Al’s passion for the beef industry began while growing up on the family farm in Diller, Nebraska where he was involved with 4-H cattle and FFA. Al is passionate about the beef industry, education, and his community and was active in the formation of the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation.
Al grew up on his family farm, near Diller Nebraska and was involved early on with 4-H cattle and hog projects as well as being very active in FFA at Diller Rural High School. Upon graduation from high school, Al attended Fairbury Junior College and graduated in 1962. Still wanting to learn, Al enrolled at the University of Nebraska, becoming a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. But Al was just getting started with his education. In 1968 he received his master’s degree in Animal Science Nutrition, and while working on his master’s degree he managed the UNL Swine Research Center from 1964-1968. In 1971 he received his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in Animal Science and Nutrition and during this time he was also an Extension Swine Specialist in Kentucky.
While pursuing his master’s degree, Al was united in marriage to Judy Smith from Cozad Nebraska in 1966. This union lasted until Judy’s passing 1997. Al and Judy had one son, Jeff. Jeff’s children are Ahnika, Addison and Alex. Al married JoAnn Braun in 1998 and she has two daughters, Joan and husband Randy Tigges and Jana and husband Phil Kopf and their children Jessica and Nick Mares and Seth and Michaela Kopf.
Al began his career for Continental Grain in Chicago as a Research Specialist and assistant director of research from 1971 to 1977 but a greater calling in 1977 moved Al to Cozad, Nebraska to join his father-in-law, Juhl Smith in the family operation of cattle feeding and ranching. Cattle became the only product sold from the entire operation which consists of irrigated corn, alfalfa, and pasture. Today that tradition lives on as Al is the owner of Agrow, Inc. and they continue to feed what they grow which is approximately 5000 head of cattle annually. Al is an original owner and Chairman of the Board of Darr Feedlot, Inc., a commercial cattle feeding operation that markets over 100,000 head of cattle annually and is celebrating 37 years of being in business. He also is a director of Waypoint Bank with 7 locations and Chairman of Midwest Banco., a bank holding company.
Al’s tremendous passion for the Beef Industry, University of Nebraska and local community has brought him the great joy of helping others get started and involved through his examples of leadership and involvement for others to follow. Al was president of Dawson County Cattlemen, President of the Nebraska Livestock Feeders in 1985-1986 and very active in the formation of the Nebraska Cattlemen. He spent 6 years on the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB) and Operating Committee, having been Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the National Beef Check-off Board in 2005. He also is a current member of Nebraska Cattlemen (NC), National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and his past involvement and visionary ideas have helped the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation become what it is today. Al is a Past President of Ag Builders of Nebraska and the Nebraska Lead Board, served on the University of Nebraska Foundation Board of Trustees, UNL Chancellor’s Advisory Board, UNL Animal Science Advisory Committee, currently on NCTA (Curtis) Advisory Board and for many years has lectured to the Animal Science Livestock Systems classes at UNL and graduate students. Currently Al is Chairman of the Cozad Hospital Board and a member of the Elks Lodge in Cozad and is heavily involved with the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska Board. He has also served as the Cozad Library Building Chairman and Camp Comeca Past President.
His honors include being named to the Nebraska Hall of Achievement, Block and Bridle Club Honoree, Dawson County Cattlemen Hall of Fame, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers of Nebraska-Distinguished Award for Leadership and Service to Nebraska Agriculture, Nebraska Cattlemen Friend of the Foundation Award, UNL Department of Animal Science Distinguished Service Award, UNL Henry Beachell Distinguished Service Award, Alpha Gamma Rho Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award, Diller Nebraska Community Foundation Honoree and the Cozad Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, just to name a few.
Al and JoAnn reside in Cozad and are members of Christ The King Catholic Church. When not enjoying working at the farm, feedlot, bank or going to meetings, he enjoys family, bridge, golf, the “HUSKERS” and his “BLUE CHAIR”.
