Jerry Adams

Jerry D. Adams, a native of Broken Bow, Nebraska, will be recognized as the newest University of Nebraska–Lincoln Block and Bridle honoree. Each year the Block and Bridle Club selects an honoree that has contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities and involvement with the university.

 The Block and Bridle Club’s core objectives include the following: 1) to promote a higher scholastic standard and a more complete understanding of Animal Science among student members; 2) to promote animal agriculture through development of a program of activities that will supplement students' study of the animal sciences; 3) to enhance professionalism of students who will one day be leaders in the animal agriculture industry; and 4) to bring about a closer relationship among all students pursuing some phase of animal agriculture as a profession. Consistent with these objectives, the leadership, innovation, and commitment to the next generation are attributes exhibited by Jerry which make him an ideal selection for this year’s honor.

 Jerry Adams graduated from UNL (1971) with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Agricultural Economics, Animal Science and Mathematics. During his time at UNL, Adams was active on campus and a member of the FarmHouse fraternity. Jerry, along with his brother Bill, co-own Adams Land & Cattle (ALCC) which is one of the premier beef feedlot operations in the world. Currently, Jerry serves on the boards for ALCC, Bellevue University, Custer Economic Development Corp., Custer Campus, Cattle-Fax, Blueprint Nebraska, and is a founding leader of both the Beef Alliance and the Nebraska Beef Producers Committee. Throughout his career, Jerry has had extensive involvement with UNL and IANR strategic planning and he has been a strong supporter of youth, community, and social organizations. For example, Jerry has supported 4H (e.g., partnering with County Extension to host youth animal quality assurance training), FFA, Custer County Foundation and has served on numerous councils, boards, and committees that have impacted the community and industry in countless ways.

 Over the course of his career, Jerry has received multiple awards and recognitions. In 2019, he was honored with the Nebraska Banker’s Association Agri-Business Recognition Award and the Broken Bow High School Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2018, he received the Ag Builders of Nebraska Award. In addition, Jerry has twice received the Custer Economic Development Corporation’s Wheel Horse Award.

 In the words of those that contributed to Jerry Adams’ nomination, several quotes capture the essence of Jerry’s contributions:

• “I can think of no one who’s given more to his family, his community, county and State and his industry than Jerry Adams.”
• “His legacy includes tremendous gifts of service and leaving his communities much stronger than he found them.”
• “His vision has provided the roadmap for animal traceability in the feedlot industry that will be key to meeting consumer demand and enable the beef industry to maintain and grow market share domestically and internationally.”
• “Jerry has worked with the University across all leadership levels to position UNL, the Institute and the Animal Science Department to benefit from his experience, leadership, and most importantly, his vision for the future of the beef industry.”

 The Block and Bridle Club is part of the Animal Science Department within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL.