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Our Roots Run Deep

The Sandhills are 19,300 square miles of rolling, grass-covered hills that stretch across Nebraska and South Dakota and sit atop the Ogallala aquifer, one of the largest underground water sources in the United States. This location, along with an abundance of water and over 700 species of grasses, makes the Sandhills a prime grazing area for cattle.

The area is often called "God's Own Cow Country." Cattle ranching is the lifeblood of this region, and the Sandhills ranchers take their jobs seriously. They strive to produce better cattle that will be profitable for both the producer and feeder, yet cost justifiable to the packer and provide safe, nutritious, and great-tasting beef for the consumer.

The Sandhills Cattle Association was organized in the late 1930s with the purpose of bringing together cattle feeders from what was then referred to as the "Corn Belt" and ranchers raising cattle in the Sandhills. The Association was to assist with the purchase and sale of Sandhills cattle and to promote a spirit of cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding between producers and feeders.

Today the Sandhills Cattle Association continues to promote the cattle and resources of the Sandhills through education, marketing, communications, and unique member services. The Association hosts an annual membership meeting, a ranch tour open to any interested individuals at no cost, and conducts a feedlot carcass contest open to members each year. In addition, the office provides industry information relevant to its membership through numerous publications, lists, and surveys.

MEET THE TEAM

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KAMI
FREEMAN

Executive Director

Thedford, NE
(402) 376-2318

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RICK
MARLATT

Past President

Valentine, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2024 - 2nd Term

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SARAH
RIPP

Vice President

Ravenna, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2025 - 1st Term

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RICHARD FAIRHEAD

Board Member

Merriman, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2024 - 1st Term

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DREW
FELLER

Board Member

Wisner, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2025 - 1st Term

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MCKENZIE BEALS

Board Member

Broken Bow, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2026 - 1st Term

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CODY
KILMURRY

Board Member

Atkinson, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2027 - 1st Term

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EVA
SAMPSON

Outreach Coordinator

Ashby, NE
(402) 376-2310

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CHAD JOHNSTON

President

Maywood, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2024 - 1st Term

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BRAD
KAUP

Treasurer

Stuart, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2026 - 1st Term

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WESLEY KILMURRY

Board Member

Atkinson, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2024 - 1st Term

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JARED
STORER

Board Member

Arthur, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2025 - 1st Term

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JUSTIN
VINTON

Board Member

Whitman, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2027 - 1st Term

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DREW
GAFFNEY

Board Member

Anselmo, Nebraska

Term Expiration: 2027 - 1st Term

Meetings

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