Cattlemen's Foundation Spotlights Northeast College on Tour

In a show of support and collaboration, the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Research and Education Foundation recently visited the Northeast Community College. This foundation, serving as the fundraising arm of Nebraska Cattlemen, is integral to a state that takes pride in leading the nation in cattle harvesting and feeding.

Ryan Loseke, the foundation’s president, shed light on their role, emphasizing their primary function of raising and disbursing funds. He highlighted the non-policy nature of their work, categorizing it as "the fun side."

This foundation's support for Northeast Community College is evident in various contributions. It has backed the Nexus campaign directed towards the Vet Tech/Acklie Farm facility. It has been a consistent donor to the Livestock Judging team over the years.

The visit was made engaging by Mike Roeber, an agricultural instructor and livestock judging coach at Northeast. He was instrumental in guiding foundation members through the college's prominent sites, especially the Vet Tech building. Roeber, along with the Livestock Judging team, expressed gratitude for the consistent backing they have received from the foundation.

The Nebraska Cattlemen's Foundation's fundraising efforts are diverse, with the Retail Steer Challenge accumulating $250,000 annually. They also grant over $65,000 in scholarships to college freshmen and support educational initiatives at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including research and professorships.

Loseke elaborated on the foundation’s commitment to spreading their financial aid across Nebraska, emphasizing the importance of both two-year and four-year educational institutions.

Organized with a structured regional representation, the foundation board divides the state into seven regions, supplemented by a few at-large members. They have members from diverse backgrounds, representing various aspects of cattle production.

To ensure active involvement and collaboration, the foundation hosts several meetings throughout the year. The September meeting is particularly special, as it rotates locations across the state, with recent ones held in places like Scottsbluff and Curtis.

Photo Credit: USDA