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Cattlemen gather to discuss future of the Cattle Industry
The drought was undoubtedly a hot topic Wednesday at the annual Nebraska Cattleman's Convention. Most ranchers have been forced to sell some of their animals with high feed and water costs.
The convention is a place for them to share ideas and look ahead to next year. "We have about 50% of our usual hay crop," said Kristen Eggerling, Nebraska Cattlemen Committee Chair. "I had to wean early and save grass for the cows," said Craig Uden, Nebraska Cattlemen. These drought conditions were an unexpected downfall for Nebraska's farmers and ranchers. "Well, the year kind of went with the moisture. The first half of the year was pretty good, cattle pretty profitable," said Uden. This convention is an avenue for cattlemen to take advice from each other. "We were talking about what kinds of things we're doing to sort of offset the loss of feed that we don't have to over winter the cattle," said Eggerling. "Really been surprised at how resilient the cattlemen have been to get by this year and take care of business," said Uden. But, the real meat of the convention is Thursday. Cattlemen will discuss policy issues facing the industry. "Take that information to sort of come up with what policies we should be supporting, or opposing or taking a look at when it comes to the legislative session," said Eggerling. Issues like the inheritance tax and immigration will be at the forefront of Thursday's discussions. "We have a lot of employees at certain times that have immigration issues that are ongoing," said Eggerling. "No direction has been set, nothing has been done, but there will be a lot of discussion on where we want to go with this," said Jim Ramm, President, Nebraska Cattlemen. Members of the organization work together to drive these decisions. "It's very important to cattle producers," said Uden. This convention is a place to shape the future and learn from the past. "I think every year when you come, you get pumped up about what you do. That it's important to be involved in agriculture," said Eggerling The convention is being held at the Holiday Inn Kearney. It goes through Friday. |
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