PRESS RELEASE

FROM: INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN OF NEBRASKA, Box 241, Hyannis, NE 69350 Phone: 308-282-2826

Media Contact: Mary Mulligan (402) 967-3464; Email: hollopeter@gpcom.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 16, 2006

ICON HOLDS EVENTS FOR RANCHERS RELIEF AND R-CALF

(Hyannis, NE) Representatives of the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska, along with leaders from Kansas Cattlemen's Association and Colorado Independent Cattlegrowers, traveled last Wednesday to St. Francis, KS to introduce R-CALF USA and themselves as State affiliates.

A hamburger feed provided by Mike Callicrate of Ranch Foods Direct and Tom Hendrix preceded the regular auction at St. Francis Livestock. R-CALF Field Coordinator, Natasha Bentz, spoke to the after-auction crowd about the need for producer involvement.

"Ensuring the profitability of your industry for yourselves and your children should be one of the chief reasons why you join R-CALF," said Bentz. A rollover auction followed, raising $5,778.

Friday, Independent Cattlemen of NE were in Burwell for a rollover auction at Burwell Livestock Market. One hundred pounds of beef donated by Sam and Gaila Prill and two halves of beef donated by Gene Cone of Burwell Livestock were auctioned to raise $4,300 for R-CALF, ICON, and the Rancher to Rancher Relief fund. The relief effort has been launched to aid drought-stricken Texas cattlemen. A bronze sculpture, depicting one of the most effective forms of animal ID known---the hot-iron brand--- was donated by Vince and Myra Hulinsky of Ag-West Feeds for a drawing.

A supper followed at the Calamus Lodge, also sponsored by the Hulinskys. Two young producers from the Burwell community, Matt Lowrey and Justin Mitchell, addressed the supper audience about their concern for the future of the cattle industry.

Said Independent Cattlemen president, Chris Abbott, "The younger generation is beginning to realize that if we don't stand up, become involved, and let our voices be heard, the U.S. cattle industry will continue to decline and rural America will keep deteriorating."

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INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN OF NEBRASKA

"Solid as a windmill. Always working for the independent producer."

For more information on R-CALF USA or ICON, visit www.r-calfusa.com or www.independentcattlemen.com or call (308) 282-2826.