The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska is headed to Cozad in 2026, with the event set to be hosted by the Howard and Linda Benjamin families and the Levi and Bobbie Jo Messersmith family. The official announcement was made on June 7 in Blue Springs, during this year’s Ball.

The 2026 Ball will take place approximately 10 miles north of Cozad on the blacktop headed to Callaway at a picturesque pasture owned by the Benjamins. The site was selected for its accessibility and scenic views of the Platte Valley; a location Linda Benjamin had envisioned as a potential host site years ago when they purchased the land. “It’s such a pretty spot with easy access and beautiful views of the valley at night,” she shared. The Benjamins have been involved with the Ball for years as both attendees and volunteers.

Levi Messersmith began working to bring the Ball to Cozad more than three years ago, initiating contact with the organization and assembling a small local committee to identify potential sites. After narrowing it down to several locations, the Ball’s board selected the Benjamin property. With approvals finalized in 2024, the Messersmith's attended their first Cattlemen’s Ball in Scottsbluff last summer to learn more about the event.

Despite the magnitude of organizing such a largescale fundraiser, both families say they were fully committed because of the Ball’s mission. “Cancer affects everyone,” said Bobbie Jo Messersmith. Linda Benjamin added, “This organization helps keep the research close,” noting that funds raised have supported cancer facilities across the state, including the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha and the newly opened satellite center in Kearney.

The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to raise money for cancer research. Ninety percent of the proceeds benefit the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, with the remaining ten percent directed to local health and wellness initiatives in the host community. Since its inception, the event has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and rotates to a new Nebraska location each year, giving host communities a chance to showcase their region while supporting a meaningful cause.

For both the Benjamins and Messersmith's, agriculture, history and community are central themes they hope to highlight through the event. Although Cozad is the host location, the organizers are eager to involve nearby communities and shine a light on them as well.

Levi and Bobbie Jo Messersmith, both Cozad natives, operate a hay grinding business that supplies feed to a large portion of the region’s cattle industry. They also farm alfalfa and organic corn. Bobbie Jo is especially excited to celebrate the “progression of agriculture through the generations,” with plans to incorporate her draft horses and early farming equipment to illustrate how far ag technology has come.

The Benjamin family has deep roots in local agriculture, running a multigenerational farm and ranch, and playing an active role in Darr Feedlot. Linda, originally from Curtis, moved to Cozad to teach and met Howdy soon after. The couple now proudly work alongside their children and grandchildren. “You have to have these young people with all of the technology today,” Linda remarked.

For Howdy, the pride is in the beef. “There are a lot of cattle fed in Dawson County,” he said. He looks forward to showcasing the community’s strengths, adding that Cozad is known for “feeding cattle and raising top-quality feed.” Bobbie Jo quickly added, “and humans.”

The event is slated for Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2026, and is expected to draw between 3,000 and 5,000 attendees. Festivities will include a golf tournament, concerts, a 5K run, silent and live auctions, vendor booths, an art show, a history tent, raffles, and of course, plenty of Nebraska beef.

Planning is already underway, with committees forming and early organizational meetings scheduled. The event will require 400–500 volunteers, and the families encourage anyone interested to stay tuned for opportunities. Organizers will be seeking support from local organizations, food vendors, businesses for the vendor show, and both monetary and in-kind donations for auctions and raffles.

The co-hosts hope to use the event not only to support cancer research but also to shine a spotlight on Cozad and the surrounding region. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our great community and the people in it,” said Levi.

For more information or to get involved, visit www. cattlemensball.com or follow the Cattlemen’s Ball on social media.