Diltz Lindamood (right) explains the farming practices and equipment used on Lindamood Ranch.
Several Kansas legislators and U.S. congressmen participated in “A Day at the Ranch” April 27 near Eureka. Joined by industry leaders representing numerous facets of Kansas agriculture, the lawmakers received a firsthand look into how farmers and ranchers produce the food consumed daily around the world. Greenwood County ranchers Jamie and Diltz Lindamood and Matt and Amy Perrier organized the tour, along with local volunteers.
Upon boarding the bus in Topeka, the group heard from Natural Resources Conservation Service area range specialist Luke Westerman about the history and geologic makeup of the Flint Hills. The first stop was hosted by Lindamood Ranch near Quincy, where the discussion turned to crop and hay production. Participants had the opportunity to see and touch samples of various crops and climb through tractors and other equipment. Following a beef lunch, the group headed to Dalebanks Angus near Eureka, owned by the Perrier family. The Dalebanks crew demonstrated how cows and calves are worked, while Matt Perrier explained how effective vaccination protocols can reduce the need for antibiotics in beef production. He also highlighted Beef Quality Assurance procedures used on the ranch.
Each ranch stop concluded with a prescribed burn in a nearby pasture. This fostered a discussion about the value of burning for effective range management and the Kansas Smoke Management Plan.