Why are outdoor cattle feedlots common in the High Plains?

Outdoor cattle feedlots are common in the High Plains primarily because the region's dry climate is considered ideal for fattening cattle. Since the 1970s, these operations have concentrated in this area, which spans parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado.1

The region's environment supports the efficiency of feedlot operations in several ways:

• Climate: The arid conditions help manage the large amounts of manure produced by cattle, as it dries out more quickly than in humid environments.1
• Infrastructure: The High Plains are major grain-producing areas. Because feedlots rely on high-energy diets of grains and legumes to maximize weight gain, the proximity to these harvests reduces logistical costs.1
• Economic Efficiency: The combination of available land, established irrigation for grain production, and a climate conducive to large-scale animal management allows for the scientific and efficient production of beef.1

While these outdoor facilities are effective for production, they require careful management of dust, drainage, and waste to mitigate environmental and health challenges.1