CALF_News_February_March_2021

26 CALF News • February | March 2021 • www.calfnews.net By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor A fter several attempts to salvage a live, traditional gather- ing, the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Board of Directors decided to go virtual via Zoom in early December. One must admire the herculean effort it took to reor- ganize one of the largest cattlemen’s conventions in the United States. Thanks to NC staff, who capably handled computer programs and ironed out technical glitches, the various meetings came off as nearly normal. Although there was noticeably less discussion among mem- bers hunkered down in their COVID-safe homes, the guest speakers were well prepared, with excellent visual aids and informative topics. There is no doubt that normal social contact was sorely missed. Cattlemen’s College preceded the convention, virtually, and the trade show was also held online. Overlapping sessions prevented reporting on all activities, but here are some highlights. Farmer-Stockman Council and Feedlot Council Joint Meeting Kicking off the meetings and bearing the brunt of technical adjustments, the joint Farmer-Stockman Council and Feedlot Council meeting reminded us that patience is a virtue. Joel Weber chaired the meeting, introducing the first speaker. Al Dutcher is the agricultural Extension climatologist at the Nebraska State Climate Office. The state’s forecaster was pes- simistic about a break in the current drought situation any time soon, predicting a likely second year of dry weather in the High Plains region. Galen Erickson, Ph.D., University of Nebraska (UNL) cattle industry professor of animal sciences and beef feedlot Extension specialist, spoke on recent UNL research topics. His studies include a long list of various crop usages for both stocker and feedlot cattle, utilizing management skills that improve both crop and cattle production profits. Of great importance was his report that corn will continue to be broken down into ever more components at ethanol plants, leaving the feed value of corn ethanol co-products increasingly diminished. He said that, even- tually, he sees cattle feeders going back to feeding corn the same way we did prior to the development of the ethanol industry. Cow-Calf Council and Seedstock Council Joint Meeting Ronette Heinrich, manager of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic, reported that the 2021 show is scheduled to go forward as usual, with COVID safety measures in place. A panel discussion on best advertising practices for seedstock producers included a purebred breeder, two advertising execu- tives, and a representative from DV Auction. Their suggestions included the importance of excellent photography, the constant development of new business contacts and an abundance of phone time. Lisa Bard of Blueprint Media reminded those attending that building and developing a marketing strategy is a difficult and long-term commitment. Taxation Committee One hot topic that is on the forefront of every Nebraska farmer and rancher’s mind is property tax reform. This sore subject has bedeviled agriculture in Nebraska for 53 years, the Cornhuskers bearing ag land property taxes ranking within the highest five states in the nation. Nebraska State Sen. Steve Erdmann gave a presentation on an alternative plan being developed by several state senators. He said it is the first real tax reform bill proposed since Nebraska’s tax system was broken in 1967. The presentation was lengthy and detailed, but clearly under- standable. The plan would replace all Nebraska state taxes with only one, a “Consumption Tax.” Extensive, independent research is underway to determine viability, and so far, according to Erdman, it is looking positive. Tax would be collected on all new goods and services, a one- time charge. Low-income people would be pre-bated. No other state has ever done this and there are a lot of questions to still be answered. A bill to accept this package is currently being drafted. NC staff member Jesse Herman reported on the 2020 Nebraska legislative session. Among other topics, tax relief was also discussed. She said that NC is committed to “long-term tax reform.” Natural Resources and Environment Committee A change in the presidential administration has left many in the beef industry with a feeling of dread. NC staff member Mary Thomas Hart opened by saying that “We have had a good four years and must now go on defense.” Hart described the upcoming political implications of a Biden administration. She said the EPA will be monitoring green- house gas emissions as they pertain to climate change. The Paris Climate Accord, near and dear to Biden, will hopefully not push our new president to target agriculture. It will be important for livestock producers to provide proof of carbon sequestration to avoid government overreach. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Scot Yager was less optimistic. Reporting fromWashington, D.C., he pre- dicted that “Biden’s staff will be Obama’s staff.” His cabinet will all be far-left environmentalists, and they will work quickly. A huge focus on climate is expected. NC member Chuck Folken has been working with his Safe Soil Holding Pond Monitor Project. He reported on a new soil- and water-testing method for holding ponds in backgrounding and feedlot management. They project the new method will be used in conjunction with or replacement of test wells in the future. NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN CONVENTION Goes Virtual Continued on page 29  CONVENTION COVERAGE