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North Dakota feedlot tour to feature central part of state

North Dakota beef producers interested in the state’s growing feedlot industry can take a first-hand look at several newly constructed facilities during the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s (NDSA) 14th annual Feedlot Tour on June 21.

The tour will focus on central North Dakota with stops at Heim Cattle Company near Bismarck, N.D.; Weigel Cattle Company near Kintyre, N.D.; Braun Feedlot near Tappen, N.D.; and the Schlecht Feedlot near Medina, N.D.

The tour bus is filling up, but those wishing to reserve a seat 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.



Heim Cattle Company near Bismarck, N.D., is the tour’s first stop. Alan and Chuckie Heim operate the facility. The custom backgrounding and heifer development feedlot was newly constructed and permitted in 2015 for 999 head. The Heim Cattle Company feedyard features continuous-poured concrete bunks and heavy-use pads, cable feedlot fence and concrete waterers.

Weigel Cattle Company near Kintyre, N.D., is the tour’s second stop. Randy Weigel and his son Steven operate the newly constructed facility, permitted for 2,500 head in 2015. The operation features continuous-pipe fence, continuous-poured concrete bunks and heavy-use pads. The Weigel operation also features a state-of-the-art processing and shipping facility.



The Braun Feedlot near Tappen, N.D., is the third tour stop. Donavin Braun operates the backgrounding operation. Permitted in 2011 for 999 head, the facility includes free-standing panel feedlot fence, concrete bunks and heavy-use pads. The operation also houses a custom-made processing facility and cowboy alleys.

The final tour stop is Schlecht Feedlot owned and operated by Brandon Schlecht of Medina, N.D. Constructed in 2013, the custom backgrounding facility is permitted for 999 head. The operation features guardrail curb fenceline feeding, concrete heavy-use pads, continuous-pipe fencing and custom-designed processing facilities.

The NDSA Feedlot Tour, a project of the NDSA Feeder Council, is free to attend and includes lunch at Napoleon Livestock Auction in Napoleon, N.D.

Founded in 1929, the NDSA is an 86-year-old cattle producer’s trade organization that works to unite, protect, promote, educate and serve North Dakota’s beef industry.

–North Dakota Stockmen’s Association