Franzen Feeders

Previously known as Blue River Cattle Co., was purchased by the Franzen Family in September 2025 after working for the company for seven years. Our focus as a feed lot is in custom cattle feeding and providing locally fed beef to the community at reasonable prices.

Meet the Team

Preston Franzen and Bryce Franzen

This father and son duo, originally from the Brady/Gothenburg, NE area, were both born into family run cattle operations and have been working cattle since they were old enough to walk. After Preston graduated collage, the stars aligned for both Bryce and Preston to move to Aurora, NE to chase their dream of custom cattle feeding as a father and son duo. Using their management skills and standing in the cattlemen’s community the Franzen boys were able to turn Franzen Feeders into a reliable source for all custom cattle and beef production needs. The personal experience and care they bring to the operation makes the feedlot not just a job for them, but a way of life. The Franzen family prides themselves on their commitment to their customers individual needs and their day-to-day consistency for the animals in their care.

Preston and Megan Franzen

Preston and Megan Franzen met in their collage years while Preston attended Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, Ne and Megan attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Ne. Preston went on to get his Bachelors of Science and Sport Management and Business Administration, while Megan got her Bachelors of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, specializing in Cardiovascular Interventional Technologies. After collage they moved to Aurora, NE to chase the dream of owning, what is now, Franzen Feeders. Preston went on to work for the feedlot full time while Megan worked in the medical field. Preston and Megan married in 2022 and went on to have their first son in 2025. After purchasing Franzen Feeders Megan joined the feedlot team while still working part time in the IR/Cath Lab. Along with running Franzen Feeders Preston is passionate about the future of the cattle industry and making a difference through his involvement in the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Class of 2025 and as the President of the York County Cattlemen’s Association. The Franzen’s are zealous about providing great care to all customers and animals under their care.

Bryce Franzen and Melany Dutrow

Bryce and Melany have been together in life and business for twenty four years. They raised six kids together in Brady, NE as the “Brady Bunch,” while also having cattle operations within the area of Brady and Gothenburg and both working full time jobs. The family later moved to the family home in Gothenburg, NE while the children attended high school. After the kids had left the house, through their contacts in the cattle industry Bryce and Melany were presented with the opportunity to move to Aurora, NE to manage and eventually purchase what was then Blue River Cattle Co. After moving to the area Bryce started right in on transforming Franzen Feeders into the successful business it is today, and Melany took a job at the local hardware store. Melany has since left the hardware store and now focuses on helping with their many grandchildren and at the feedlot. Bryce and Melany’s years of experience bring a unique and reliable perspective to Franzen Feeders as we continue to grow into the future.