CALF_News_Feb_March_2019

34 CALF News • February | March 2019 • www.calfnews.net N ebraska cattlemen rolled up their sleeves in Kearney this past December, ready to face new challenges. The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) annual conven- tion kicked off with an expanded Cattlemen’s Col- lege at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. Rob Eirich, Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) director, explained the increas- ing importance of BQA certification. He said there are two beef packers currently requiring feedlots they purchase cattle from have BQA certification in place. Audits are even on the docket; packing plant officials will be conducting random farm checks to assure compliance. Feedlots will need to do an assessment of protocol with veterinarians or other approved experts, and keep written reports on hand. Audits may include oversight of cattle-working crews, feedbunk management and water trough quality. Although we might think these intrusions seem egregious, Eirich said a fair number of producers in Nebraska have already undergone the process and found it to be simple and advantageous. It only stands to reason that there will be an increase in the num- bers of packing companies requiring certification in the future. Opening General Session Officer updates and awards were on tap at the convention’s Opening General Session. Of particular note was a report on the new NC office complex currently under construction in Lin- coln. The facility is nearly complete and moving day is scheduled before spring. Events are already being scheduled in the new facility. Joan Ruskamp gave a Cattlemen’s Beef Board report, and Vice President Ken Herz spoke about the unique NC Beef in Schools program. Litchfield Public School cook Janice Reynolds gave an up-close-and-personal revue of what locally raised beef and pork, home-raised vegetables and cooking from scratch can do to lift students’ spirits and support healthful eating habits. Nearly all meat and produce used in the Litchfield school system is raised within a few miles of town. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President Marty Smith of Florida capped off the session with an overview of national activities on behalf of cattle producers. Following his pre- sentation, the meeting adjourned to the floor of the trade show. Feedlot Council topics Jim Macey, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) director, reminded attendees that they are there to help citizens become compliant with EPA regulations, not to report your problems to the EPA. Concentrated Animal Feed- ing Operations (CAFOs) compliance meetings have been held around Nebraska to aid in answering questions. He also reported that the EPA has been to all large and most medium-size cattle operations in the state, and they continue to work their way to smaller producers. The 1,000-head threshold for EPA inspections of feeding areas is over. Operations with any number or cattle, no matter how small, may be subject to an EPA inspection to ensure our water runoff is under control. Mallory Wilkin is the feed business nutritionist at ICM, Inc. She presented an overview of the future of the ethanol industry. Wilkin explained that corn will continue to be broken into smaller components and even reassembled to manufacture NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN HOST 2018 CONVENTION By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor LEFT: Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation President Scott Knobbe presents the Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment to Aaron Berger, southern Nebraska Extension educator, and Bethany Johnston, Sandhills area Extension educator. Each recipient received $2,000. MIDDLE: NC Past President Troy Stowater presents the Industry Service Award to Stan Garbacz, left, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture agricultural trade representative. Also honored posthumously were Jeff Biegert of Tie Siding, Wyo., and Bob Gottch of Hastings. RIGHT: NC Past President Troy Stowater presents the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame Award to Bill and Kathy Rhea of Arlington. AWARDS