Join the WCA summer tour on June 29th in eastern Wisconsin

By Blake Jackson

Calling all Wisconsin beef producers! The Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association (WCA) is hosting its annual Summer Tour on June 29th in eastern Wisconsin. This educational event offers a chance to network with fellow cattle farmers and learn about diverse beef production methods.

The tour kicks off at Riveredge Farms, a multi-generational family operation raising Simmental and SimAngus cattle. Established in 1921, the farm transitioned from dairy to focus on beef and cash crops. Tour participants will explore their operations, including a new bedded pack barn, and learn about direct marketing strategies.

Next, the tour heads to Nysse Land and Cattle, a large-scale feeding operation handling 1,800 to 2,200 head of native beef cattle annually. Attendees will discover their sourcing practices, backgrounding techniques, and feeding strategies that utilize corn silage and by-products. Nysse Land and Cattle primarily uses open-front monoslope buildings and windbreaks to house their cattle.

The third stop is Ebert Enterprises, a unique operation encompassing dairy, beef, and crop production. This 7th-generation farm not only raises beef cattle but also manages a dairy with a rotary parlor. The Eberts cultivate a variety of crops like corn, alfalfa, and sorghum.

Their dedication to the farm-to-fork concept extends beyond the farm – they own Salmon's Meat Products, a local smoked meat business, and Homestead Kitchen & Tap, a farm-to-table restaurant.

The final stop brings the tour full circle at Homestead Kitchen & Tap. Here, attendees can witness the culmination of the farm-to-fork philosophy, where ethically raised beef reaches the end consumer. This stop also features a special guest speaker and the recognition of 2024 WCA award and scholarship recipients.

Registration for the tour is $50 per person, with a group discount for four or more. Lunch, dinner appetizers, and drinks are included, but transportation is not. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow cattle producers, learn innovative practices, and celebrate the industry! Register online to secure your spot.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-diane-kuhl