The Custer County Ag Society Fair Board conducted two separate meetings Tuesday evening, September 11. Board Member Jake Rosentrader was not available for either meeting. Member Rodney Lamb was not present for the initial budget meeting.
For the first meeting of the evening, two votes were required to finalize the Ag Society Budget for 2025-2026. The first vote authorized an additional 1% increase over the automatic 2.5% increase over last year’s budget. The second vote provided final approval of the Society’s $190,678 levy approved by the Custer County Supervisors. The votes for both actions were unanimous. The Custer County Ag Society budget will now be filed with the State of Nebraska per statutory requirements.
After completion of budget work, the Fair Board closed that meeting, and started their regularly scheduled session.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Board President Brian Palmer took a moment to recognize the date on which the meeting was occurring.
“I’ll take this moment to say that on a day that’s pretty somber in a lot of ways, I’m sure appreciative to live in Custer County, Nebraska. I don’t think we’re exactly sheltered from everything, but we get to raise our kids in a little bit better part of the world than what we’re seeing everywhere else,” stated Palmer.
Fair Dates and Ball Updates
In Old Business, the Board heard from member Desiree Cook on consideration of changing the dates of the Custer County Fair next year. Cook stated that she had conducted a survey of fair families as planned, and the results were 70% against date changes.
The Board unanimously approved setting the official fair dates for Friday, July 24 – Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Fair activities will kick off with the Fashion Show on Thursday, July 16, followed by the Dog Show Saturday July 18. Shooting Sports will be conducted July 24-25.
The Fair Board discussed continuing to consider alternative dates moving forward with a clearer proposed schedule and more consultation with the 4-H Council.
Cowboys and Candlelight will be the theme of the Ag Society Winter Ball. Board member Clint Lambrecht told the board the planning for the ball was going well.
The Custer County Ag Society Winter Ball will be January 24 at the Broken Bow Municipal Building. By popular demand, the band “Loose Cannons” will return to provide music.
Purchases Discussed in New Business
A request for a safe for the Ag Society Offices was placed before the board, who had no concerns authorizing a purchase of up to $1,000 for the item.
The Bulding and Grounds Committee requested a new mid-sized mower to replace current high-hour equipment that is now down for extensive repairs. Board Member Mark Cardoza stated he had looked at several options during Husker Harvest Days, and suggested a Hustler mower that he felt would meet the needs of the fair grounds. Cardoza provided preliminary a cost estimate of just over $11,000 after a non-profit organization discount, but will bring firmer numbers and details to the next meeting for consideration and approval.
Committee Activities
Kicking off discussion of Committee Activities, Board President Palmer presented the Board with a detailed overview of the current financial reports for the meeting. The Board is continuing to work toward simplifying and clarifying the reports to provide greater transparency of Ag Society business. Palmer stated the Board currently shows $130,654 in assets against liabilities of $107,695.
While approval of bills at the convened meeting is traditionally how business is conducted, Palmer told the Board that in actuality, bills are currently being paid in real time to the greatest extent possible. The Board expressed their agreement that this practice was acceptable, and noted that approval would be for Bills “as paid” moving forward, with appropriate review and oversight by the Board.
Troy Waltz of the Custer County Extension Office provided a final wrap up of fair business, noting a total of $6,832.75 in premium award checks had been submitted for payment. With the State Fair done, the Extension Office is looking forward to next year’s fair. Waltz indicated any suggested changes to the Premium Book should be provided by March 1 to be included for next year.
Likewise, the Grounds Committee is wrapping up activities and preparing for winter. Board Member Cardoza stated that he had winterized all of the buildings, draining water from pipes where needed.
With no other business to discuss, the Fair Board meeting adjourned just prior to 8:00 PM. The next meeting of the Custer County Ag Society is scheduled for 7:00 PM on October 9, at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fair Grounds.
