Cattle producers from across Nebraska converged in Kearney Thursday to talk about the state of the beef industry.

Of major concern is getting the younger generation involved on the state's farms and ranches. In a state with more cattle than people, industry leaders say the people that raise those cattle are doing well this year.

"Cattle markets in Nebraska have been very high this year. We've had good fat cattle markets and we've had excellent feeder cattle markets," said Todd Schroeder
Nebraska Cattlemen vice president.

"We're out in the drought area and even though our crops have not been very good the past five years. The beef industry has been holding up quite well for us," he said.

Nebraska cattlemen met in Kearney to discuss the issues facing the industry.

"there's issues that are environmental. there's issues affecting us on consumer demand," Schroeder

And issues on bringing young people to Nebraska's farms and ranches.

"There's definitely a lot of opportunity for young people and it would be very good if a lot of people could visit our place to visit the ranches and farms to get an idea of what is going on out there," said Lloyd Frendsen, Cambridge cattle producer.

It's already the plan for some young people.

"I'm going to return back to our farm and raise cattle. It's kind of scary when you think about all the kids that are going back that are my age. There's really not that many," said Jerry Wallen, Curtis.

But for those who do, at least these past few years have been profitable.

Industry leaders say input costs, for fuel for example, are always a concern when it comes to cutting into profits.