Nebraska Beef Summit set for Nov. 13 at ENREEC

by Natalie Jones | IANR Communications

October 22, 2025

cattle looking at a camera
Cattle look at the camera on the ranch at D&D Beef in Herman, Nebraska.
Russell Shaffer | IANR Communications

Students, producers, researchers and industry leaders will gather at the 2025 Krutsinger Beef Scholars Summit on Nov. 13, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, 1071 Co Rd G, Ithaca, NE 68033.

The program begins at 9 a.m. with registration and adjourns at 3:30 p.m. Register online.

The summit brings together a wide range of perspectives to discuss challenges and opportunities shaping the beef industry — from market outlook and consumer demand to direct marketing and cutting-edge technology.

Program highlights include:

  • Current and Future Outlook of the Beef Industry Complex — featuring Darrell Peel (Oklahoma State University)
  • Producer Panel: Decision-making in Today’s Environment — panelists represent sectors across the beef value chain, featuring Rusty Kemp, Sustainable Beef; Luke Fuerniss, Schiff Cattle Company; Logan Pribbeno, Wine Glass Ranch; and Luke or Natalie Kovarik, Kovarik Cattle Co.
  • Consumer Focus: Beef’s Competitiveness as a Protein Staple — Adam Wegner, Nebraska Beef Council
  • Direct Marketing Panel: Rewards and Challenges — featuring Hannah Klitz, Oak Barn Beef; Kayla Starr, Birdwood Beef; and Blake Albers, Albers Craft Meats
  • Tools and Technology in the Beef Industry — including presentations from Ruth Woiwode, UNL, on handling beef cattle in feedlot and grazing settings, and Yijie Xiong, UNL, on virtual fencing

The summit will also include recognition of sponsors, lunch and opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders.

“The Krutsinger Beef Scholars Summit is an important opportunity for students to interact directly with producers and industry leaders while learning about the challenges and innovations shaping beef production,” said Kacie McCarthy, assistant professor & beef cow-calf Extension specialist within UNL’s department of animal science.

The event is hosted and organized by the Krutsinger Beef Scholars students in partnership with Nebraska Cattlemen, with support from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.