott, Madisonville North Hopkins FFA in Kentucky (Career and Technical Education)
    James C Fletcher Jr., Litchfield FFA in Nebraska (Career and Technical Education)
    Grant Hayes Hubley, Anthony Wayne FFA in Ohio (Career and Technical Education)
    Scott Jackson Leonard, Shepherdstown Middle FFA and Jefferson FFA in West Virginia

“Agricultural education teaches students to think critically, solve real problems and lead with purpose.” said National FFA CEO Scott Stump. “This recognition shows what students can do when classroom learning comes with hands-on experience and leadership opportunities. These FFA members are proof that career and technical education prepares young people for anything they set out to do.”

FFA is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with more than 1.05 million members in 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA transforms the lives of middle and high school students through a combination of hands-on agricultural education, work-based learning, and leadership and life skills development.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored 8,800 of the nation's top-performing students since 1964. Each member of the 2026 class will receive an engraved U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion. 



Barns of Tomorrow Webinar Series to Explore the Future of Livestock Housing and Precision Technologies

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering team will hold the second season of the "Barn of Tomorrow" webinar series in November and December.

Designed for livestock producers, industry professionals, researchers and anyone interested in the future of livestock housing, the four-week series will explore cutting-edge advancements in livestock housing, precision technologies, strategies to utilize computer vision to address biosecurity concerns and virtual fencing. 
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“As livestock housing evolves, the focus is on new strategies and practices that can help with both livestock and housing performance,” said Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This upcoming four-part webinar series will take a deeper dive into strategies to improve electrical efficiency and environmental sustainability, biosecurity and animal welfare in livestock housing.”

Each session will address critical topics, including winterizing swine barns, identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs and the economics of virtual fencing. Attendees will gain practical insights on how emerging technologies can improve production efficiency, animal comfort and sustainability.

The webinar series will occur for four weeks at 12 p.m. (CST), with the following schedule:
    Nov. 24 – Preparing Your Swine Barn for Winter While There Is Still Time, Brett Ramirez, associate professor and extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State
    Dec. 1 – Powering the Barn of Tomorrow: Know Your Energy, Identify Opportunities to Control Costs, Tim Shepherd, associate teaching professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering
    Dec. 8 – Virtual Fencing Options and Economics for Cow Calf Operations in Iowa, Tim Christensen and Eric Weuve, farm business management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach 
    Dec. 15 – Application of Computer Vision Techniques to Address Biosecurity Concerns in Animal and Crop Facilities, Gretchen Mosher, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State and Hanwook Chung, assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State.

Each webinar is available at no cost to participants, but online registration is required https://iastate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lie6waTeRHuscBh5mFicKQ#/registration.



USMEF Awards Honor Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Export Trailblazer Steve Isaf

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the latest recipients of its highest honors, the Michael J. Mansfield Award and the USMEF Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented Nov. 12 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.

Gov. Kim Reynolds recognized as champion for agricultural production and trade
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award, established in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan whose five decades of government service advanced U.S. trade relations throughout the world. With broad support from Iowa’s agricultural sectors, the USMEF Executive Committee selected Reynolds for her effective promotion of international trade opportunities and for being a steadfast advocate for livestock production.

“Animal agriculture is such a powerful economic engine for Iowa and the entire United States, and our livestock producers must have the opportunity to capitalize on international demand,” Reynolds said. “It has been my honor to represent Iowa agriculture in key overseas markets and see firsthand the importance of promoting and differentiating our high-quality red meat products. So I greatly appreciate being recognized with this award, but I especially value the partnership our state agencies and agricultural organizations have had with USMEF for many years.”

Reynolds also noted the importance of breaking down trade barriers and developing new markets for U.S. pork, beef and lamb.

“It is great to see international consumers enjoying our red meat products, which is a testament to our farmers and ranchers and the high standards they maintain every day,” she said. “But I have also visited markets where these products lack access, and we must continue to work together to expand export opportunities for U.S. producers.”

Isaf honored for decades of visionary industry leadership
Steve Isaf, founder, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Interra International, will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award, which honors outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation’s success.

Isaf has spent more than four decades building demand for U.S. red meat around the world. He entered international trade in 1980, when American beef and pork had only a small presence in overseas markets. Building companies at every stage of his career, Isaf founded Global Marketing Associates in 1987 and merged it in 1994 with Berkshire Foods. In 2000, Isaf sold his Berkshire Foods shares and founded Interra International, which has since expanded into a multinational enterprise of 145 professionals, serving customers in more than 100 countries. Interra has operational centers in Atlanta, Shanghai, Paris and Monterrey, Mexico, as well as personnel in 10 other key locations.

Isaf joined the USMEF Executive Committee in 2008 and later chaired its Exporter Committee before serving as USMEF chairman in 2014-15. While bringing a “frontline” perspective to the organization from his hands-on involvement in international markets, Isaf says he quickly developed a kinship with farmers, ranchers and those from other sectors of the meat industry.

“After starting my own business, I came to realize that all the people raising livestock and feedgrains are entrepreneurs and individual business people, so I felt strongly that we were kindred spirits,” Isaf explained. “And especially in those early years, most of the packing plants were also entrepreneurial and family owned. So for me, being able to identify with these families, understand their struggles and recognize the financial and work commitments they have to make, is something that I greatly appreciate. It's so rewarding to have been part of this community and, hopefully, in some small way, to have made a difference for others.”

Having attended his first USMEF meeting in 1986, Isaf advised anyone new to the export business to fully participate in the organization and make a personal commitment to its continued success.

“In order for USMEF to gain from your experiences and for you to fully benefit from being a USMEF member, you need to be active and involved,” he said. “As our company has grown, we have team members working in different parts of the world, and they are very engaged with USMEF out in the field. Whether we are identifying clients, working through trade barriers or getting a container cleared at a foreign port, USMEF is there with help and advice. So I would suggest that anyone with an interest in the export of red meat be active in USMEF – not only to gain valuable information, but to also pass this experience and knowledge on to others.”