The Grassland Gallery Awaits, Free of Charge

NIOBRARA VALLEY VINEYARDS

&

DIAMOND LAZY J RANCH

CHERRY COUNTY, NE - JUNE 13TH 2026

Nestled in the scenic Nebraska Sandhills near the historic village of Nenzel, Niobrara Valley Vineyards and Diamond Lazy J Ranch offer a unique blend of agricultural tradition, innovation, and rural hospitality. Family-owned and operated for five generations, this working ranch and vineyard showcase the dedication, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit of Nebraska agriculture.

​

Diamond Lazy J Ranch specializes in high-quality purebred Angus and Balancer cattle, producing top-tier two-year-old bulls and replacement heifers. The ranch also grows and sells premium alfalfa hay, supported by advanced practices such as rotational grazing, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and center pivot irrigation to enhance herd quality and land stewardship.

​

Niobrara Valley Vineyards features four acres of grapes complemented by sourced varieties, producing approximately 30,000 bottles of wine annually. The winery includes a welcoming tasting room, a fully accessible event center with seating for up to 250 guests, and distribution through nearly 90 retail outlets across Nebraska.

​

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, guided vineyard and production tours, and even ranch tours into the beautiful Sandhills landscape. Whether hosting events, educating visitors about agriculture, or sharing their family story, Niobrara Valley Vineyards and Diamond Lazy J Ranch deliver an authentic Nebraska experience rooted in heritage, innovation, and community pride.

NEBRASKA GRAZING CONFERENCE

BUFFALO COUNTY, NE - AUGUST 4TH 2026

Grassland Gallery will make a special appearance at the 2026 Nebraska Grazing Conference (NGC) is the 26th Annual Conference in the long history of serving Nebraska’s graziers, a history that began at the first conference in Kearney, Neb., on Aug. 13-14, 2001. It began as a vision of Terry Gompert and Bob Scriven (Nebraska Extension Educators) who recognized a need to serve “ranchers, farmers, wildlife managers, conservation groups, and advisers who wanted to make grazing a profitable enterprise” and manage our grasslands in a sustainable way. An exploratory meeting was convened by the Center for Grassland Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln on October 20, 2000. Dr. Martin Massengale, Founding Director of the Center for Grassland Studies, Dr. Bruce Anderson, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, and Dr. Rick Rasby, Department of Animal Science, led the discussion. As a result of the overwhelming response from a variety of producers, professional organizations, and state and federal agencies, the Nebraska Grazing Conference Coordinating Committee was established with members representing the diversity of those expressing an interest in a statewide grazing conference. The Center for Grassland Studies was identified as the conference’s host organization.

​

The land-grant philosophy of teaching, research, and extension to first serve the citizens of the state remains the NGC hallmark:

• The NGC is still focused on ranchers, farmers, wildlife managers, land managers, conservation interests, and advisors;

• NGC topics for the subsequent year are provided by an audience survey and a conference planning committee to insure relevance and encompass a wide array of grazing land issues;

• There have been 439 speakers through 2021 and 168 have been producers emphasizing that everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner;

• Both basic and applied research is often introduced that becomes the foundation for future management innovation;

• Translation of research findings to production-level implementation is the focus of extension presentations;

• The NGC has always enjoyed rich collaborations across many state and federal agencies and not-for-profit groups that provide management insights.

HAYTHORN LAND AND CATTLE CO.

KEITH COUNTY, NE - SEPTEMBER 26TH 2026

Experience the Heart of Nebraska Ranching! Nestled in the rolling Sandhills just north of Ogallala, Nebraska, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. epitomizes the spirit of American ranching. Founded in 1884 and family-operated for five generations, this historic working ranch raises commercial Black Angus cattle and foundation-bred American Quarter Horses on the vast grass-stabilized dunes of western Nebraska.

​

On September 26, 2026, we invite you to join an enriching event that highlights the legacy, landscape, and livestock traditions of the Sandhills. Set against the backdrop of sweeping prairie, wildflowers, and big Nebraska skies, this experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with ranching life through authentic, place-based storytelling and activities.

​

Visitors will experience a working ranch operation and see firsthand how cattle and horses are raised on this iconic Sandhills landscape. Join us and learn about the Haythorn family’s deep roots in the region and their world-recognized horse breeding program. Breathe in the expansive views of the Nebraska Sandhills — a living grassland sustained by the Ogallala Aquifer and home to abundant wildlife and native grasses.

​

This event offers a welcoming space for ranchers, artists, educators, families, students, and curious visitors alike to experience the land, traditions, and innovation of Nebraska’s ranching heritage. Mark your calendar for September 26, 2026 — and discover the resilience, culture, and community that make the Haythorn Ranch a treasured part of the Great Plains.