Jerry Adamson
Family: Wife: Deloris
Children: Todd, Taylor, Tracy, Tanya
Grandchildren: Lindsay, Dayna, Caitlyn, Braden
Jerry Daniel Adamson was born on February 22, 1939 and was raised on the family ranch near Cody, Nebraska. He graduated from Cody High School and then attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins. While at CSU, Jerry was a member of the livestock judging team and FarmHouse Fraternity. Jerry and Deloris were married on June 6, 1960 and have four children, three of which have Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Jerry has been active in the ranching and livestock industry for over thirty years. In 1963, he purchased half of his father's operation and formed the Rocking J Ranch.
The ranch began with 15,000 acres and 350 head of Hereford cows. Today the ranch boasts an acreage of 50,000 acres, 2,100 head of spring calving cows, 100 head of fall calving cows, 300 head of bulls, 1,400 head of yearling calves and 50 head of horses.
He plays a vital role in the beef industry. One of his key activities is the "Branded Beef" program. Now in its third year, the program has grown from 50 to 700 head per week. Jerry is one of three people responsible for all cattle that go into the program. This is value-based marketing in action in today's beef industry.
Jerry has received many awards and recognitions since beginning in the ranching business. In 1992, he was named "Nebraska Cattleman of the Year". Jerry has become the only Nebraskan to receive the "Commercial Producer of the Year" award from the Beef Improvement Federation. He has been awarded both the "Outstanding Young Farmer/Rancher in Livestock Breeding" and "Top Rancher in Cherry County" in 1974. These are just a few of the many awards Jerry has received.
The Rocking J Ranch has produced an illustrious lineup of cattle over the years. They have had a Grand Champion pen of feeder steers in every major show in the nation. The bulls, Awesome, and his son, Totally Awesome, received champion honors at Louisville in 1992 and 1993, respectively. State Fair Grand Champion steers from seven states across the nation have worn the Rocking J brand.
Besides livestock, Jerry has been active with youth in the livestock industry. He served as 4-H leader in Cody for 10 years and has remained active in the club for many more years. He and his wife have hosted judging teams from several state universities, and he is always eager to help young people who are interested in livestock production. He has also worked with many college interns.
His community activities include serving on the Valentine High School Board for 16 years, being a member of the District #180 School Board, president of the local fire district, president of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest Land Users Association, and being on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Valentine.
Jerry has served on several committees and participated in a variety of panel discussions. He has been the keynote speaker at distinguished beef industry seminars at local, state and national meetings.