Julian Canaday
Julian Canaday was born October 7, 1930 on a ranch that has been in the family since it was purchased by his grandfather in 1906. Julian and his wife, Kathleen, raised two sons on the ranch located 13 miles north of Bloomfield and through the generations has grown to 1,720 acres. Son, David, is a partner in the family swine operation and son, Paul, is Assistant Vice President of the Federal Land Bank in Columbus, Nebraska. The livestock enterprises include both cattle and swine and Julian has done more than this fair share in promoting and improving animal agriculture through his leadership and dedication.
Formal education following high school included one year at Nebraska Wesleyan University and a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska in 1952. Julian is in partnership in the swine operation with son, David, where particular emphasis has been on rate of gain, feed efficiency and carcass merit. Julian maintains a cow herd of 185 with all of the cattle involved in a production testing program of the American Simmental Association. The use of artificial insemination and involvement of central test stations has long been a part of the swine and beef programs.
Julian was very instrumental in the Nebraska Swine Council, the fore-running of the Nebraska Pork Producers and served as first Secretary-Treasurer (1960-1963). Other leadership roles include the Northeast Nebraska Experimental Farm Association, Nebraska Livestock Breeders and Feeders, County Cattle Association, IANR 2001 Task Force and many Farm Bureau activities.
Julian's contributions to local programs include many activities related to 4-H and FFA, Country Fair Superintendent, School Board, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Church Board Chairman and Trustee, and Director of Lewis and Clark Natural Resource District. The family have always been very strong supporters of conservation and have four dams on the ranch. The latest technology in minimum tillage is utilized in the cropping system to conserve moisture and save energy costs.