Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program

Day 4 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | Gregory Research Feedlots

Connected the dots with seeing calves on feed from Nichols Farm genetics and how they capture feed intake data during finishing. A custom feedlot captures data from the day animals arrive until they find the right fit on the rail for retained ownership and meeting client needs.

Day 3 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | Boyert-Core

Spent the afternoon with Bailey and Deb, learning about how embryo transfer plays a major role in their show cattle operation. Despite being one of the top show heifer producers in the country, their family and customers are what drives their success!

Day 3 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | Vermeer

Rooted in family and ingenuity, Gary Vermeer established a company that is “equipped to do more”. We learned about the history of the company, toured the museum and walked through manufacturing and assembly of hay balers from their Forage Line.

Day 2 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | Nichols Farm

“Best in every weigh”

Commercially based seedstock operation that started collecting data before data was even important. Supplying Angus, Simmental, South Devon and composite bulls all over the Midwest.

Day 2 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | Gilman Shorthorns

We visited a multi-generational seedstock operation that prioritizes maintaining a balance between maternal and carcass traits to produce functional cattle.

Day 2 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | AMVC

Talked with Dr. Travis Hargens DVM about the Embryo Services. We learned about reproductive technologies to enhance genetics in the beef industry.

Day 1 |2026 Beef Study Tour | A to Z Feeders

The tour provided insights into the family’s journey and offered valuable advice: “Don’t Fence Yourself In.” They also talked about the importance of transitioning generations within the operation was emphasized.

Deep Bed Confinement (Mono Slope Barn) offers several advantages over open dry lot pens.

Wagyu and Wagyu x Angus cross cattle have proven to be a successful niche market for them.

Day 1 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | 🌽Elite Octane 🌽
We learned about the process of converting corn into ethanol, as well as the byproduct, distillers grains which is either shipped by rail or fed to cattle at local feedlots and dairy farms.

The facility produces approximately 440,000 gallons of ethanol daily.

We also went inside one of the largest grain bins, which had a diameter of 156 feet. It was so large that an airplane could fit inside it!

Thank you Mike for the fantastic tour!

Day 1 | 2026 Beef Study Tour | 🥩Greater Omaha 🥩

We had the opportunity to tour the facility first thing this morning. The focus of Greater Omaha is on producing higher-quality meat to meet consumer demands. They are also implementing technology to enhance efficiency and precision in their production processes. Thank you former beef scholar, Joe Sonderman, for the great tour!

SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The University of Nebraska is looking to fill a paid summer internship position at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory - UNL near Whitman, NE, working in beef cattle production. The successful candidate will assist with general ranch management duties such as fencing, checking water, moving, weighing, vaccinating, and sorting cattle. Additionally, duties will include mowing and preparing the grounds for field days and tours. Occasionally, the intern will be asked to help with data collection related to rangeland monitoring as well as with cattle. Housing is available in the GSL dorms.

Students interested in this summer employment opportunity should contact John Nollette at (308) 458-8236.