This article is from the Nebraska Cattlemen, Mike Fitzgerald
LINCOLN, NE (Dec. 12, 2017) – The 2017 Annual Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show wrapped up Friday, Dec. 9 in Kearney. With well over 600 in attendance coupled with growing educational opportunities, this year’s convention and trade show was a huge success.The annual convention is the time for the NC membership to review and discuss current and new policy, socialize and enjoy high quality beef.
At the Opening General Session, attendees received updates on a wide range of priority issues from Craig Uden, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president from Johnson Lake, Kent Bacus, NCBA director of International Trade and Market Access, and Penny Zimmerman, American National CattleWomen president. During the Banquet, Governor Pete Ricketts spoke about efforts to grow livestock and agriculture business in Nebraska and his continuing priority to seek property tax relief.
The convention offers membership the opportunity to nominate and elect new council and committee leaders. NC congratulates the following on their new positions:
Officers:
President: Galen Frenzen, Fullerton
President Elect: Mike Drinnin, Clarks
Vice President: Ken Herz, Lawrence
Past President & Nominations Chair: Troy Stowater, Wayne
Member Services Vice Chairmen:
Region 1: Lewis Coulter, Bridgeport
Region 2: Brenda Masek, Purdum
Region 3: Tyler Weborg, Pender
Region 4: Steven Fish, Norfolk
Region 5: Jared Jaixen, Loup City
Region 6: Steve Stroup, Benkelman
Region 7: Ed Klug, Columbus
Region 8: Richard Hollman, Hallam
Region 9: Shannon Petersen, Gothenberg
Council Leaders:
Cow/Calf Chair: Nancy Peterson, DVM, Gordon
Cow/Calf Vice Chair: Frank Utter, Brewster
Farmer/Stockman Chair: John Lange, Bruning
Feedlot Chair: Jerry Kuenning, Imperial
Feedlot Vice Chair: Dean Wilken, Bloomfield
Seedstock Chair: Mark Goes, Odell
Seedstock Vice Chair: Larry Dybdal, Newcastle
Committee Leaders:
Animal Health & Nutrition Chair: Jeff Fox, DVM, Beemer
Animal Health & Nutrition Vice Chair: Scott Langemeier, Stromsburg
Brand & Property Rights: Duane Gangwish, Wayne
Brand & Property Rights Vice Chair: Tom Hansen, North Platte
Education & Research Chair: Sarah Kabes, Carleton
Education & Research Vice Chair: Andrew Uden, Lincoln
Marketing & Commerce Chair: Stephen Sudnerman, Norfolk
Marketing & Commerce Vice Chair: Hank Klosterman, David City
Natural Resources & Environment Chair: Chris Schluntz, Republican City
Natural Resources & Environment Vice Chair: Jake Mayer, Weston
Taxation Chair: Dick Pierce, Miller
Taxation Vice Chair: Lavon Heidemann, Elk Creek
Member Services: Justin Jarecke, Kearney
Industry Service Award
Also during the convention, NC announced the winners of the 2017 Industry Service Award and Hall of Fame honoree. The Industry Service Award was presented to John Pollak. Pollak retired in May as U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Director. He was the first director of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium where he led the development of programs and projects, fostered interactions among researchers, organized multidisciplinary research teams, built coalitions with industry partners, and conducted research.
NC Executive Vice President Pete McClymont said, “There have been numerous directors that have given their leadership and talents to MARC for the betterment of livestock care, genetic improvement and gaining efficiencies focused in creating more food security for the world. It is safe to say, none have performed at a higher level than Dr. Pollak.”
Hall of Fame Honoree:
J.D. Alexander of Pilger received the 2017 Hall of Fame Award. The award highlights Nebraska Cattlemen members who exemplify an ongoing commitment to the beef cattle industry. Presented only once annually, the Hall of Fame award is the organization’s highest honor.
He is a 3rd generation farmer-feeder and owns Alexander Cattle and Farms. In 2001, Alexander served as the Nebraska Cattlemen president and in 2012 he served as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President. Regulatory burdens were a corner-stone NCBA’s work while he was in office. Three free-trade agreements (FTAs) – with Panama, Columbia and South Korea – were implemented by Congress. Those three FTAs allowed for lowered tariffs on exports of U.S. beef to important markets, leveling the playing field for beef producers.
