Barta Brothers Ranch

Institutional Affiliation

University of Nebraska Foundation owns the property and the Agriculture Research and Development Center (ARDC) is responsible for the management of the property.

Mission

Based on terms of the donation, the ranch is to serve as a model ranch and provide the facilities and support needed to conduct research and demonstrations relevant to Sandhills ranchers. Educational programs from the ranch are to play an important role in training students and continuing education for ranchers, conservationists, and representatives of federal and state agencies. Research and demonstrations are to focus on long-term grazing management systems and the biotic and abiotic factors associated with such systems.

Location

The ranch is located about 20 miles south of Long Pine in Rock and Brown Counties (42°14'N, 99°39'W).

Overview

The property was acquired from Jim and Clifford Barta in 1996. The ranch is about 6,000 acres in size with over 5,500 acres categorized as upland range. There is about 120 acres of contiguous subirrigated meadow and over 100 acres of discontinuous subirrigated meadow and wetland scattered over the ranch. The building site covers about 35 acres and includes a wide variety of tree resources. Facilities are limited to livestock corrals, a large metal shed, and weather station.

Research

Current research projects focus on plant and livestock response to grazing systems. The site is ideally suited for this type of research as well as questions about ecosystem structure and function in the Sandhills. The rangeland at BBR is in good to excellent condition and is similar to most upland range in the eastern half of the Sandhills. It is an excellent demonstration site for ranchers in this area and is readily accessible by University students and the public. There are no specific restrictions for conducting research although proposals for research must be approved by the BBR Planning Committee, which is chaired by Dennis Bauer.

Education

Individuals or groups wishing to visit BBR for educational or research purposes should contact Dennis Bauer.

Contact

Dennis Bauer, Extension Educator in Ainsworth, is the supervisor and the ARDC representative.

Aerial Photographs (to enlarge, click on an aerial photograph)

Land Use (GAP) Classification (to enlarge, click on the GAP image)

Climate Data

See historical climate data from the nearest weather station at Rose, Nebraska.