Hailey
The Flint Hills Beef Fest 2025 was a weekend filled with food, rodeo, music, and celebration. Since its start in 1986, this event has grown into one of the most important festivals for ranchers in the Flint Hills region.
Every year, it brings together families, cattle producers, and the community to celebrate the cattle industry, which plays a major role in the Kansas economy.
From the Ranch Feed barbecue to the Ranch Rodeo, visitors enjoyed delicious beef, fun competitions, and live entertainment.
The Beef Fest is not just about having a good time—it also highlights the importance of grass cattle production and the hard work of ranchers who help preserve the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.
History of Flint Hills Beef Fest
The Flint Hills Beef Fest began in 1986 as a small gathering of local cattlemen. Over the decades, it has grown into a non-profit community event run by volunteers who are passionate about the cattle industry.
Its mission is to promote progressive ranching practices, educate the public about the value of beef, and celebrate the culture of ranching families.
The Flint Hills region is one of the last native tallgrass prairies in the United States, making it a special place for cattle grazing. The festival reminds people of the connection between land, cattle, and community.
Friday Night Highlights
The festival kicked off with a Ranch Feed barbecue dinner, where around 400–450 meals were served. Pitmaster Dan Schneider and his team cooked beef brisket and signature baked beans with pulled pork, making it a crowd favorite.
After the dinner, everyone gathered for the Ranch Rodeo, a showcase of ranching skills performed by local cowboys and ranchers. Families and children enjoyed the excitement of cattle roping, riding, and traditional rodeo events.
Quote from Organizers
Brian Rees, a board member, said:
“It’s a little warm this evening, but between this really good brisket dinner and the ranch rodeo, it’s worth it.”
Saturday Activities
Saturday was filled with even more fun for ranchers and families. Some of the key activities included:
- Morning Cornhole Tournament – a friendly competition for all ages.
- Mechanical Calf Roping – kids and adults tested their cowboy skills.
- Free Hamburger Feed – open to the public, highlighting high-quality beef.
- Awards Banquet and Steak Dinner – where about 900 guests enjoyed 1,000 grilled steaks prepared by long-time board member Dale Putman.
The evening ended with live music from the Steve Kile Band and entertainment by Greg Claassen, giving everyone a chance to dance and celebrate.
Cattle Industry Importance
One of the main purposes of the Beef Fest is to highlight the economic impact of cattle ranching. Ranchers spoke about the strong cattle market in 2025, which gave them a reason to celebrate.
Long-time member Larry Fowler explained:
“If you was a gamblin’ man, it was a good summer to gamble. I’m hedged. Maybe not totally hedged, but I’m hedged.”
This shows how ranchers carefully balance risk and reward in the cattle market.
Community and Generational Bond
The Beef Fest is not just about today—it is also about the next generation of ranchers. Young participants like Ryatt Windle and Porter Peak, both 11 years old, said they were excited to help and be part of the event.
Groups like the Bluestem Cattlewomen, active since 1957, also supported the festival by promoting women in ranching and selling items to raise awareness.
Fun Fact and Tradition
One popular saying in ranching culture is:
“Eat More Beef. The West Wasn’t Won On Salad.”
This old bumper sticker represents the pride of cattle ranchers and their belief in the importance of beef in American history and culture.
| Event / Activity | Day | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch Feed Barbecue & Rodeo | Friday | 400–450 meals, brisket & beans, rodeo excitement |
| Stocker Show & Seminar | Friday | Cattle showcase & educational talks |
| Cornhole Tournament | Saturday | Family-friendly competition |
| Mechanical Calf Roping | Saturday | Kids & adults participated |
| Free Hamburger Feed | Saturday | Open to public, highlight on beef quality |
| Awards Banquet & Steak Dinner | Saturday | 900 guests, 1,000 steaks grilled |
| Entertainment & Dance | Saturday | Greg Claassen & Steve Kile Band |
The 2025 Flint Hills Beef Fest once again proved why it is such an important celebration for the cattle industry and community. From delicious food and exciting rodeo events to honoring ranchers’ hard work, this festival connects generations and shows pride in beef production.
It highlights how ranchers not only raise quality cattle but also protect the tallgrass prairie for future generations. With nearly 40 years of tradition, the Beef Fest continues to be a symbol of Kansas pride, unity, and the enduring spirit of the ranching lifestyle.