Bill Dicke’s life and career have had a major impact on the cattle feeding industry, not only in Nebraska but throughout the major beef-producing regions of the United States. Since launching Cattlemen’s Consulting Service in 1981, then Dicke Consulting, LLC, in 2015, his vigorous approach to innovative problem-solving in livestock nutrition has enhanced the management and profitability of feedlots and ranches in many states
Bill Dicke’s life and career have had a major impact on the cattle feeding industry, not only in Nebraska but throughout the major beef producing regions of the United States. Since launching Cattlemen’s Consulting Service in 1981, then Dicke Consulting, LLC, in 2015, his vigorous approach to innovative problem-solving in livestock nutrition has enhanced the management and profitability of feedlots and ranches in many states.
Bill’s foundation as a thinker, a doer and a leader was laid in his upbringing in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, near the community of Wauneta. The family farm, which Bill continues to maintain, has been in his family for over a century. Bill was recognized early on by area agribusiness leaders as a young man with potential, and he enjoyed their support as he launched his career. He went from a student leader at Wauneta to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a BS in Animal Science and Ag Economics in 1972, and an MS in Ruminant Nutrition in 1974.
After gaining experience in three industry positions, he began his independent practice in McCook, Nebraska, in 1981, later moving the enterprise to Lincoln. It
grew to become one of the largest private feedlot consulting practices in America, influencing over 1 million heads of cattle on feed at its zenith. He was named to the 2021 “Legends of Feedlot Nutrition” by the Plains Nutrition Council at Texas A&M University.
Always interested in building for the future of the livestock industry, for several years Bill lectured in classes for graduate students in Animal Science at UNL, many of whom went on to careers in feedlot consulting. He also collaborated on a number of feedlot research trials conducted at feedlots operated by his clients. The Kenny Eng fundraising effort that supported five years of confined cow research was also established with Bill’s assistance. He is well known at UNL as someone who is committed to the training of students, and a supporter of teaching, research and extension education. He has been celebrated as the 2013 Block & Bridle Club Honoree and received the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from
the Department of Animal Science, among other honors.
Bill and his wife, Laurie, are the proud parents of two daughters and have seven grandchildren. They are active members of St Mark’s United Methodist Church, have been foster parents and hosted eight high school-age foreign exchange students. They have also been a Nebraska family for several international students at UNL. In addition, Bill has been a TeamMates mentor in Lincoln Public Schools.
Bill Dicke’s compassionate leadership, always expressed through the heart of a wise and thoughtful servant, has made the world a better place for many.
