Colorado youth present papers at Range Society annual meeting

Colorado high school agriculture students Katelyn Huskins, Rye FFA; Adison Goldenstein, Holyoke FFA; and Tim Bedell, Oak Creek FFA were selected by the Colorado Section of the Society for Range Management to participate in the High School Youth Forum, an SRM sponsored youth activity held jointly during the 77th SRM annual meeting held in Sparks, Nev., on Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2024.

Congratulations to all three Colorado delegates. These three outstanding agriculture students were selected to participate in the HSYF based on their high level of achievements in FFA range judging and plant identification over the past two years. Huskins was honored with first place for her presentation titled “Our Disappearing Rangeland.” Bedell received second place for his presentation titled “Smooth Brome: A Tolerable Invader?” Goldenstein’s paper was titled “Carbon Credits and Rangelands.”

All three of these Ag/FFA students said they enjoyed the forum and benefitted by interacting with 19 fellow students from all over the western United States who shared a common interest in the stewardship of rangelands. In addition to gaining valuable experience in writing and presenting a formal presentation these high school students gained exposure to the mechanisms of the SRM and the professionals and ranchers who make up its membership. Congratulations to these exceptional Colorado high school range management students on a job well done.

NECEB honors award recipients

A Feb. 6 ceremony at the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards Annual Meeting honored 2023 award recipients for their commitment to supporting and promoting Nebraska Extension.

The Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards, comprising more than 70 Extension boards and 550-plus members representing all 93 Nebraska counties, plays a crucial role in advocating for Extension’s success.
Among the awardees, Curt Arens, editor of Nebraska Farmer, was honored with the “Outstanding Business” award and was acknowledged for fostering a strong relationship with Nebraska Extension through the magazine, providing a key platform for sharing Extension’s successes.
Dan Stehlik, faculty member at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, received recognition for his dedication to youth and agricultural causes, particularly in Frontier County. He received the “Outstanding Advocate” award.
Greg and Tammy Gass were honored with the “Outstanding Volunteer” award for more than 30 years of service as head sponsors for Citizenship Washington Focus in Cherry County, showcasing their commitment to civic engagement and education.
Jerry Johnson, a former Nebraska state senator, Wahoo mayor, and current Extension board president in Saunders County, with a remarkable volunteer career spanning more than 60 years, was acknowledged with the “Friend of Extension” award for his longstanding support for Nebraska Extension.
Mary Jo Leukenhoff, serving as the office manager in Cuming County for 45 years, was recognized with the “Outstanding Support Staff” award, demonstrating thoughtful and caring leadership.
NACEB annually engages state senators, advocating for the University of Nebraska and showcasing successes and impacts of local Extension and 4-H programs.
If interested in joining your county extension board and becoming a NACEB member, please contact your local county extension office.
New Dawes County 4-H assistant looks forward to teaching and learning

Dawes County 4-H recently welcomed Kylin Munger as its new Extension assistant.

Munger grew up ranching with her family north of Springview, Neb., part of the sixth generation on the place. She helped establish a new FFA chapter in high school and then attended Chadron State College for ag-business.

“Agriculture has shaped me into who I am,” Munger said. “I am looking forward to sharing my passion for agriculture and learning with the youth of Dawes County, but I am also so excited for the opportunity to meet people and get involved with the community.”

Munger moved from Springview after getting engaged and looked for a job where she could thrive and continue to work in agriculture. “Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of 4-H opportunities, so I’m excited to get to be a part of this organization.”

Munger will be ranching with her fiancé Drew Jerslid while also serving as the Dawes County 4-H assistant.

Golden Harvest farmers achieve top honors with corn and soybean yields

As Golden Harvest celebrates 50 years as a seed company that partners with farmers to deliver custom solutions for each unique agronomic challenge, it is proud to recognize farmers who achieved top honors in the 2023 National Corn Growers Association Yield Contest with Golden Harvest hybrids and the “Go for the Gold” yield contest with Golden Harvest soybeans.

“We are excited to share the celebration of our long-term commitment to farmers with these corn and soybean yield top finishers who overcame the challenges of the last season and achieved great results with Golden Harvest hybrids and varieties,” said Kramer Farney, Golden Harvest head of marketing. “These farmers are raising the bar for corn and soybean yield potential, and we look forward to delivering innovative corn and soybean products and in-depth seed expertise combined with local agronomic know-how.”

Top finishers of the annual corn yield contest conducted by the National Corn Growers Association who planted Golden Harvest hybrids and earned a trip to the 2024 Commodity Classic are:

  • Reid Pfau, Upham, N.D. – No-till Non-Irrigated Class, with Golden Harvest cornG80Q01-V Brand, yielding 188.3 bu/A.
  • Glen Thoene, Hartington, Neb. – Conventional Non-Irrigated Class, with Golden Harvest corn G11V76-AA Brand, yielding 256.17 bu/A.
  • John Ruzicka, Bancroft, Wis. – No-till Irrigated Class, with Golden Harvest cornG02K39-AA Brand, yielding 267.68 bu/A.
  • Lance and Kemp MaKeeff, Minot, N.D. – No-till Irrigated Class, with Golden Harvest corn G82B12-AA Brand, yielding 210.84 bu/A.
  • Lincoln Winner, New Weston, Iowa – Conventional Non-Irrigated Class, with Golden Harvest corn G12S75-D Brand, yielding 322.15 bu/A.
  • David Bergquist, Turtle Lake, N.D. – No-till Irrigated Class, with Golden Harvest cornG80Q01-V Brand, yielding 209.62 bu/A.
  • John Stasiak, Holmen, Wis. – Strip-till, Minimum-Till, Ridge-Till Class, with Golden Harvest corn G08R52-V Brand, yielding 268.18 bu/A.
  • Chuck and Mark Fahey, Belleville, Wis. – Strip-till, Minimum-Till, Ridge-Till Class, with Golden Harvest corn G11V75-D Brand, yielding 290.04 bu/A.

Particularly impressive was the outstanding showing of Lincoln Winner, a high school junior and Versailles, Ohio FFA member, who placed second in the NCGA contest in Ohio, with an overall yield of 322.15 bushels per acre.

“I was excited to hear the results,” said Winner. “It was the first time I’ve entered the contest and I feel very fortunate to have placed at this level. The G12S75-D Brand is a game-changing hybrid for us. It has excellent seed vigor and early growth resulting in great root structure. It has impressive kernel depth and great test weight.”

Winner’s second-place finish put him just ahead of his younger brother Roger’s contest entry with G10L16-DV Brand, which finished seventh overall in the state of Ohio. They are the sons of Brian and Lisa Winner of New Weston.

Lincoln says he values the contribution and support from Golden Harvest.

“The Golden Harvest team is great to work with,” he says. “They continue to have hybrids available that have great trait packages.”

The “Go for the Gold” soybean yield contest recognizes farmers who achieved top soybean yields with Golden Harvest soybeans during the 2023 growing season. The winning farmers who earned a trip to the 2024 Commodity Classic are:

  • Kyle Hawkins, Bogard, Mo. – Yielded 103.4 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybean GH4222XF Brand.
  • Aaron Kull, Lancaster, Ohio – Yielded 93.87 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybean GH 3373E3S Brand.
  • Jay Hynek, Hanover, Kan. – Yielded 83.5 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybean GH4222XF Brand.
  • Steve Knorr, Coleharbor, N.D. – Yielded 79.25 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybeanGH0502XF Brand.
  • Holly Wolle, Saint James, Minn. – Yielded 95.36 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybeanGH2292E3 Brand.
  • Kyle Rickelman, Ferdinand, Ind. – Yielded 98.6 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybeanGH3762E3S Brand.
  • Chris Weaver, Finksburg, Md. – Yielded 126.33 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybeanGH4222XF Brand.
  • Mark Doty, Grinnell, Iowa – Yielded 101.5 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybean GH3192XF Brand.
  • Dale Prater, Fillmore, Ill. – Yielded 103.31 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybean GH4433E3 Brand.
  • Chris Compagner, Dorr, Mich. – Yielded 97.22 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybeanGH2922E3 Brand.
  • Devin Bell, Sidney, Mont. – Yielded 69.51 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybean GH0502XF Brand.
  • John Ruzicka, Bancroft, Wis. – Yielded 89.08 bu/A with Golden Harvest soybeanGH2292E3 Brand.

“I used Golden Harvest “05” (GH0502XF Brand) because it has been a great bean for my area,” said Steve Knorr, from Coleharbor, N.D. “It has the characteristics that I believed were going to “Go for the Gold” and it proved out.”

Knorr said he looks for varieties that have the potential to put nodes on since nodes equate to branches, branches equate to flowers and flowers determine pods. 

“The more nodes I can have on the plant the better,” said Knorr. “Golden Harvest has a great breeding program that produces genetics that can excel in our environment. That’s key to the growth and good results, especially in western North Dakota. Finding varieties and germplasms that excel in our environments is a key to success.”

Knorr adds that he will be “100% Golden Harvest on my farm in 2024. The varieties are proven, and I get great support from our dealer and Golden Harvest agronomist. We’re excited to be part of the Golden Harvest team in our area.” 

To find better solutions for your soybean and corn acres, contact a Golden Harvest Seed Advisor at GoldenHarvestSeeds.com.

2024 Greeley Stampede Hall of Fame inductees

The Greeley Stampede has a long tradition as a pillar of the Northern Colorado community dating back to 1922. Over the 102-year span of the event, many individuals, groups and families have made significant contributions to the success of the Stampede. To recognize those that have made a lasting impact, the Greeley Stampede started the Hall of Fame in 2017. Since its inception, 17 members have been inducted with three new joining the Hall of Fame in 2024.

It is the Greeley Stampede’s honor to announce the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees:

  • Ray Esola: 20-plus year involvement including volunteering for the art show and vending as well as serving on the Greeley Stampede Committee (2006-2012) and supporting the vending program since 2015.
  • Doug Kershaw: The Ragin’ Cajun was a staple for music as he performed at the Greeley Stampede for six consecutive years (1988-1993) and was a keyperson in the Doug Kershaw Celebrity Stampede golf tournament.
  • Wranglers Inc.:  the organization served as the official Greeley Stampede volunteer group, donated thousands of volunteer hours and were the backbone of the community celebration for 45 years (1977-2022).

“The legacy of the Greeley Stampede is built by dedicated people that are passionate about our community,” commented Justin Watada, Greeley Stampede CEO. “It’s important to our organization that we show our gratitude to those that really made an impact on our journey to where we are today.”

Recognition will take place during the 102nd Annual Greeley Stampede in June including recognition during the Sunday, June 30 PRCA ProRodeo performance and display cases in the Events Center for each inductee with information and artifacts about their contributions to the Stampede. 

The Greeley Stampede Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring individuals who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the Greeley Stampede. Inductees into the Hall of Fame may include, but not be limited to, volunteers, affiliated organizations, contract personnel and others who have made a significant contribution to the success and prestige of the Greeley Stampede. More information is available at www.greeleystampede.org/p/halloffame.

McClure named Santa Gertrudis Breeders International executive director

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International announces Chris McClure as its executive director, effective immediately.

“SGBI welcomes Chris McClure as our new executive director,” says SGBI President Adolfo Sanchez. “He brings tremendous beef industry knowledge to the Santa Gertrudis breed as well as strong business experiences.”

As executive director, McClure will lead the association’s staff at SGBI headquarters in Kingsville, Texas, serve as a liaison between the board of directors and members, and lead the advancement of one of the beef industry’s most versatile purebred breeds.

“I am excited to be joining Santa Gertrudis Breeders International,” McClure said. “Although my experience and background have been focused on commercial aspects of cattle production — rather than the registered and purebred seedstock business — I have long been interested in Santa Gertrudis cattle, which, I believe, have tremendous, underutilized potential to positively impact today’s beef production industry.”

McClure’s background is rooted in the agriculture industry and includes extensive experience in agricultural finance, business consulting, animal health distribution and livestock diagnostics. 

For the past nine years, McClure has worked as a business consultant for various clients, where he helped businesses raise capital, develop business plans, maintain customer relationships and more. He has also previously worked with AzTx Cattle Company, Texas Heritage National Bank and Gold Standard Labs.

“I see a bright future for America’s original beef breed because it is the right breed to meet the challenges of the future,” McClure said. “We have a great group of breeders who are poised and ready to fill the demand for these true ‘business-focused’ cattle.”

BioZyme adds to its sales team

BioZyme Inc., headquartered in Saint Joseph, Mo., has added to its sales team. Paul Hill, Nunn, Colo. will serve as one of the directors of national sales.

In his role, Hill will lead half of the sales team, replacing Bob Burkham, who is shifting to additive sales within BioZyme. Hill is a third-generation cattle producer, and he and his family currently raise registered Charolais and Simmental cattle. He is very active in the Colorado Simmental Association, where he serves on the board and is a co-junior adviser.

“I’ve known Paul for more than two decades. I am confident that he shares a vision with me to lead with a results-driven mentality. He will execute his role and lead his team with the results we desire to grow,” said Alan Lee, BioZyme’s vice president of domestic sales.

Hill grew up in southwest Missouri on a cow-calf operation, attended Fort Scott Community College and finished his degree at Missouri State University. He was previously in a livestock nutrition sales role for nine years but has a lifetime of cattle feeding experience and knowledge.

Along with his wife, Nia, he has three boys: Easton, Sutton and Hayden. Hill enjoys golfing, fishing and helping coach his boys’ baseball team.

“I am excited to lead a team that works for such a highly respected company that truly makes an impact on the lives of producers and the animals they care for each and every day,” Hill said. “I am excited to continue the BioZyme legacy with my competitive spirit and caring and determined heart.”  

TAPS Awards Banquet culminates 2023 competitions
The Testing Ag Performance Solutions awards banquet held on Jan. 13, was the culmination event for the program’s seventh year of farm management competitions. The TAPS program was created by University of Nebraska educators and specialists, as an innovative way of connecting producers to industry professionals and offering a way of testing out new, advancing technologies through farm management competitions facilitated in North Platte, Neb., at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center.
Despite the winter weather, the event was a night of interaction and celebration of the 2023 competitions, which included popcorn, sorghum, subsurface drip irrigated (SDI) corn, and sprinkler irrigated corn. The participants in each competition made their own individual input decisions for their plots located in the same field as fellow competitors. These decisions differed for each competition including crop insurance, hybrid and seeding rate, nitrogen timing and amount, irrigation timing and amount, insecticide, fungicide, and, lastly, marketing of their crop.
For the first time in the seven-year history of the program the competition fields located in North Platte were affected by hail, which ultimately resulted in changes to the remaining management decisions and the final results.
Awards were given in each competition for greatest grain yield, highest input use efficiency, and most profitable. These designations came with a cash prize, along with a plaque, oversized check, and personalized TAPS apparel item.
The sorghum contest, in its sixth year, included both a dryland and irrigated portion, which were relocated this year to the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant, Neb. There were 18 teams that competed. The team that included Brandon Rimpley of Orleans, Neb., and Ron Robison of Alma, Neb., earned all three of the top honors for yield, efficiency and profitability.
The program’s newest competition, the irrigated popcorn competition had 13 teams compete. The winners in the popcorn competition included: Roger Lansman of Ord, Neb., for the Greatest Yield award; Nate Freitag of Byron, Neb., area took home the Highest Input Use Efficiency accolade; and AK Acres from Imperial, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.
In the fifth year of the SDI corn competition, 16 teams competed. The award winners in the SDI corn competition included: Lorn Dizmang of Dizmang Ag in Moorefield, Neb., for the Greatest Yield award; the Rattlesnake Boys from Wood River, Neb., took home the Highest Input Use Efficiency accolade; and Jamey Balthazor and Dan Fitts from Scottsbluff and Gering, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable. The Rattlesnake Boys team consisted of Kevin and Amy Harsch, Jay Johnson and Jeremy Gewecke.
The seventh year of the sprinkler corn competition had 38 teams participate. The Greatest Grain Yield award was won by Tom Carpenter of Bartley, Neb. The Perkins Group team from the Grant, Neb., area earned the Highest Input Use Efficiency award. The team was made up of Brent Gloy, Bruce Young, Curt Richmond, Jeremy Hagan, Nick Turner, Pat McGreer, Shawn Turner, Ted Tietjen and Troy Kemling. Kenny Reinke of Neligh, Neb., won the award for Most Profitable.
The last award presented was the Outstanding TAPS Advocate, which honors an organization, person, or business that went above and beyond in supporting the UNL-TAPS program. This year, the award recipient was Tracy Zink of Indianola, Neb. Since the moment Zink heard about the TAPS program, she has not only chosen to participate, but also to share what she has learned, invite others to join the program and promoted TAPS across many avenues that she engages in across the state and nationally.
The full 2023 TAPS Competition Report can be found online at www.taps.unl.edu/reports.
The TAPS program would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters, and participants for being a part of and making the program a continued success.
The 2024 TAPS competitions are already being planned. Anyone interested in the program can email Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager, at taps@unl.edu.

NCTA celebrates Years of Service Awards

A total of 90 years of service among six valued Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture staff were celebrated at the recent faculty and staff in-service. The University of Nebraska recognizes employees across Nebraska for their years of service. NCTA Dean Larry Gossen presented the 2023 Employee Service Awards to those reaching five-year milestones with a plaque, clock or other memento provided by the NU system. He noted his gratitude for the longevity of service represented at NCTA. 

25 Years:

Jan Price, office associate, has served 25 years in the Ag Production Systems department. Price is the “go-to” on campus for students and colleagues looking for information or assistance. Notably, Price earned the first Stewart Family Faculty and Staff Award this year for her impactful service. “It is very gratifying to play a small role in assisting our NCTA students to reach their educational goals. Their success stories are very rewarding to hear.”

20 Years:

Laura Romeo has served the college for 20 years as the financial office associate. Romeo has enjoyed complimenting her behind-the-scenes role in the business office with engaging roles as a Student Senate Advisor for a time and in serving on committees and special projects.

15 Years:

Jan Gilbert, reaching 15 years of service as the Business Manager, shared her appreciation, saying, “NCTA employees embrace working as a team, but for me, it’s more than that; we’re a working family!” Beyond the typical business activities like accounting, budgeting, and payroll, Gilbert enjoys helping students find meaningful campus work studies and internships.

Roy Cole was the farm manager and instructor for 15 years until his recent retirement. He shared a fun story of his experience. “When Judy and I were coaching the Ranch Horse Team, we had three students in different years place in the top 10 of the Collegiate Ranch Horse Finals. One would have been in the top 1–3, but his horse couldn’t stand the obstacles in the trail class. Everything else was OK, and the horse would do them at home, but the actual class, no way. They even tried putting up pool noodles, plastic flowers, and shopping bags in her pen. Didn’t phase it, but show day, no way!”

10 Years:

Randi Houghtelling, facilities operation supervisor, has overseen many large projects during her 10 years and supervised the ongoing maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Houghtelling shared, “The past 10 years have been an adventure. Every day is something new and challenging. It has been a joy to meet thousands of students over the years and being able to watch them grow during their time here.”

5 Years:

Anthony Gardner has been a positive force on campus for five years, working in maintenance, groundskeeping, and handling the increasing number of packages that arrive on campus. His enthusiasm for the Texas Longhorns, playing cornhole, and rallying everyone at tournament time spreads good-hearted fun among the employees.

NIAA selects third cohort for the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program

The third class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders has been selected and will convene for their first session in Chicago in February 2024.

NIAA established the leadership program in 2021 to provide an opportunity for animal agriculture leaders to gain next-level leadership and professional development training. What makes the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders unique is that its curriculum and experience is co-designed by the leadership cohort and is specifically designed for the animal agriculture segment of the industry.

The 16-month program is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and Farm Credit and was created by NIAA to empower professionals in the early to midpart of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. The cohort attends five in-person meetings with additional virtual working sessions to focus on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence. A presentation of a group capstone project will complete Cohort 3’s leadership training at NIAA’s Annual Conference in April 2025.

“Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. This program was intentionally developed to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their skills — specifically, collaboration,” said Eric Moore, NIAA board chairman. “It was important to me to participate in the inaugural cohort and it has been an enriching experience for me and my fellow leaders.”

There were more than 50 very capable applicants for the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders. The third cohort represents 20 leaders in a diverse range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. NIAA welcomes:

  • Johnna Baller-Granville – Genus ABS 
  • Ryan Bennett – U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and International Poultry Welfare Alliance
  • Kristi Block – North American Meat Institute 
  • Sarah Coleman – The Kentucky Horse Council 
  • Rose Digianantonio – State of Wyoming Livestock Board 
  • Will Fiske – Neogen Genomics 
  • Chelsea Good, JD – Livestock Marketing Association 
  • Rita Harkless – Perdue Foods 
  • Blaine Johnson – Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine 
  • Tanner King – Neogen Genomics 
  • Ashley Kohls – Minnesota Turkey Growers Association 
  • Jennifer Koziol – Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine 
  • Rahul Kumar – Zoetis, Inc. 
  • Megan McCullough – North American Meat Institute 
  • Emmanuel Okello – University of California, Davis 
  • Kelli Payne – Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation 
  • Hanna Robbins – Butterball 
  • Dakota Thomas – Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) 
  • Jackson Tolle – United Producers, Inc. 
  • Hattie Webb – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

To learn more about the program, it’s sponsors and how to participate in the next cohort, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

ASI names Boyer 2024 Shepherd’s Voice Award recipient

The American Sheep Industry Association awarded Lorrie Boyer as the 2024 Shepherd’s Voice Award for Media recipient, at the Annual ASI meeting in Denver. This award recognizes the outstanding year-long coverage of the sheep industry by either print or broadcast outlets.

This award excludes publications solely focused on the sheep industry, recognizing outlets with general coverage for excellence in reporting on sheep industry issues. Nominations can include publications, networks or individual reporters displaying a commitment to balanced reporting and consistent coverage of the sheep industry at local, statewide, and/or national levels.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” Boyer said. “It is a privilege to service the ag industry as a farm broadcaster and to continue to be a part of the most important industry in the world.”

Boyer’s unwavering dedication to advocating for agriculture and spotlighting the stories of American farmers and ranchers has earned her numerous accolades from esteemed organizations such as the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and the Colorado Broadcasters Association. Notably, Boyer’s leadership roles within the NAFB, including her presidency, underscore her commitment to advancing farm broadcasting and championing its indispensable role within the agriculture industry.

For more information or media inquiries, visit www.lorrieboyer.com.

 USDA announces appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of 26 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Twenty-five members will serve three-year terms and one member will serve a one-year term. The term of board members appointed to three-year terms start February 2024 and end February 2027.

Newly appointed members are:

  • Arkansas – Caleb Plyler, Hope, Ark.
  • Colorado – Sallie R. Miller, Briggsdale, Colo.
  • Florida – Sarah K. Childs, Lake Placid, Fla.
  • Idaho – Tucker Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho and Gwenna R. Prescott, Carey, Idaho
  • Kansas – Marisa Kleysteuber, Garden City, Kan., and Jacquelyne Renae Leffler, Americus, Kan.
  • Kentucky – Andy Bishop, Cox’s Creek, Ky.
  • Missouri – Kalena Bruce, Stockton, Mo.
  • Montana – Verna J. Billedeaux, Browning, Mont.
  • Nebraska – Gina M. Hudson, Belvidere, Neb., and Bree A. DeNaeyer, Seneca, Neb., and Don V. Cain, Jr., D.V.M., M.S., Broken Bow, Neb.
  • North Dakota – Jason Schmidt, Medina, N.D.
  • Oklahoma – Cheryl DeVuyst, Morrison, Okla., and Gaye Pfeiffer, Mulhall, Okla.
  • South Dakota – David O. Uhrig, Hermosa, S.D.
  • Texas – JoJo Carrales, Flatonia, Texas and J. Ryan Moorhouse, Amarillo, Texas and Mark Sustaire, Winnsboro, Texas and Pat McDowell, Wheeler, Texas
  • Southwest Unit – Melissa Daniels, Nicasio, Calif.
  • Importer Unit – Doug McNicholl, Washington, DC, and Kimberly A. D’Anella, Wenonah, N.J., and Andrew Banchi, Trevor, Wis., and Matthew Allan, Washington, DC (one-year term)

The board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 99 members representing 34 states and five units. Members must be beef producers or importers of beef and beef products nominated by certified producer organizations. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/beef.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

AMS policy is that diversity of the boards, councils and committees it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

USW board elects Millershaski as 2024-25 secretary-treasurer
At its Jan. 26 meeting in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Wheat Associates board of directors elected wheat farmer Gary Millershaski of Lakin, Kan., as secretary-treasurer for fiscal year 2024-25. The board also elected Clark Hamilton, of Ririe, Idaho, as chairman; Jim Pellman, of McClusky, N.D., as vice chairman; and Michael Peters, of Okarche, Okla., as past chairman. These elected officers will take their positions at the USW board of directors Annual Meeting July 9-12 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Millershaski, along with his wife Jana and their sons Jeremy and Kyler, grow hard white and hard red winter wheat, dryland corn and milo, and manage a cow/calf operation on their farm, which was passed along from Jana’s father Earl Kleeman. Millershaski became a Kansas Wheat commissioner in 2016 and currently serves as its chairman. He also served as a director of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers from 2007 to 2017 after he received a KAWG scholarship while a member of the Class VIII Kansas Agricultural & Rural Leadership program. 

Local cattleman honored with Outstanding Service to Panhandle Agriculture award

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff held its Holiday Banquet with faculty and staff on Jan. 5 at the Weborg Center in Gering. 

The annual PREEC award for Outstanding Service to Panhandle Agriculture was awarded to Ivan Rush, an emeritus professor of beef nutrition at the Panhandle Research & Extension Center.

“The award recognizes someone who provides outstanding service to agriculture in western Nebraska,” said Mitchell Stephenson, Nebraska Extension range management specialist and PREEC associate center director. “The criteria include the value of work they’ve done, cooperation with UNL specialists and educators; leadership in agriculture; community service other than agriculture; and level of impact on Panhandle agriculture.”

Rush began his career in the Panhandle in 1963 as an extension agent in Dawes County. He left briefly to work internationally and returned in the late 60s to take the reins as the beef extension specialist at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center. Rush was an integral part of many of the improvements at the feedlot coming from his efforts and work. He retired in 2008, but his service to agriculture has continued. Ivan and his wife Doris are well known for their tireless service to the Nebraska Cattle industry, and he was recently honored for that service by the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. Rush also serves within the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Association.

The banquet also recognized years of service:

Rex Neilsen, research technician, retired – 45 years of service

Cardinal Farrington, facilities manager – 5 years of service

Ryan Parker, research technician – 5 years of service

David Blanke, research technician – 5 years of service 

The National Wheat Foundation and BASF Award Scholarship

Two college students pursuing degrees in agriculture that will benefit the wheat industry will be awarded $2,500 scholarships this semester. Thanks to a great partnership with BASF, the National Wheat Foundation is pleased to award these annual scholarships to undergraduate college students.

 “All the applicants were excellent and it was very difficult to select only two,” said Ben Scholz, NWF director and scholarship committee chairman. “The next generation is responsible for the future of the wheat industry, and with applicants like these, the future is bright.”

The two scholarship winners are:

Grace Timm, a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing an agribusiness degree on a pre-law track. Timm demonstrates the highest levels of achievement in her academics, extra-curricular involvement and personal leadership qualities. She is serving as the Nebraska Wheat Ambassador, and as such, helps to educate and promote wheat to consumers.

Sophia Flikkema, a junior at Mississippi State University from Bozeman, Mont., is awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Flikkema is majoring in economics and Asian studies and plans to work in wheat merchandising. Flikkema wants to tackle the global challenges that affect wheat growers and is studying the Chinese language in order to communicate and understand the United States’ third-biggest trading partner. The National Wheat Foundation appreciates the work that Flikkema is doing to prepare herself to keep the American wheat industry strong in the global marketplace. 

Congratulations Timm and Flikkema, the National Wheat Foundation and BASF wish you well this semester and in your future endeavors. We are thrilled to award you these scholarships and look forward to your further contributions to the wheat industry.  

Angus Heritage Foundation inducts new honorees

To celebrate and honor the contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Angus Breed, the American Angus Association created the Angus Heritage Foundation in 1983. At the 2023 Angus Convention in Orlando, Fla., three couples and one individual were inducted into the Heritage Foundation for their innovation, service and leadership. Over the past 130 years, The Business Breed has proven itself an industry leader. Inductees of the Heritage Foundation define the type of breeders who built this reputation with their drive, ambition and forward-thinking attitudes.

From the start of their operations, these individuals set out on a mission to improve the Angus breed and the cattle industry. Each remained resilient while navigating the ever-changing beef industry and its challenges.

The 2023 inductees include: Phil and Ruth Abrahamson, Lanesboro, Minn.; Jerry and Sharon Connealy, Whitman, Neb.; Ben and Darla Eggers, Mexico, Mo.; and the late Doug Parrett, Champaign, Ill.

In 1849, a young boy named Iver left his Norwegian homeland to seek a better life in America. After enduring a perilous voyage across the Atlantic, he was met with the fertile soils of the midwestern frontier — a fresh start. In 1863, inductee Phillip Abrahamson’s great grandfather started purchasing parcels of land from the Southern Minnesota Railroad, establishing the farm that is known today as Sunnyslope Angus. The fourth caretakers of Sunnyslope, Phil and Ruth have had a 50-year career with many highlights.

In 1960 they joined the Angus Association’s Angus Herd Improvement Record program. They became the first breeders to work with University of Minnesota staff to develop a method for creating genetic advancement of his Angus cattle through scientific measurement rather than on phenotype alone. Following in his footsteps are his daughter, Julie, her husband Keith, and their three children. They help operate 200 cows on 700 acres, striving for continued success of docile, easy-calving animals that grow and grade well.

“We stuck with the Angus breed, we kept on, we persevered, and we still got the Angus cattle today after 125 years on the farm,” Phil said. “I guess my hope is that’s going to be the future.”

Jerry and Sharon Connealy met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating in 1981, they moved back to manage the family ranch where Jerry was raised, south of Whitman, Neb. While Jerry and Sharon’s roles on the ranch have changed and expanded, their commitment to the production of high-quality genetics has been constant. The Connealy family has hosted a bull sale since 1968, and today markets around 1,000 bulls annually through spring and fall sale offerings. Connealy Angus is committed to utilizing the best resources available in all aspects of cattle production and range management.

Dedicated to the betterment of the industry, Connealy Angus hosts numerous tours at the ranch each year and has been a diligent supporter of the Angus Foundation. Jerry recently concluded an eight-year tenure on the association board of directors, serving as president in 2022. Jerry and Sharon raised four kids, Jed, Ben, Hannah and Gabriel, on the ranch, and today they are sharing their passion with their nine grandchildren.

“We are continually surprised and shocked and humbled by the fact that we’re still here and the fact that we are surrounded by so many good people,” Sharon said.

Ben and Darla Eggers work side by side at Sydenstricker Genetics in Mexico, Mo. Ben, the operation’s manager, joined the team in 1982. Darla took on her role as office manager in 2010 after serving as executive director of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Foundation for over nine years. Each having grown up showing livestock and active in 4-H, the Eggers share a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, and more specifically, the Angus breed. Sydenstricker Genetics meticulously records performance data, prioritizing cattle which excel in economically important traits and consistently capture Certified Angus Beef premiums. The operation received the Certified Angus Beef Commitment to Excellence Award in 1997 and was recognized as the 2001 Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year by the Beef Improvement Federation.

Dedicated to the beef industry and their community, the Eggers are active leaders. Darla currently serves on the Angus Foundation’s board of directors and Ben is a past president of both the American Angus Association and BIF. Their commitment to improvement and desire to serve others has built their reputation as respected industry advocates.

“Part of this business is getting there as fast as you can — just as important, never back up,” Ben said.

Doug Parrett was technically retired from the University of Illinois, but the emeritus professor never stopped showing up for the agricultural college or the beef industry. He served in many roles during his time at the U of I, including educator, livestock judging coach, Extension specialist, research collaborator and interim department head. Parrett inspired countless undergraduates through his 49-year teaching career, and his teaching talents won him dozens of national and campus awards.

“He was often the first face and first person that our students met,” said Dan Shike, U of I Department of Animal Sciences professor and longtime mentee of Parrett. “Throughout that time, he taught over 8,000 students.”

Parrett’s appointment as a faculty Extension specialist put him on the front lines of the beef production industry, where he worked with producers to ensure optimal health and productivity of Illinois herds and the success of the people who care for them. As a longtime livestock judging coach, Parrett guided hundreds of students who went on to become leaders in the animal production industry.

Above all, Parrett was deeply devoted to his family. In 1979 he married his wife, Susie, with whom he raised two children, John and Annie. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and a mentor to many. He passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 26, 2022. Parrett is remembered as a committed educator, father, husband and friend, whose influence will remain deeply felt for years to come.

To learn more about the Angus Heritage Foundation and those inducted since its inception, visit www.angusawards.com.

Nebraska State Fair’s Schulz, Sievers graduate from Institute of Fair Management

Nebraska State Fair leaders Karli Schulz and Vaughn Sievers were recently recognized as graduates of the Institute of Fair Management at the 2023 International Association of Fairs and Expositions Convention and Trade Show held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Launched in 2007, the Institute consists of a series of courses covering the areas of core competency necessary for today’s industry professionals and volunteers involved in the production of their agricultural fair. Courses include management, risk management, marketing, programming, operations and year-round facility usage.

“Karli and Vaughn were among 26 individuals who met all the Institute of Fair Management requirements to move to graduate status. Currently, the Institute has 240 enrollees, all at various stages within their Institute experience,” Lori Hart, CFE, IAFE director of Education and Member Services, said.

Schulz, the entertainment and events director, and Sievers, the director of agriculture, have both been with the Nebraska State Fair since 2021.

“IFM graduation is a milestone worthy of recognition. I am so proud that Karli and Vaughn were interested to begin and committed to complete this level of industry education,” said Jaime Parr, CFE, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “They will both continue into the Certified Fair Executive program and Karli is also enrolled in the IAFE Institute’s Masters Program for Events and Entertainment. I am very proud both Vaughn and Karli will use their current IFM education to work with the Nebraska State Fair staff and board to thoughtfully plan, prepare, and produce a stellar Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben Stock Show in 2024 and beyond.”

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions, based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all interested in improving fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com.

NALF elects new board of directors

The North American Limousin Foundation elected new members and officers for its board of directors during the annual meeting held in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Those newly elected to serve the foundation for three-year terms are, Matt Spangler, Neb., Trent Coleman, Charlo, Mont. and Brian Duplaga, Grafton, Ohio.

Austin Hager, Karlsruhe, N.D., was selected to serve as the NALF president. Bruce Lawrence, Anton, Texas, will serve on the board as ex-officio. Joey Freund, Elizabeth, Colo., was chosen to serve as vice president. The remaining executive committee consists of Ronn Cunningham, Rose, Okla., as secretary; Lance Sennett, Waynetown, Ind., serving as treasurer; and Jerry Wulf, Morris, Minn., as member-at-large.

The additional breeders on the board of directors include, Troy Gulotta, Independence, La.; Bart Mitchell, Wauzeka, Wis.; Jay Wilder, Snook, Texas; Kevin Ochsner, Kersey, Colo.; Rob Brawner, Wood Lake, Neb.; George Hubbard, Miami, Okla.; and Mark Haden, Rogersville, Mo.

The North American Limousin Foundation would like to thank the two retiring board members for their service. The retiring members are Wade, Beckman, Roberts, Idaho, and Randy Corns, Altoona, Kan.

Wyoming rancher’s daughter heads NIH

Monica Bertagnolli, the new director of the National Institutes of Health, grew up on a ranch in southwestern Wyoming as the daughter of Italian and French Basque immigrants. She told The New York Times she plans to increase participation of people who live in rural areas in NIH trials.