Over 200 ranchers and beef industry leaders attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) 20^th Annual Open House Wednesday, August 21. 

Speakers from Darr Feedlot, Elanco, the Livestock Marketing Information Center, and the University of Nebraska covered a wide range of topics including calf health, cattle markets, and cow efficiency. The day ended with breakout sessions focused on beef systems research, economic strategies, and grazing management strategies. In addition to a full schedule of speakers, industry vendors and supporters interacted and discussed issues affecting ranching operations. 

The Open House also introduced the newsletter, GSL Researcher. The GSL Researcher will be produced in the spring and fall. Travis Mulliniks, UNL Range Cow Nutritionist, says the newsletter is designed to provide timely information to producers, updates of current events at GSL, and write-ups of current GSL research projects. Individuals can subscribe to future newsletters by emailing travis.mulliniks@unl.edu.

Pete and Abbie Gudmundsen, donated their Rafter C Ranch, located near Whitman, to the University of Nebraska Foundation in 1978. Since then, research in animal science, range management, soil science, veterinary medicine, economics, entomology, geology, hydrology, forestry and wildlife at GSL has increased understanding of the Sandhills ecosystem. This systems-based research drove the creation of the Nebraska Ranch Practicum. The Practicum is a three-season, hands-on educational program that gives ranchers and industry professionals the skills and education needed in today's ranching industry. The 21^st Practicum class began in June and will conclude in January 2020.

The 21^st GSL Open House will be Wednesday, August 26, 2020.