Letters to the Editor

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To the Editor:

May is Beef Month, a time when Nebraskans celebrate the work our farmers and ranchers do raising high-quality cattle and feeding families across the country and around the world.

Despite that high calling, the view from the pasture is a little darker this month.

This year alone, we've suffered historic wildfires, statewide drought, chaos across the industry, and threats to our herds from animal disease.

But we've endured -- not only thanks to the resilience of our ranchers, but also to the unshakeable support of everyday Nebraskans and steadfast partnerships with our state's elected leaders.

As President of the Nebraska Cattlemen, even I'm amazed when considering all that our members have lived through in recent months.

The largest wildfire in Nebraska history destroyed homes, pastures, and even livestock. Drought made the flames flow further and even now makes recovery even harder. Tyson's announcement to close its Lexington beef plant jeopardized local, affordable access to processing.

And in the background behind it all? Looming threats of the New World screwworm and the Asian longhorned tick, both nasty pests that could hammer our herds if left unchecked.

It's been a tough year. But we all know that the dark cloud of tragedy often makes the beauty of community look that much brighter.

Just look at the friendship of our neighbors. In the wake of the wildfires, folks from all 50 states stepped in to support our recovery. The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund has already raised over $1.8 million, which is helping ranchers and farmers across western and central Nebraska rebuild and replace what the fires stole.

President Trump and his team have worked hard to support Nebraska's cattle industry early and often, too. Not only did the Administration mobilize to help fight the wildfire (https://omaha.com/…), but his Department of Agriculture has been in close contact on strategies to push back the New World screwworm. And we're still working towards long-term solutions on global trade.

Our leaders here at home have been just as invaluable. Both our federal delegation and our state officials have been fully engaged in addressing the pressing needs created by Tyson's announcement, in addition to working together on solutions to our drought.

I'll say it again: It's been a tough year. But I have no doubt that Nebraska's ranchers and farmers will build back bigger and better than ever.

Of course, there are certain steps we can take to make rebuilding quicker and easier, too.

That starts with doubling down on wins secured by President Trump through historic tax reform efforts, especially things like rolling back the death tax and preserving stepped-up basis. These changes help make sure that ranchers don't have to sell off the family legacy just to pay Uncle Sam after a disaster.

Our state's leaders should also remain engaged on expanding processing options here in the state. More local access is good for both ranchers and consumers. We can help spur that by cutting red tape, but also by investing more in workforce development programs that can provide the skilled labor to run new or revived facilities.

Everyday Nebraskans have a role to play, too. That may include pitching in with the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund (https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/…), which will donate 100% of the funds collected to helping producers rebuild their operations.

And don't forget to head down to the butcher or the grocery store to buy some world-class Nebraska beef.

This Beef Month may be the most important in my lifetime. We have more proof than ever before how vital the beef industry is to our state. But we also know how much we can rely on our partners at all levels of government to work with us to serve the families who rely on what we produce.

So, this week, don't hesitate to give a handshake to a local rancher -- or to say thanks to the elected officials who have had our backs.

-- Craig Uden, President of the Nebraska Cattlemen

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