Today, the Ponca Tribe is in the process of restoration as is so aptly expressed by its mission statement: We, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, in order to restore all rights previously held by our people and their descendants, promote peace, prosperity, happiness, and the general welfare of the citizens of our Tribe and our posterity: to exercise home rule, to conserve and perpetuate all worthy traditions and cultural elements of our people long established by customs; to improve our social order; to protect our rights as individuals; to promote business enterprise, both cooperative and individual; to promote educational opportunities for all Northern Ponca people; to consolidate our land holdings; and to provide for the inheritance of both real and personal property. Currently, the main concerns of the Ponca Tribe are twofold: 1) To provide for the needs of its people, namely, through the programs offered by the Tribe 2) To preserve what remains of its culture. Although lacking any land base, the Tribe does have designated “service area" counties: twelve in Nebraska, one in South Dakota, and two in Iowa. The Tribe also has office sites located in Niobrara, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Omaha, in Nebraska, and Carter Lake and Sioux City office in Iowa.

Combined with other elements, cobalt forms a resilient alloy. Our team is dependable and steadfast, made stronger by the connections to our employees, our cattle, and our communities. Melded together with integrity, determination, teamwork, service and personal growth, Cobalt Cattle Company is the fourth largest cattle feeding operation in the United States. Intertwined at the center of people, cattle and communities for over 50 years, responsible for the growth of them all. We develop and equip employees through training and leadership opportunities that build technical skills and foster their connection to our animals and land. We feed and care for our cattle using ethical and sustainable practices that produce affordable, high-quality beef. We support our communities through service, education and donations.

Visit our website to become a member, grow your business, browse properties, or find local jobs. Thank you for all of your support in the growth of the Hastings community.

Environmental, Health, & Safety consulting company providing education, support, and advice to organizations throughout Nebraska. Responsible for developing written EHS programs, performing on-site training, facility audits, job site surveys, managing contractor safety programs, implementation of quality management systems, providing advice on regulatory questions, and assisting with OSHA inspections. Client base comprised of Fortune 500 companies, commercial contractors, manufacturers and multiple other industries.

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA) is the world’s largest alpaca association with around 4,000 members and over 270,000 alpacas in its registry database. AOA is a not-for-profit corporation, which is managed by a team of eight employees who report to a nine-member board of directors. Those nine individuals, who oversee the organization, are elected by the AOA membership to serve staggered three-year terms. AOA oversees an internationally recognized pedigree registry, Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) program, alpaca show system, judge training program, and industry magazine (Alpacas Magazine). AOA also provides education to current and prospective alpaca owners throughout the world along with a national marketing program for alpacas and alpaca fiber products. AOA hosts three national events a year: the AOA National Alpaca Show, Natural Fiber Extravaganza which includes the National Fleece Show, and National Alpaca Farm Days. In addition, AOA supports 30 affiliates. AOA’s National Show System certifies over 40 alpaca shows per year and boasts 25 certified alpaca judges. Along with being sought after to judge internationally, they are in high demand to teach all over the globe. As of 2020 with more than 34 years of history, AOA continues to provide support to the North American alpaca industry through programs that assist members in growing their alpaca, alpaca fiber, and alpaca product businesses.