.STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
UNL Extension Educator

  Beginning in 1956 a slogan “The Beef State” was embossed on all Nebraska license plates and that recognition remained until 1965. That was right during my informative years and thus holds a special place in my memory banks.  I think I could even go to the farmstead that I grew up and find at least a couple of old vehicles that still sport those classic license plates with unique county number; vehicle number; the year split on top with Nebraska in between; and the proud proclamation on the bottom - “The Beef State”.  It was with good reason, as the beef industry is Nebraska's single largest industry, driving much of the state's economy. Let me reiterate that…beef is the most important commodity in this state, and most people don’t know how closely associated we are with it.  In plain language, beef is the first effort of the state and corn is second, which will be news to some of my friends that frequent the local co-op every morning for coffee.
     I was glad to see an effort that started last year with LB1095 which allowed for the reintroduction of the classic Beef State license plates, creating a new type of specialty license plate that in effect resurrects the Nebraska Beef State license plates used decades ago. This plate will now become available under a system similar to the Husker license plates. No, they are not going to replace the current one we now have which I believe will be used through 2017.  I find this as a unique approach to the resurrection of a part of our past and also to celebrate what we still have with our beef industry.
     Let’s look at how this all works, as it is rather interesting. The Legislature along with the State of Nebraska created a program several years ago where an organization can create a specific license plate. Currently, there are only two such active organizational plate programs: Creighton University and Union Pacific Railroad. Other groups are also in the process of creating plates recognized by the State. In order for the new plates to be produced, the law requires three things must happen. First, a qualified non-profit organization must apply and, second, be approved by Nebraska’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Third, 500 applications must be submitted, along with one check for the initial fees.
     The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC), as part of the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the formation of the group, decided to use the opportunity to celebrate and promote the culture of Nebraska’s largest industry ‒ beef. The Board of Directors of both NC and the NC Foundation, in working with the NE Motor Vehicle Department, created three “Beef State” license plate choices. NC members are being asked to vote to select the winning design, and are right now voting on which design of the three will be used for this special project. If you are so inclined, you can snoop out the designs by going to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R6SF8SG . I am impressed with each of the plate’s designs, and in my mind each one of them blows away what we currently have hanging on our vehicles. If you are member of the Nebraska Cattlemen, you may even want to vote while you are there.  You might also consider getting one of the specialty plates to put on your pickup truck, whenever they become available. There are of course some hoops you have to jump through.
      Of course there are requirements to get one of these specialty plates. In order to get them you must come up with a fee of $70 every year, in addition to regular car registration fees and taxes. It should be pointed out that the funds generated from the sale of the plates goes back to the State of Nebraska, $10.50 to the DMV Cash Fund and $59.50 to the Nebraska Highway Trust. You must remember that when you would get your plates would depend on how long it takes to acquire the initial 500 applications which are part of the requirements. Once those are submitted, along with the $70 fee set by statute, the DMV will enter all the applications into their system and create the plates. A letter will go out to each individual advising them when their plate will be available for pick up at the county treasurer’s office.
      According to the NC website, applicants have two choices in deciding when to put new plates on their vehicles. First, they can choose to get the plate now and put it on the vehicle immediately. It would not change the registration cycle for that vehicle. So, if the vehicle’s registration was set to expire in two months, the applicant could put the plate on the vehicle now, but they would then have to pay the $70 again in two months. Or, second, the applicant can wait and pick up “The BEEF STATE” plate at the time the vehicle’s regular plates expire, and the initial $70 fee covers the new registration cycle. Plus, each year on renewal, a sticker would be issued upon payment of the $70 specialty plate fee. If the individual chose not to pay the additional $70 fee after the first year, they would return to standard plates.  
     It is too bad that the effort to have the current license plates carry the “Beef State” moniker failed when they decided on the final design, which many of you may remember became a joke in its own right with the first results of picking a design being corrupted by a radio station gag.  As I understand it, then - State Senator and NC member, Deb Fischer (now US Senator Fischer) was backing that effort at the time to bring back the “Beef State” slogan but it was not to be. Now there is the chance to make a statement and replace those current plates with a sign of Nebraska and Nebraska Beef pride. You may soon have the opportunity to show it every day when you travel in your favorite vehicle that proudly sports brand new “Nebraska - The BEEF STATE” license plates. Come to think of it Father’s Day is a great time to have some good old Nebraska corn-fed beef.  I hope there is gas for the grill!  Bring on the Nebraska Beef!
     Fun note: There will be a Super Moon on June 23. This super moon is the closest, largest and fullest moon of the year!

 The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home