On Tuesday, July 14, MNGLCA Board Member Troy Salzer and staff member, Leah Matzke hit the road for the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Summer Tour in Marshall, Minnesota. Hosted by the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association and Mississippi Valley Cattlemen’s, the annual tour brought together cattle producers, industry partners, and supporters for a full day of learning, networking, and celebrating the dedication of Minnesota’s cattle industry.

One thing was clear from the very first stop — everyone we talked to had cattle.

The pride, passion, and commitment of Minnesota cattle producers were evident throughout the day. Seven coach buses filled with cattlemen and women traveled across Lyon & Lincoln County, visiting farms that showcased the diversity and innovation of modern beef production.

From seedstock operations to feedyards, diversified family farms, and grazing systems, each stop offered a unique look at the people and practices that keep Minnesota’s cattle industry strong.

Showcasing Minnesota Beef Production

The tour featured several impressive operations, including:

Loyson Farms Inc. — A multi-generational operation featuring row crops, hay production, and a growing cattle feeding enterprise with a variety of housing systems, including open lots, bed packs, confinement, and a new deep pit barn with a gable roof and aeration system.

Triple C Feeders — A fifth-generation cattle feeding operation showcasing a 2,000-head monoslope bed-pack barn, updated cattle housing, and efficient feeding systems.

Todd & Amber Meulebroeck Farms — A diversified cattle and crop operation featuring a new monoslope slatted barn supporting approximately 800 head of cattle.

Weber Land & Cattle — A Red Angus seedstock operation known for quality genetics, cattle sales, and the artwork of renowned painter Michelle Weber.

Delaney Herefords Inc. — A Hereford seedstock farm highlighting advanced genetics with 180 mother cows and 80 replacement heifers.

Vos Cattle — A diverse cattle operation featuring open yards, a hoop barn, cover crops, improved working facilities, and a 650-cow grazing herd.

Coon Creek — A rotational grazing demonstration stop highlighting managed grazing practices and the benefits of improving pasture systems.

A Favorite Stop for MNGLCA: Rotational Grazing at Coon Creek

For our group, one of the highlights of the day was the rotational grazing stop at Coon Creek, sponsored exclusively by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

State Grazing Specialist Jeff Duchene brought the state grazing trailer and shared information about grazing management, pasture systems, and conservation practices that support both livestock production and healthy soils.

It was especially exciting to see rotational grazing represented on a tour celebrating the full scope of Minnesota’s cattle industry. Grazing is an important tool for producers looking to improve forage utilization, increase soil health, and build resilient livestock systems.

Even with the July heat, producers gathered around the trailer, asked questions, and shared ideas — learning from one another remains one of the greatest strengths of agriculture.

A Community Built Around Cattle

While the farms and facilities were impressive, the best part of the day was the people.

The Summer Tour created space for producers to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate the work being done across Minnesota. Conversations happened on buses, between stops, and over meals — proving once again that agriculture is built on relationships.

After a hot day in the field, attendees gathered back together for a delicious brisket lunch and evening steak supper — a fitting celebration of the beef industry and the producers who make it possible.

The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Summer Tour was well organized and showcased the dedication, innovation, and pride found throughout Minnesota’s cattle community. From advanced feeding systems to carefully managed grazing operations, each stop highlighted the passion of families who are working every day to strengthen the future of agriculture.

MNGLCA is grateful for opportunities to connect with producers across the state and celebrate the many ways cattle and conservation work together.