VALENTINE, Neb. – A trial in Cherry County District Court this week centers on whether a family who cared for an Elgin rancher’s cattle are responsible for losses and deaths within the herd.

Ron and Ben Schrad have filed a lawsuit against Terry and Leah Shoemaker of Elsmere, claiming the Shoemakers’ negligence led to the deaths of dozens of cattle.

According to court documents, the Schrads entered into multiple contracts with the Shoemakers to care for their cattle in exchange for payment. The herd included about 500 cows, though the number fluctuated over time.

The Schrads allege that beginning around 2021, the quality of care declined and that roughly 63 calves died that year. They also claim that in November 2021, they removed 79 open cows from the Shoemakers’ care and discovered 14 missing cows.

Court documents state the Shoemakers received livestock indemnity payments related to drought conditions in 2022. That same year, the Schrads allege another 63 calves died under the Shoemakers’ care and that the surviving cows were in poor condition, showing visible ribs and little muscle or fat.

The Schrads say they pulled an additional 152 open cows from the Shoemakers’ care in November 2022 and discovered 13 more cows missing by February 2023. They removed the remainder of their cattle shortly afterward.

The Schrads are seeking about $540,000 in damages, along with attorney fees and court costs.

The case was originally filed in Antelope County District Court before being transferred to Cherry County.