Charles W. Herbster

Proud lifelong Nebraska farmer, cattle rancher, businessman, and Republican.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

It should make us all mad to see how our hard-earned tax dollars are being managed. A recent audit by my friend, Mike Foley, uncovered nearly $1 billion in accounting "blunders" and a "gross mishandling" of funds within the Lancaster County Treasurer’s Office.

Here in Nebraska, we are already struggling with incredibly high property taxes, and this level of incompetence is unacceptable. Don't forget, property taxes are levied and collected at the local level. Now, Lancaster County will pay the price for these errors, and it feels like there is zero accountability for how money is handled at the local level.

This is exactly why local elections matter so much. We get easily distracted by national politics, but it is our local officials - the ones handling our property taxes, managing our infrastructure, and overseeing our schools - who have the most direct impact on our daily lives.

Don't ignore the ballot down-ticket in Nebraska! These roles aren't just titles; they manage the resources that define our communities. If we want change, we have to start paying as much attention to local leadership as we do to the noise in D.C. It’s time to demand better!

LINK: https://t.co/HrzY7Bzqw9

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed a document: our United States Constitution. The Constitution is our supreme law and the foundation of our government, established to protect the rights of United States citizens.

There is no doubt that our Constitution is the greatest governing document in history. Its framework provides for the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the individual protections set forth in the Bill of Rights.

Today we celebrate Constitution Day and the beginning of Constitution Week. Let us remember the men who drafted a document that has endured for 238 years - through the Civil War, world wars, disasters, and catastrophes - and still stands today. May God continue to bless the United States of America!🇺🇸

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Day Two of Husker Harvest Days is underway! We had a great Day One, with many visitors - including University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold.

Nebraska’s farms and ranches thrive thanks to the University of Nebraska’s leadership in agricultural research, education, and Extension. From drought-resilient crops and precision agriculture to livestock health and water stewardship, Husker innovation drives productivity in every county.

UNL is also helping build our next-generation workforce by training producers, agronomists, and agricultural entrepreneurs who will keep our rural communities strong. We are proud of the partnership that keeps Nebraska growing.

#GBR🌽 #NebraskaAgriculture #UNL #BeefState

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

It's September and here in Nebraska that means it is time for Husker Harvest Days. Be sure to stop by the Herbster Angus Farms tent at Lot 361 near 3rd and West Avenue to say "Hello" to Charles.

#HHD2026

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Twenty-five years later, we still remember September 11, 2001.

We remember the shock, the fear, the heartbreak, and the anger that followed as our nation struggled to comprehend an evil so deliberate and devastating. We remember the days of uncertainty, the grieving families, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the way Americans came together.

September 11 reminded us that true evil exists in the world. But it also revealed courage, sacrifice, compassion, and an extraordinary strength of spirit. In the face of hatred, ordinary people showed extraordinary bravery.

We must never lose sight of what America stands for: freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Defending those ideals requires vigilance, courage, and a commitment to upholding our common values. It means standing up against those who hate America.

We remember those who were lost. We honor the survivors, the families, the first responders, and all who served in the days and years that followed.

September 11, 2001. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

It's hard to believe we've been without our dear friend, Charlie Kirk, for a year. His passing has left a profound void in the conservative movement, but we continue to push forward to honor his legacy.

My thoughts and prayers remain with Erika and the children, Charlie’s friends and family, and the Turning Point USA community. Charlie was one of a kind, and he will never be forgotten.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

It is a B1G weekend for all of all of us Husker fans. Let's GO BIG RED!

🏈 BEAT OHIO!
🏐 BEAT MIZZU at historic Wrigley Field!

#GBR🌽

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Across Nebraska, harvest prep is in full swing. Operations are shifting from summer tasks to fall weaning and crop harvest. Prolonged drought in parts of the state has pushed some crops to maturity a touch ahead of schedule, while those producers who planted early right on pace to start the fall run; so timing is moving fast.

Our hard-working farmers and ranchers are focused on staying efficient, safeguarding quality, and keeping people and livestock safe as the season ramps up. Thanks for your patience on rural roads as equipment moves on our roadways between fields. Here’s to a safe, steady start to harvest. #Harvest2026

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - a time to remember that every conversation matters, and you are never alone. Whether you’re struggling or just want to support someone who is, help is available right here in Nebraska.

If you or a loved one are in need of support, please reach out:

𝟵𝟴𝟴 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 & 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: Call or text 988 anytime (24/7, free, and confidential) or chat online at https://t.co/xMnp4PpyGm.

𝗡𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: For support navigating family challenges, call [phone].

𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜 𝗡𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮: For information and local support groups, visit https://t.co/amh0eefdZn or call [phone]

𝗡𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Find additional resources and local events at https://t.co/KNS4XGBruf.

You don't have to carry the weight alone. Let’s keep the conversation going and look out for one another.

#SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #NebraskaStrong #MentalHealthMatters

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Keeping our commitments is a powerful way to generate hope and trust. Even when life takes unexpected turns and when the world feels incredibly divided, showing up matters. It reminds us of who we are, strengthens those we serve, and proves that meaningful change begins with consistent action.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Five years ago today that we lost thirteen brave warriors, including Omaha’s own Corporal Daegan Page. Any loss of life is tragic—but to lose our service members in the terrorist bombing at the Kabul Airport is especially so. It should never have happened.

Today, I pause to remember the Brave Thirteen who gave their lives, to honor all who served during the Global War on Terror, and to acknowledge the allies we left behind in Afghanistan. The botched Biden retreat will forever stand as one of the greatest military tragedies in American history. It didn’t have to end that way.

#NeverForget

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

I am extremely disappointed with President Trump's decision to import 300,000 metric tons of beef into our markets. This will hurt our local producers and feedlots while doing nothing to help address long-term solutions to our fed cattle shortage.

Throughout the Trump administration, I have, along with other producers, offered solutions to give American cattle producers the tools and relief we need to grow our herds. We need to make it easier for our homegrown producers to succeed. I genuinely hope President Trump reconsiders this move and instead works with us to make our beef industry profitable for all producers and more affordable for consumers.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Today, Dr. David Morens, a longtime adviser to Anthony Fauci, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by routing official COVID-era business through personal emails to evade FOIA - deliberate scheme to keep the public in the dark. His conduct reflects the same culture of secrecy surrounding Fauci’s email practices and exposes glaring contradictions between public statements and private communications.

When Fauci was asked under oath before Congress to explain those discrepancies, he took the Fifth. And despite being granted full immunity by Joe Biden, Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth 111 times.

This is not a witch hunt. It is a long-overdue reckoning. Americans - and people around the world - deserve the truth. The damage is undeniable: COVID-19 claimed roughly 1.2 million American lives, while records were withheld, information was concealed, and the public was left in the dark. That is not leadership. It is a disgrace.

The world trusted Dr. Fauci to provide honest, expert guidance. Instead, we got a man consumed by ego who concealed facts, pushed questionable policies, and helped inflict immense harm on the American people and the American economy.

https://t.co/Hpcv6WpqMH

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Are you a pessimist, an optimist, or a leader? My friend John C. Maxwell’s question matters now more than ever. When the political winds shift - as they surely will over the next 77 days - how do you respond? Do you brace, do you hope, or do you lead?

As we saw in the last Presidential Election, uncertainty tests resolve. Real leaders don’t flinch; they adapt, organize, and refuse to lose. That spirit is needed again right now. The run-up to the mid-terms will bring twists and turns - headlines will change and the pressure will rise. That’s when resolve counts.

The winds are still shifting, nationally and here in Nebraska. There’s real work ahead: listening to voters, turning out our neighbors, sharpening our message, and staying focused on results. We can’t control the wind, but we can set our sails. If we lead with courage and diligence, we will steer America toward greatness. Are you up for the challenges ahead?

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Beware of the money grab! As school boards across the state evaluate and finalize their annual budgets ahead of the September 30 deadline, it is important that we all pay attention. If recent increases in property valuations have already crushed our budgets, wait until you see what our local school boards might do next year!

We all know that Nebraska has a property-tax problem. Aside from a complete rewrite of our tax system - which I believe is desperately needed - the best ideas currently being discussed generally involve hard caps on revenue collection or spending. Right now, we have “soft” caps that local governments frequently bypass or override.

The new approach for local school boards seems to focus on maximizing revenue requests ahead of possible hard caps being considered by the Legislature. School boards across the state are maxing out or overriding the current caps to stockpile cash and establish a higher baseline for future requests. They are engaged in a money grab now.

Since LB 243 went into effect on May 31, 2023, 66% of Nebraska school boards have voted to override the 3% “soft” cap established by the legislation. Look for even more districts to max out or override the cap by this year’s deadline. You will be paying more!

Nebraska is in a property-tax crisis. Our unstable and excessive property taxes cost the state businesses and jobs. High property taxes also prevent Nebraska from benefiting from the natural revenue that comes with genuine economic growth. We all say we want local control, but until we hold our local boards accountable for their fiscal policies, taxpayers will continue to suffer.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Wisconsin, the nation is watching to see whether Democrats will nominate a candidate who embraces true socialism and policies that put America’s founding principles at risk.

The socialist movement within the Democratic Party is becoming harder to ignore. Voters deserve to know whether Wisconsin Democrats stand for individual freedom, economic opportunity, personal responsibility, and the American way—or for bigger government, higher taxes, and government control over more of our lives. This is a test the rest of the country cannot ignore.

Wisconsin, we’re watching. The choice you make will say a lot about the future direction of the Democrat Party at all levels across the country..

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

National Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7th each year to honor the men and women who have been wounded or killed while serving in the United States Military. Today we pay tribute to their sacrifices and bravery. May God Bless these brave souls and may we never forget.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diaries expose the gap between what he knew and what he sold the public. It is now clear that Fauci put his own self interest over being truthful with the world, and as a result millions have died.

Privately, in early 2020 Dr. Anthony Fauci noted the Wuhan market “was not the source, it was the amplifier” of the COVID-19 Virus, and that most scientists on a key call thought deliberate lab insertion of key features was possible. Publicly he pushed the natural-origin story hard and treated lab-leak questions as fringe.

What's is far worse is the following: Under his NIAID, U.S. taxpayer money flowed through EcoHealth Alliance to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for bat coronavirus experiments—including work creating chimeric viruses—at the very lab now central to the origin debate. He spent years denying it was gain-of-function while the research proceeded with weak oversight.

That virus went on to kill over 7.1 million people officially worldwide (WHO figures), with excess mortality estimates reaching 15–22 million when accounting for undercounting and indirect deaths. In the U.S. alone, more than 1.2 million lives were lost.

Private doubts, public certainty, and funding for high-risk research at the epicenter. The diaries make the accountability question impossible to ignore.

[Charles W. Herbster @CWHerbster]

Many high-profile women athletes have spoken out about biological males who identify as female competing in women’s events. The comments made by WNBA player Sophie Cunningham may be the clearest I’ve seen.

Some on the radical left would have you believe that keeping men out of women’s locker rooms or women’s competitions is about hatred. It’s about fairness. In most sports, biological males have a distinct physical advantage. There are clear biological and physical differences between men and women, and ignoring them can create unsafe and uncomfortable conditions in spaces that should remain private.

Here in Nebraska, the “Fairness for Girls” petition gathered more than 211,000 signatures to ensure no radical legislation will ever allow men to compete as women in athletic events. The “Fairness for Girls” constitutional amendment will be on the ballot this November. I strongly encourage all Nebraskans to vote in favor of this common-sense protection for girls and women in athletics.