Nebraska Cattle Tour Focuses on Drought

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska Extension is preparing to host its annual Summer Stocker and Yearling Tour on June 23 near Broken Bow, Nebraska. The educational event gives cattle producers an opportunity to learn about drought management, grazing practices, forage conditions, and current research connected to beef production systems.

The tour begins with registration from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Central time at the Custer County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Broken Bow. Organizers explain that the event focuses on practical management strategies producers can use while dealing with ongoing drought conditions and changing cattle industry challenges.

Participants will visit operations managed by Rodney Lamb at Lamb Farm and Feedyard and Mike Tierney. During the tour, producers will discuss grazing systems, drought management practices, forage conditions, and management decisions used during difficult environmental situations. Organizers say the visits allow participants to hear directly from producers working through these challenges on their own operations.

Lunch will be served at noon at the 4-H Building. During lunch, University of Nebraska–Lincoln beef systems specialists will present information about a new vitamin and mineral balancing tool designed to help producers improve herd performance and support management decisions.

“With tight margins, ongoing drought concerns and continued shifts across the cattle industry, producers are looking closely at management decisions that can improve efficiency and long-term sustainability,” said Brent Plugge, Nebraska Extension educator.

“This tour gives producers the opportunity to hear directly from operations navigating those challenges while also connecting with research-based information they can apply to their own operations,” said Brent.

Nebraska Extension explains that the Summer Stocker and Yearling Tour combines practical field experience with university research and industry expertise. The program also creates opportunities for producers, Extension specialists, and industry partners to discuss current challenges facing Nebraska’s beef industry.

The cost to attend is $20, which includes lunch during the event. Registration must be completed by June 19. Participants may register online. The event received sponsorship support from Merck Animal Health.

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