32 CALF News • February | March 2022 • www.calfnews.net By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) members were happy and relieved to see one another in person at their annual convention, held Dec. 1-3, 2021, in Kearney. The normalized atmosphere provided a relaxed and productive opportunity to discuss issues facing the beef cattle industry. Among the policy committees, state and federal legislative and regulatory issues were discussed. Breakout sessions provided helpful, practical information on a wide variety of topics that impact producers. Lots of Information Policy is always established in committees, of course, but these sessions always include guest speakers, experts in their field, who keep members up to date on critical issues. They often reflect relevant political items such as Waters of the United States (WOTUS), or other hot-button concerns looming in the future. Farmer Stockman Council This group brought in representatives from Blue Reef, Inc., a livestock risk protection agency in Texas. Their cattle risk advisors gave a presentation on managing risk from the “downside” to satisfy bankers, and managing from the “upside” to maximize business growth. Their advice reminded membership they “cannot make a good decision if they are emotionally involved.” What’s the Weather Doing? Nebraska’s favorite climatologist, Al Dutcher, gave an agricultural climate outlook for 2022. The University of Nebraska (UNL) climatologist outlined his predictions with a detailed slide presentation, predicting the Southern Plains will remain dry and the Great Lakes area will be abnormally wet in the coming year. Brand and Property Rights Perhaps the most informative and relevant information at any breakout session was given at the Brand and Property Rights meeting. Mark Fahleson and Anthony Aerts of Rembolt Ludeke Firm, Lincoln, gave a report on the evolving issue of carbon credit contracts. The contracts are currently being developed by large U.S. corporations to document the offset of carbon emissions created by the manufacture and transport of products. An in-depth article on this topic may be found on page 22. Education and Research An excellent presentation was given by RuthWoiwode, UNL assistant professor of animal science. She explained the emphasis being put forth at the university addressing animal welfare issues. Woiwode is currently head of the UNL Animal Behavior andWelfare Club, which serves as a bridge between Nebraska Cattlemen FAR LEFT: Gov. Ricketts presents representatives of Buffalo County with a certificate recognizing their designation as a Livestock Friendly County. Attending were County Commissioners Tim Higgins, Dennise Daniels, Andrew Hoffmeister and Ron Loeffelholz MIDDLE: NC Foundation President Mark Jagels presents the NC Friend of the Foundation Award to Dave and Brenda Bruntz. RIGHT: NC Past President Ken Herz presents the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame award to Craig Uden. He accepted with his wife, Terri. The 2022 Nebraska Cattlemen leadership team is Vice President Jerry Kuenning, President Brenda Masek, President-Elect Steve Hanson and Past President Bill Rhea III. 2021 CONVENTION
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