Just outside Fordyce, Nebraska, where the rolling hills stretch toward the South Dakota line, you’ll find the Heine Farms Feedyard – a living testament to enduring values, resilient business practices, and a steadfast commitment to responsible stewardship.

For the Heine family, cattle feeding is more than a business. It’s about continuing a legacy that began more than 100 years ago, while safeguarding the future for generations to come, nurturing the land, and building relationships that stand the test of time.

Generations with Purpose

Currently, co-owned in partnership by the sister- and brother-in law team of Janet Heine and Ron Heine, the family story began with Ron’s father, whose vision for a family-run operation was rooted in integrity, care for animals, and a deep understanding of the land. Today, Ron and his son, Ross, represent the second- and third- generations of the Heine family active in the operation. Ron handles the buying and selling, while Ross serves as cattle manager.

“We’ve always put our customers first and that starts with taking care of the land and the animals consistently over time,” Ron says.

With a steady capacity of 14,000 head and annual marketings of 40,000, the Heines have grown their operation carefully, always balancing growth with long-term viability. Their location is strategic – not only for access to nearby packers, but also for efficient grain sourcing. As Ron puts it, “We’re in a spot where we can minimize input costs since there isn’t a lot of competition for corn in this area.”

A Mindset for Longevity

Success in the cattle-feeding business requires more than just grit. It takes adaptability and smart, forward-thinking decisions.

“We’re proud to be a third-generation business, but our real goal is to leave things even better for the next generation,” Ross says. “That means caring for the land, the livestock, and the people who work with us every day.”

The Heines’ approach is grounded in collaboration with their family, trusted nutritionist, and network of customers. Over the years, their feedyard has expanded thoughtfully, recently adding another 5,000–6,000 head while always maintaining their core values.

Responsible Management, Thoughtful Innovation

While the Heine family has deep roots in the industry, they remain committed to continuous improvement and thoughtful innovation. Every decision is made with intention, guided by a forward-looking philosophy to help ensure each choice supports the operation’s long-term sustainability.

“We’re always learning and keeping up with the latest research, working closely with our nutritionist and other partners to find solutions that align with our values and direction of our business,” Ross explains.

Their approach to adopting new practices is measured and collaborative. After careful consultation and side-by-side trials that they conducted at their yard, the Heines became early adopters of Experior® (lubabegron).

“Our Elanco Animal Health territory representative and nutritionist respected our need to move at our own pace,” Ron notes. “We evaluated Experior for its ease of use and fit with our overall management goals.”

Transparency and open communication with their management team have been essential. “Having access to knowledgeable support has helped us make decisions that aren’t just right for today, but will serve us well into the future,” says Ross.

Now, every animal on the Heine yard receives Experior¹. This is a testament to their confidence in its role within their responsible management strategy. Ron explains that the combination of Experior and MGA really fit their needs. “Compared to Optaflexx, we found that a lower dosage over a longer period worked well, and it just made sense for our goals,” he says.

Financial Viability Through Smart Choices

For the Heine family, financial viability is inseparable from sustainability. “We’ve been here for more than 100 years because we’re careful about our choices,” Ron explains. “We invest in tools and practices that help us manage risk, control costs, and keep the operation running smoothly.”

Ross echoes this sentiment: “We look at everything through the lens of the long term. That’s how we protect our business and the livelihood of everyone involved. Good stewardship and good business go hand in hand.”

Building a Sustainable Future

The Heine Farms Feedyard is more than a business – it’s a legacy built on respect: for the land, for their animals, for their customers, and for each other. Their guiding principle is simple: do what’s right, not just what’s easy.

“We’re always thinking about what’s next,” Ron says. “What we do today matters, not just for us, but for everyone who comes after us. That’s why we stay open to new ideas, work hard to protect our resources, and put our customers and community first.”

Sharing the Voice of Experience

For other cattle feeders considering how to adapt and thrive, the Heines offer this advice: “Focus on sustainability in every sense, including environmental, financial, and relational,” says Ross. “Build partnerships you can trust and never stop improving. That’s what’s kept us here for a century, and it’s what will carry our operation, and ultimately the cattle-feeding industry, forward.”

¹Experior is approved for beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter during the last 14 to 91 days on feed.