It has taken many years to get us where we are today, but we’re just getting started. Here’s a look at our history so far:

1971

Decatur County Feed Yard opened its gates. Fred Willard was the first manager, followed by George Hardy.

1977

Milton Nitsch bought Decatur, with son-in-law Warren Weibert stepping up as manager. Warren still runs the business today.

1980

Began specializing in calf feeding.

1987

Became one of the first feed yards in the country to sort cattle using chute scales (to measure weight) and ultrasound (to measure backfat).

1988 to 1990

Served as the site for High Plains Steer Futurity.

1989 to 1990

Acted as the site for 4-H Steer Futurity.

1990 to 1995

Served as the Certified Angus Beef Value Discovery Project site.

1992

Became the first commercial feed yard to sort fed cattle using video imaging.

1992 to 1993

Hosted the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Strategic Alliances Pilot Project.

1994

Began using our electronic cattle management system (ACCU-TRAC® Electronic Cattle Management System) to track cattle all the way from the ranch to the processor. This system enhances sorting, food safety, and quality assurance, and allows Decatur to participate in age and source verification programs.

1994 to 1997

The number of cattle managed under the electronic management system grew from 7,700 head to more than 30,000.

1996 to 1998

Participated in the American Hereford Association Genetic Outreach Program (now called the National Hereford Feedout).

1997 to 2002

Future Beef Operations investor and participating feedlot.

1998

Warren Weibert received the Ladd Hitch Award for innovation and leadership in the beef industry.

2006

Developed our own USDA Quality Systems Assessment Program — which allows Decatur to market age and source verified cattle into the Japanese market for a higher value.

2011

Celebrated 40 years of business, thanks to our loyal clients.