The Custer County Ag Society met in regular session Thursday evening, July 9. Fair Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds at 7:00 PM. Board Member Caleb tenBensel was the lone absence from Thursday’s meeting.
In the Bills and Financial Report, Palmer noted several large expenditures for June, with unscheduled maintenance issues arising and the completion of the Indoor Arena lighting project. Board Member Andy Gibbons noted a higher than expected gas bill for the month, and asked General Manager Clay Hayes to ensure no heaters or similar equipment were currently running. The Board noted that the bill is also prorated across the year, and current spending likely reflects a full-year average.
Last Meeting Before the Custer County Fair
Hayes also reported that both the tie-out project and new camper pedestal project were set to both start and wrap up in the next few weeks, expanding capacity for livestock and camping for families showing animals during the fair and beyond.
While camping spots for the fair nearly sold out entirely within minutes of going on sale, among the improvements under consideration for campers is moving to an entirely new commercial operation supporting campground reservations. The Board excitedly endorsed a proposal by fairgrounds webmaster Karly Mack to work with Campspot.com, who would manage booking and fees at no cost to the Fairgrounds.
Troy Walz from the Custer County Extension office worked through his final preparation checklist with the Ag Society, ensuring the details are in place for a successful summer event. Walz told Board that this year will feature the largest beef showing numbers since 2003, with 176 Market Beef animals. Many other categories of animals continue to increase over prior years as well, including sheep, swine, poultry, and 4 pigeons, returning this year after not showing the prior two years.
Board member Shelby Spanel let the Board know that the bull riding event is set to go for Monday, July 27, but that unfortunately, the tractor pull scheduled for Saturday, July 25 would not be happening due to an issue with the organizer’s equipment.
Near the end of the meeting, Board Member Jake Rosentreader returned to an issue that has been a hot topic lately, and was raised specifically after the fair concluded last year – safety concerns around bikes and personal electric vehicles. The Board felt that in nearly all cases, such conveyances and livestock do not mix, and for the safety of everyone involved, they would not be allowed in and around the livestock areas. Look for enhanced enforcement and signage indicating where bikes and e-bikes are banned this year.
The Custer County Fair is scheduled to run from Friday, July 24 through Thursday July 30.
Other Fair Board Business:
Hayes noted three equestrian events had been held in the last month, an Appaloosa Show, the NBHA State Finals, and a Western States Cutting event. Each of the programs left positive reviews and are looking to grow their events at the Custer County Fairgrounds in the future.
Events Committee Chair Desirei Cook noted that the recent Demolition Derby held at the Fairgrounds brought in a profit of $16,321, to be split evenly with the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce who joined with the Ag Society to host the event. Palmer extended the thanks of the Board to Chamber Director Stephanie Grafel for their ongoing partnership.
The Board approved the recently completed financial audit of the fiscal year ending June 2025. The audit is required because the Ag Society receives tax levy funding, and must also be filed with the State of Nebraska. Auditor RJ Meyers found no significant issues, and noted two standard findings: that duties should be more fully segregated, and recommendations for the preparation of financial statements.
Board Member Mark Cardoza recommended that the Board continue working to increase transparency in the Ag Society’s financial dealings. Palmer told the group that the Budget and Finance Committee would consider the addition of more checks and balances in their next meeting.
Beyond the Fair, upcoming events include a Mud Race in August, and Junk Jaunt in September. Hayes and Mack are working to improve vendor booking and standardize the fee structure for vendors before the event takes place. Other Junk Jaunt improvements expected are a new location for outdoor vendors to alleviate parking along Memorial Drive and Highway 70.
The Custer County Ag Society entered Executive Session at 8:30 PM. No further business was conducted following the Executive Session, and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Custer County Ag Society will be Thursday, August 13, starting at 7:00 PM in the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds.
