Located in the central part of the United States, the Sandhills of Nebraska, covering nearly a quarter of the state, northwest of the city of Kearney, have been home to a thriving cattle industry for centuries. This unique ecosystem, characterized by rolling hills of sand dune topography, has played a significant role in the history and development of Nebraska, offering ideal grazing conditions for livestock, particularly cattle.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Sandhills cattle industry began to take shape, as early settlers and ranchers discovered the region's vast potential for grazing. Many notable cattlemen, such as Addison E. Sheldon, took advantage of the area's favorable conditions to establish large ranches and establish themselves as prominent figures in the industry. The most successful among these cattlemen in Nebraska were those who recognized the importance of adopting and refining management techniques that addressed the specific needs and limitations of the region.

One of the key techniques developed in the Sandhills region is rotational grazing. This system of grazing allowed cattlemen to ensure an adequate source of forage for their animals throughout the year, reducing the wear and tear on the land caused by continuous grazing. Furthermore, rotational grazing enabled cattlemen to recover more effectively from the frequent droughts that plagued the region.

The influence of the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1904 further aided in the development of advanced cattle management techniques, such as crossbreeding, to create hardy breeds that could thrive in the region. This was most notably demonstrated by the efforts of UNL animal sciences professor and renowned cattle expert, M.E. Ensminger, who is often credited with introducing novel principles in animal breeding to create breeds such as the now widely popular Red Angus.

At the center of the Sandhills cattle industry lies Hyannis, Nebraska's largest town in Grant County. With a significant proportion of local ranchers and cattle owners dependent on this small rural community for essential services and goods, including auctions, veterinary care, and equipment supplies, this modest town has become an integral hub within the Sandhills cattle industry.

In many cases, operations such as the Kinkaid-Robbins act as shining examples of establishments carrying on the traditions set forth by early settlers in the region, continuing to benefit the economy and biodiversity of the region. Cattlemen have found that balancing effective and sustainable animal husbandry techniques is critical in avoiding significant costs due to ecosystem degradation, increasing local erosion rates, or depleting important soil nutrient compositions.

Additionally, natural open spaces critical to ecosystem conservation, such as Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in western Garden County near Ellsworth and Oshkosh, often coincide with livestock grazing in the Sandhills. Evidently, cattlemen can often coexist with local wildlife areas as their use of seasonal grazing can frequently benefit nearby wildlife habitats.

Although today the cattle industry has evolved significantly from the time of the early settlers, there remains an unbreakable nexus between managing the environmental factors that helped give rise to the phenomenon in the Sandhills and to preserving a staple of local culture and regional reputation.