Young livestock producers from across southern and central Iowa embarked on a two day bus trip to Nebraska sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Beginning and Young Livestock Producers Network.
A total of 32 participants gathered at the Cass County Extension Office, boarded a charter bus and headed Weber Feedyards in Dorchester, Neb. Other stops throughout the first day included the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Gottsch Cattle Company. There was an overnight stay in Grand Island, Neb., where participants enjoyed dinner at the Texas T-Bone sponsored by Merck Animal Health.
The second day began with a tour the Cargill Packing Plant in Schuyler, Neb. Other stops also included Mead Cattle Company, lunch sponsored by Settke Agri- Services and Engineering and a tour of the Wahoo Locker and Ohnoutka Farms.
This two day event gave beef producers the opportunity to see different feedlot operations and a cow/calf family farm. Participants were able to hear and see what research is being collected at the U.S. Meat Center along with a full tour of the Cargill Beef plant. Most importantly, this trip gave all participants the opportunity to network with others by sharing thoughts, ideas and goals.
Tony Miler, Clarke County beef producer said, “The Cargill plant was really neat to tour on a corporate level, but visiting the Wahoo Meat Locker was really impressive. Seeing a young entrepreneur headed in the same direction on a smaller scale gave it more of a personal feel.”
The Beginning and Young Livestock Producers Network (BYLPN) is a strategic initiative of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Their objective is to develop a network of beginning and young livestock producer peer groups across the state to both educate and mentor. If you would like to learn more about the BYLPN or other educational opportunities contact the Clarke County Extension Office at 641-342-3316.