The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently met for their strategic planning meeting in Tuscan, Arizona which included the election of officers for 2024-2025 and organization awards. Nebraska is well represented in leadership and one producer received a notable award.

Steve Hanson, a rancher and cattle feeder from Elsie, Nebraska, was elected the new USMEF chair, succeeding Minnesota pork and grain producer Randy Spronk. Dave Bruntz, president of Bruntz Farming & Feeding in Friend, Nebraska, was elected vice chair. Bruntz served on the Nebraska Corn Board from 2013 to 2022, including a term as chairman.

Adam Grabenstein, a farmer and cattle producer from Farnam, Nebraska serves on the USMEF executive committee and is the co-chair of the feed grains/oil seeds sector. Grabenstein serves as the district 5 director of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB).

In addition to electing new officers, USMEF presented Mark Jagels with their Distinguished Service Award. Jagels, a corn and livestock producer from Davenport, Nebraska, and former USMEF chair was honored for his outstanding dedication to the red meat industry. He served on NCB from 1999 – 2014 as the district 2 director, including chairman of the board. USMEF’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the federation’s success. Jagels’ commitment to promoting U.S. red meat exports has been instrumental in growing the industry’s global presence.

“Nebraska has a strong representation with USMEF, and we are elated to see Nebraska’s agriculture leaders taking on key roles as well as celebrated in their service,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB. “Steve, Dave, Adam and Mark are all highly respected and dedicated individuals who will and have served the federation and the state of Nebraska well. We congratulate them on their new roles and recognition.”

The Nebraska Corn Board commends these individuals as they help lead a well-respected international organization whose goal is “putting U.S. meat on the world’s table.” NCB has been a long-time supporter of USMEF.

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