Nebraska
See how Nebraska beef farmers and ranchers are raising sustainable beef through award-winning environmental efforts.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
Generational Nebraska Ranch Places Land and Wildlife Conservation Efforts Front-and-Center
The Switzer Ranch located in Burwell, Nebraska is home to over 12,000 acres of native grassland that has been with the Switzer family for four generations. Twelve years ago, after noticing the native prairie grouse habitat was disappearing, the family implemented biodiversity goals using the ecological processes that helped shape the Great Plains: fire and grazing. The family implemented rotational grazing and controlled burns in the area which has helped improve water quality, soil health and root systems in the environmentally-sensitive Sandhills. By working with local organizations, they also installed wildlife-friendly fencing, added wildlife escape ramps in their watering tanks, and implemented bird and wildlife-friendly haying practices. Not only did their efforts lead to an uptick in bird watchers visiting the ranch, Audubon Nebraska designated the ranch as an Important Bird Area, one the first private properties in Nebraska with this designation. The Switzer family also recognizes the importance of educating others on the value of conservation efforts. In addition to their cattle ranch, the family operates nature-based tourism that offers lodging, event space, river float trips and eco-tours of the Sandhills. For their efforts in wildlife and land conservation, the Switzer Family was awarded the 2021 Leopold Conservation Award.
"Our focus really started to shift from being solely a cow-calf ranch to being a ranch with biodiversity goals." - Sarah Sortum, Switzer Ranch
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
Homer Buell Family
The Homer Buell family is part of the fabric of the Nebraska Sandhills. For over 130 years, they have ranched in Nebraska, while caring for the land, water, and wildlife that each Buell generation passed on to the next. In 2012, the Buell family received the Leopold Conservation Award for their preservation and enhancement of the unique landscape of the Nebraska Sandhills. Each generation has worked to grow and improve the operations through care, creativity, and hard work.
Raising Beef in Nebraska
With cattle outnumbering Nebraskans nearly four to one, beef production represents Nebraska’s single largest industry and the engine that powers the state’s economy. Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, the beef community shares a commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way. Learn more about the people and the process involved in raising beef from pasture to plate.
popular Nebraska-inspired recipes
FLAT IRON STEAKS WITH GRILLED CORN AND CUMIN-LIME BUTTER
This easy grilled recipe comes with a bonus recipe for the leftovers. Two meals in one never tasted so good!
CLASSIC BEEF REUBEN SANDWICH
Try this deli classic for lunch or dinner today. Thinly sliced deli Corned Beef or Pastrami is sandwiched between rye bread with sauerkraut and a tangy home-made dressing.
Nebraska Fact
Nebraska is home to several culinary innovations such as the Rueben Sandwich and Kool-Aid.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
Nebraska Beef COuncil Facebook
Check out the Nebraska Beef Council's Facebook page to stay updated with the latest news.