Flint Hills Beef Fest Celebrates the Grass Cattle Industry

When traveling through Kansas you will probably see a sign that says “One Kansas Farmer Feeds More Than 155 People + you!” In the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, the saying would be about ranchers and cattle where it’s easy to spot a herd grazing on the lush, emerald-green tallgrass that defines the region.

And there’s even a festival for that! The 36th annual Flint Hills Beef Fest kicks off in Emporia on August 23, 2024. This annual celebration spotlights the grass cattle industry for which the Flint Hills are known around the world.

Most of us know shockingly little about how that juicy delicious ribeye or T-bone got to our plates. The goal of the non-profit Flint Hills Beef Fest organization, led by a dedicated group of volunteers who care deeply about the beef industry, is promoting the grass cattle industry for which the Flint Hills is known. Cattlemen and women continue to preserve one of the last remaining stands of native tallgrass prairie through informed cattle grazing management.

Several contests during the weekend event are designed to showcase the quality and economic competitiveness of Flint Hills cattle. The schedule of events itself is an education in where your beef comes from and why grass cattle beef is so good.

Friday, Aug. 23, begins with a 9:00 a.m. Live Stocker Show at Emporia Livestock Sales Co., at 502 Albert St. in Emporia. The sale barn has a long and colorful history itself. Established in 1925 by Paul Hatcher and selling Holstein dairy cattle, horses, mules and hogs, the first expansion took place in 1939–adding a restaurant and adding tractors to the sales offerings. By 1941, sales were narrowed to strictly cattle. Here’s an insider tip–you might want to go early and treat yourself to a hearty homestyle breakfast at the Cowboy Cafe, adjacent to Emporia Livestock. 

Friday also includes a Beef Producers Seminar at the Bowyer Building, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. That evening at 6:00 p.m., you won’t want to miss the Ranch Feed, also at the Bowyer Building, and the Ranch Rodeo at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Arena, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday events include a Cornhole Tournament at the Bowyer Building at 9:00 a.m. (registration commences at 8:30 a.m.), and a free Hamburger Feed at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairgrounds. The evening is filled with entertainment: an awards banquet and steak dinner at the Anderson Building, followed by entertainer Eric Dittelman and dancing to the Steve Kile Band at the Bowyer Building.

The Flint Hills Beef Fest Golf Tournament will be held at the Emporia Municipal Golf Course on August 17.

So, pull on your boots and slap on your Stetson–and get yourself down to the Flint Hills Beef Fest, Aug. 23-24, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Emporia!

While you’re here, be like our responsible Flint Hills ranchers, and learn more about our Visit Emporia Pledge, which encourages everyone to be good stewards of our community and environment during your time here with us. 

1. Stay golden.
2. Leave no trace.
3. Respect the land and its people.

Find out how YOU can take the Visit Emporia Pledge here.

Visit Emporia is the official Visitor Information Center for Emporia offering brochures and maps of Emporia, surrounding areas, and the state of Kansas. Drop in to visit us at 719 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the Visit Emporia website for more information or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for more activities and events.

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