BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota beef producers interested in the state's cattle feeding industry can take a closer look at several top-of-the-line feeding facilities during the North Dakota Stockmen's Association's 15th annual Feedlot Tour on June 20.
The tour will feature western North Dakota with stops at Rocky Valley Ranch near Center, N.D.; Price Farm and Ranch near Stanton, N.D.; The Wanner Feedlot near Hebron, N.D.; and Beaver Creek Ranch near Richardton, N.D.
Seats on the tour bus are filling up quickly, but those wishing to reserve their spot can still do so by contacting NDSA Environmental Services Director Scott Ressler at (701) 223-2522 or sressler@ndstockmen.org before June 15. Pre-registration is not a requirement, but it is appreciated for planning purposes. The bus will depart from the Bismarck K-Mart parking lot at 8 a.m. CT, and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. CT.
Rocky Valley Ranch near Center, N.D., is the tour's first stop. Rob Schmidt and his family operate the facility. The custom backgrounding and heifer development feedlot was newly constructed and permitted in 2008 for 999 head. The Rocky Valley Ranch feedlot features continuous steel fence, trough-type water tanks, super steel windbreaks with guardrail bottoms and a cowboy alley exiting the back of the pens.
Price Farm and Ranch near Stanton, N.D., is the tour's second stop. Steve and Linda Price and their son Cole operate the facility, updated in 2012. Prices primarily finish cattle in the 840-head permitted feedlot. The operation features cable feedlot fence, concrete heavy-use pads and a custom processing facility with an adjustable alleyway and roof.
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The Wanner Feedlot near Hebron, N.D., is the third tour stop. Dave Wanner and son Greg operate the backgrounding operation. Permitted in 2012 for 999 head, the facility includes well-drained pens and a curbline feeding system with adjustable neck rails. The operation also houses a state-of-the-art processing facility utilizing the Bud Box concept and a double alleyway.
The final tour stop is Beaver Creek Ranch, near Richardton, N.D., owned and operated by the Phillip Messer family. Expanded in 2011, the backgrounding facility is permitted for 999 head. The operation features large, well-drained pens, curbline feeding systems and the ability to sort in several directions after processing.
The NDSA Feedlot Tour, a project of the NDSA Feeder Council, is free to attend and includes lunch at the Wanner Feedlot stop.
Founded in 1929, the NDSA is an 87-year-old cattle producer's trade organization that works to unite, protect, promote, educate and serve North Dakota's beef industry.
