Bill Dicke
Bill Dicke was born October 22, 1949 in McCook, NE. He was involved with 4-H and FFA at an early age, and his projects included market beef, dairy and horses as well as livestock judging. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1968. In 1972 Bill received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with double majors of Animal Science and Agricultural Economics. Bill continued his graduate education in Ruminant Nutrition and completed his Masters degree in 1974.
Bill began his professional career as Director of Technical Service and Assistant Nutritionist at ZIP Feed Mills in Sioux Falls, SD. He then progressed toward the nutritional consulting business, having experience working for Scott Pro, Inc., in Scott City, KS and Koers Consulting in Salina, KS. In 1981, Bill founded his own independent nutritional consulting firm, Cattlemen’s Nutrition Services, in McCook, NE. Today, Cattlemen's Nutrition Services, LLC now headquartered in Lincoln, NE, is one of the largest independent consulting firms in the United States. The company consults for about 130 clients in 13 states. During the past eight years, Bill has brought three UNL graduate nutritionists into his business. Bill manages the Dicke Family farm in Dundy County, NE. The farm received the AK-SAR-BEN Pioneer Farm Award in 2009. In 2013 Bill was nominated for the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.
Bill married his wife Laurie in 1975. They have 2 daughters, Javanah and Sarah and 5 grandchildren. Bill is also very active with youth in the community. Both Bill and Laurie serve as TeamMate mentors for students in Lincoln Public Schools and have hosted several high school age foreign exchange students. Bill is a former 4-H leader.
Bill is a member of the Ag Builders of Nebraska and served on its board from 2005-2010. Bill serves on the nominating committee for the National Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame, and the Education Committee of the Nebraska Cattlemen. In addition, Bill is a member of the American Society of Animal Sciences, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, Kansas Livestock Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, High Plains Nutrition Council, the UNL Alumni Association and charter member of the CASNR Alumni Association. Bill has also served on nutrition advisory boards for several pharmaceutical companies and agri-business firms throughout the last three decades.
Bill is a devoted supporter of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Department of Animal Science. He is an enthusiastic fundraiser for University of Nebraska–Lincoln research and teaching programs. Bill’s commitment to students is demonstrated by giving time to present lectures in graduate level feedlot nutrition classes. Bill and Laurie are also regular participants in the Annual Block and Bridle Steak Fry.
The UNL Block & Bridle Club recognizes another Nebraskan who exhibits dedication, integrity, and entrepreneurship in agriculture--the 2013 Honoree, Bill Dicke.