6 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 The Nebraska Cattleman magazine is published for and by the Nebraska Cattlemen association. PRODUCTION BluePrint Media LLC (970) 498-9306 PO Box 427 | Timnath, CO 80547 Editor | Lisa Bard Managing Editor | Jessie Topp-Becker Copy Editor | Larisa Willrett Designer | Megan Sajbel Field Materials Coordinator | Megan Sajbel Field Administration | Leslie McKibben CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Coe | Kristian Rennert Meghan Anderson | Bob Rooney STATE REGIONAL ADVERTISING Amber Coleman Mobile (402) 340-1588 acoleman@necattlemen.org NATIONAL ADVERTISING The Powell Group | Wendy McFarland (334) 271-6100 4162-B Carmichael Ct. Montgomery, AL 36106 LINCOLN 4611 Cattle Drive | Lincoln, NE 68521 (402) 475-2333 | NCmag@necattlemen.org LAKESIDE 1179 296th Trail | Lakeside, NE 69351 (308) 760-6464 Nebraska Cattleman is published monthly, except for May and July, by the Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 – (402) 475-2333. Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. Nebraska Cattleman You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post O ice ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! Please visit our website www.nebraskacattlemen.org EVP Perspective By Laura Field NC Executive Vice President Membership Matters Membership Matters.” I use this phrase as a hashtag when I post photos or comments after attending affiliate meetings, banquets or conventions and any other time I spend with cattle producers. I believe this phrase totally and completely, and when I use it, I often find myself honing my talking points as to why membership really does matter. As a grassroots organization, Nebraska Cattlemen exists and finds its strength in our members. Nebraska Cattlemen offers a variety of services for members. Here are a few examples: Connections. When we moved to Nebraska, we only knew a handful of people. We were in a new place with much change happening all around us, and I immediately looked for a group we could connect with. Within weeks of arriving in Lincoln, I got an application for membership with Nebraska Cattlemen (NC). We didn’t have any cattle at the time, and yet I knew it was going to be helpful to make connections with like-minded people. Joining and renewing our membership annually was a great decision and one we still prioritize today. Advocacy. Having spent much of my life working in policy and advocacy for agriculture and natural resources, I have come to appreciate the value of using one’s voice to speak up for things that matter. It is essential that cattle producers talk and share ideas about the broad array of topics that help remove barriers to business or enhance protections for our operations and our livelihood in cattle production. Many live hundreds of miles from the state capitol or Washington, D.C., and are unable to come speak on behalf of important policy changes, and that is where membership with Nebraska Cattlemen is key. At the local, state and federal levels, NC is working with elected officials to give voice to what matters most. As a state affiliate of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, NC works closely with the seasoned professionals in Washington, D.C., helping lead the way to pass or defeat laws protecting the way of life we want and need in agriculture. From removing sales tax barriers on a variety of agricultural inputs, to regulation of animal husbandry, to tax relief, to Waters of the United States (WOTUS) reform, speaking with a united voice helps push these important issues across the finish line for the benefit and productivity of Nebraska cattle producers. Producer Education. In the ever-changing world of regulatory updates, it is challenging to keep up on everything as it changes. I bet I get 20 emails a day with some sort of update or change that matters to those raising cattle. With the ability to connect so quickly, hosting webinars, face-to-face educational seminars and trainings or larger, regional events, NC works to stay ahead of emerging issues and makes sure the information is being disseminated in a manner that is clear, concise and easy to understand. Youth Engagement. Many cattle operations across Nebraska and the United States are in a period of transition. As more young people get involved in the cattle business as members of multi-generational operations or as first-time ranchers, providing opportunities for young people is key. Nebraska Cattlemen has a vibrant young cattlemen’s program in the Young Cattlemen’s Connections. Education and learning is designed to focus on the opportunities that make coming back “ CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
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