Where’s the Beef?

It’s At APS

ARNOLD: With the Custer County Fair wrapping up this week, a unique opportunity presented itself regarding this year’s Livestock Auction. Traditionally, Pinnacle Bank in Arnold supports local 4H by purchasing animals. They typically pay the premium on top of the pre-determined base. APS had the opportunity to piggy bank on bank president Aaron Coleman’s efforts.

This spring, the Nebraska Department of Education awarded Supply Chain Assistance grants to school districts. This grant was meant to allow schools to purchase unprocessed foods, including whole beef. With these funds, we were able to purchase a 4H steer at this year’s auction. Pinnacle Bank agreed to bid at the beef auction and pay the premium like usual and allow the school to buy the steer at a base of $1.38, which fell right in the current buyer’s average. This allowed APS to purchase a local beef from a local student to be served as a part of our hot lunch program.

The greatest thing about this opportunity was that no local tax dollars were used to purchase the steer, processing is covered by donations which can be made through the Arnold Community Foundation Fund, and we had an incredible opportunity to partner with Pinnacle Bank to make this happen. To ensure the school would have no risk, I purchased the steer personally and will feed it until it goes in to be processed. Once it is processed, the school will then pay for the steer at the $1.38 base with no feed costs.

It is our hope to continue to expand an opportunity like this through donations and sponsorships so that we can buy more in the future. I can think of no better way to support 4H, local students, local producers, and provide quality beef to our students through our hot lunch program. If you would be interested in helping us make this grow, please give me a call or stop in.

Joel Morgan, Superintendent

(Previously published in the Arnold Sentinel, August 11, 2022 Edition)