May is Beef Month in Nebraska

By Noel Mues, Extension Educator, Furnas County

 

Please join farmers and ranchers in celebrating “May is Beef Month in Nebraska!” This is a great time to enjoy the high quality beef for which our state is known. From cattle producers to feed manufacturers and processors to consumers, thousands of people play an important role in bringing beef from the pasture to plate. In fact, cattle generate $12 billion in total direct and indirect activity in Nebraska’s economy making beef much more than just what’s for dinner.

This is also a good time to reflect on the Furnas County Livestock Association, the Nebraska Cattlemen Association, and the Nebraska Beef Council in recognizing the importance of their contributions to the Beef Cattle Industry. 

Furnas County Livestock Association

The Furnas County Livestock Association (FCLA) is a proud affiliate of the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. Directors of the FCLA are: Chuck Eubanks, President – Cambridge; David Becker, Vice President – Beaver City; Bruce Blickenstaff, Treasurer – Wilsonville; Bart Deterding – Cambridge; Jason Houghtelling – Cambridge; Mike Huxoll – Hendley; Cory Tegtman – Stamford; and Bill Weaver – Beaver City.

Nebraska Cattlemen Mission Statement

The mission of the Nebraska Cattlemen is to nurture profitability for Nebraska beef producers and to provide leadership to the cattle industry in Nebraska, across the United States and around the world. 

About Nebraska Cattlemen, Inc.

            The Nebraska Cattlemen Association (NC) is a grassroots organization whose individual producer members determine issues of importance to the Nebraska Beef Industry. The Nebraska Cattlemen Association was officially formed on August 24, 1988, through the consolidation of the Nebraska Stock Growers Association (founded 1889), the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association (founded 1970) and the Nebraska Feedlot Council (founded 1987).

Its principal services are government affairs, public information, issues management, and education. NC performs three basic functions. First, the association represents the beef cattle industry to the legislative and administrative branches of the state and federal governments. Second, it explains beef production (including safety of the product, use of natural resources, care of animals, and beef economics) to the public and opinion influencers. In addition, NC interprets economic, social and political developments to the industry. Third, it provides economic and other information to members to aid them in their own planning and management.

Each member has the opportunity to influence state cattlemen's association policy and priorities through participation in councils and committees. These committees are appointed annually by the affiliate presidents. Membership Organization dollars allow the staff and officers of NC and NCBA to work on behalf of the membership. NC programs are financed by dues invested by individual members.

Benefits of NC Membership

 By uniting with others, your membership makes your voice louder. In short, whether it's convincing state and national legislators, obtaining market information, keeping up with regulations or responding to consumers and the media, your membership protects and improves the atmosphere in which you do business. Nebraska Cattlemen membership makes you more effective, leaving more time for what you prefer doing - producing cattle.  

Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting

The Nebraska Cattlemen has planned a great line-up of activities and speakers for its Midyear Meeting. You are invited to attend the 2012 Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting in Atkinson and Stuart on Thursday and Friday, June 7^th and 8^th.

A great line up of speakers and activities for members are being planned for the two-day event. Nebraska Cattlemen members are encouraged to make plans to attend the meeting and take part in industry discussions during the six NC policy committees addressing animal health & nutrition, education, marketing & commerce, natural resources & environment, brand & property rights, and taxation. Many issues affect Nebraska cattle producers and your voice can be heard during policy discussion at these meetings. This is your opportunity to shape policy and provide direction for leadership and staff. Socializing is an important part of Midyear, too.

If you are a current member, your membership is much appreciated and we hope you will be able to attend. If you are not a NC member, you are encouraged to attend the Midyear events and meetings and consider becoming a member of Nebraska Cattlemen.

The complete schedule and on-line registration is available at www.nebraskacattlemen.org or by calling the NC Office at (402) 475-2333.