NA Timmerman, Inc.: A Legacy of Excellence in Cattle Feeding and Sustainability

NA Timmerman, Inc.: A Legacy of Excellence in Cattle Feeding and Sustainability

Since the 1940s, the Timmerman family has been synonymous with the cattle feeding industry, and NA Timmerman, Inc. continues to uphold this legacy with an unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability. Rooted in a passion for cattle, a deep sense of family values, and a dedication to the land, NA Timmerman, Inc. stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and a genuine love for the industry.

A Humble Beginning: Leo O. Timmerman

The story of NA Timmerman, Inc. begins with Leo O. Timmerman and his wife, Irene, who started their farming journey with just three milk cows and a small flock of chickens. Leo's entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to the world of cattle feeding when he purchased his first three head of cattle. With the support of a banker's loan, he expanded his cattle business, growing from a few head to a substantial operation. In 1945, Leo took a significant step by purchasing a feedyard in Omaha, Nebraska, which served as the foundation of his cattle feeding enterprise.

A Visionary Decade: The 1950s

The 1950s marked a period of rapid expansion for Leo Timmerman and the cattle feeding industry. Leo acquired his own grain and cattle trucks, enabling him to transport his cattle more efficiently. Additionally, he joined forces with two other feedyard operators, pioneering a new era in cattle marketing and meat packing by selling their cattle directly to meat packers. This was a significant development that decentralized the cattle marketing and meat packing industry, setting the stage for future innovations.

Growth and Innovation in the 1960s:

In 1960, with a well-established reputation in the cattle industry, Leo decided to relocate his operation. He sold his existing location to a developer and established a new feedyard in Springfield, Nebraska. His expertise allowed him to pasture cattle for feedyards across several states, including Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. By 1970, Leo's operation had surpassed a capacity of 20,000 head.

In 1971, Leo passed the torch to his four sons but remained an active participant in the family business. He continued to trade commodities and feed cattle in multiple states, dividing his time between Omaha and Scottsdale, Arizona. His dedication to cattle feeding persisted until his passing in 1997.

A Legacy of Integrity and Innovation:

Leo Timmerman left behind a legacy that extended beyond the cattle industry. He was known for his unwavering commitment to integrity, often sealing deals worth hundreds of thousands of dollars with a handshake. He remained true to his promises, even when it came at a personal cost. His legacy of family values and innovative ideas had a profound impact on the cattle industry.

The Continuation of Excellence: The Timmerman Brothers

Following Leo's legacy, his four sons, Gerald, James, Norm, and Ron, spent the next five decades successfully expanding the family business. This included a network of feedyards across Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas, with a remarkable one-time feeding capacity exceeding 90,000 head. Their operations extended to ranches in several states and even included a packing plant, Nebraska Beef, located in Omaha.

A New Generation Carries the Torch: The Birth of NA Timmerman, Inc.

In 2012, with the third generation of the Timmerman family ready to contribute, the decision was made to branch out, ensuring the family's legacy would continue to thrive. NA Timmerman, Inc. was born, with Norm and Sharon at the helm, working closely with their immediate family members, including Jason, Wendy, Kristin and Jeff Stagemeyer, Ryan, and Nicole. Each family member brings a diverse skill set, shared trust, and camaraderie to the feeding company they now jointly own.

NA Timmerman, Inc.: Feeding Excellence and Sustainability

NA Timmerman, Inc. specializes in feeding high-quality cattle that perform exceptionally well on the grid. Their operations include locations in Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado, along with grass leases and backgrounding partners. This extensive network provides a one-time feeding capacity of approximately 120,000 head.

At the core of NA Timmerman, Inc. is a commitment to sustainability that balances environmental, social, and economic impacts:

Environmental Stewardship:

Wastewater Management: The affluent water from holding ponds is utilized to irrigate forage crops, promoting efficient water use.
Manure Management: Manure is employed as a sustainable and economical source of fertilizer for local farmers.
Cattle as Upcyclers: Cattle convert otherwise indigestible feed into a nutritious protein source, minimizing waste and maximizing utility.

Social Responsibility:

Employee Focus: Employees are recognized as the company's most valuable resource, and their well-being is a top priority.
Community Engagement: NA Timmerman, Inc. actively supports the communities in which it operates.
Training and Education: The company invests in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training, safety training, and best practices for employees.
Animal Care: Consulting veterinarians ensure the highest standards of animal health and welfare.

Economic Contributions:

Resource Utilization: Byproducts from the ethanol and biofuel industry are included in cattle rations, contributing to sustainability.
Diverse Product Output: Cattle produce a wide range of goods beyond meat, such as leather, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pet food.
Ecosystem Improvement: Well-managed grazing can enhance grassland soil health, carbon storage, and mitigate wildfires.
Global Protein Production: Cattle play a vital role in meeting the growing global demand for protein.

In the words of Norm Timmerman, "We have a great passion for what we do and take our job as stewards of the land very seriously. We strive to leave everything better than when we found it."

NA Timmerman, Inc. exemplifies the principles of sustainability, demonstrating that with dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to the industry, excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.