By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor
The 2024 Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Convention convened Dec. 11-13, 2024, in Kearney. Membership was treated to a variety of exceptional speakers, including Don Close, executive head emeritus of Terrain, a combination of three farm credit groups. Close gave a market outlook to the NC Convention Opening General Session, explaining that the national herd is still contracting, and we may not see expansion until 2028. Carcass weights are expected to continue higher to compensate for diminishing cattle numbers. He strongly recommended beef producers use price protection, predicting market volatility will be severe enough to put some people out of business.
Major awards were given to Jessica Sperber, Ph.D., Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment; Mary Drewnoski, Ph.D., Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment; Lee Wiede, Friend of the Foundation; Sen. Curt Friesen, NC Industry Service Award; and Dave Burkholder, NC Hall of Fame.
The 2025 NC leadership team includes Past President Jerry Kuenning, Lemoyne; Vice President Eric Hansen, North Platte; President-Elect Craig Uden, Johnson Lake; and President Dick Pierce, Miller.
