I had an interesting conversation with a young woman from a Journalism class a few weeks ago who asked to interview me about Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) in livestock production, specifically the environmental impacts of cattle feedlots. A Meat Science professor had recommended me since I have spent most of my life acquainted with … Continue reading What Can We Do About Environmental Impacts of Cattle Feedlots?
What do feedlot cattle eat? Ask a Farmer
I have had several conversations where folks assume that grain-finished cattle have little to no access to grass. That is not the complete truth and many are surprised to learn just how short the period is that those cattle remain in the feedlot. The majority of the animal's life is on pasture. Recently I have … Continue reading What do feedlot cattle eat? Ask a Farmer
What is a cattle feedlot? | Ask a Farmer
What is a factory farm? What is a CAFO? What is a cattle feedlot? These and numerous other questions are some that I receive on a weekly basis pertaining to cattle production. I have spent most of my life becoming better acquainted with many aspects of cattle production. Over the next several posts, I hope … Continue reading What is a cattle feedlot? | Ask a Farmer
Why I Occupy My Food Supply
When was the last time you walked down the grocery aisle and looked at food labels. I bet you probably look at the Nutritional Facts and maybe a few flashy labels for the latest trending buzz word. But have you looked at the manufacturer information on the label? Or even the country of origin label? … Continue reading Why I Occupy My Food Supply
The Care Package: Video About Cattle Welfare
Cattle Welfare. The cattle are here, it's what we do. It's our passion and this business if our livelihood. Bottom line is the cattle are handled better today than they ever were before. The words of this Colorado cattle feedlot operator couldn't be more representative of cattlemen across the country. On farms, ranches, and many … Continue reading The Care Package: Video About Cattle Welfare
McDonald’s Advertisement Misleading, Cattle Full of Antibiotics
When responses get too long... I had a comment on my post about McDonald's new farmer ad campaign this weekend and my response became a bit lengthy. I guess it just hit a spot when people start assuming things about cattle feeding operations and that real farmers aren't out there in the pasture with their … Continue reading McDonald’s Advertisement Misleading, Cattle Full of Antibiotics
I’m Holding a What?!?
So I posted this photo at the end of my post yesterday, I got a few concerned comments, and I love it. I gotta go a little AgNerd on ya and say that placentas are kind of intriguing. How can something that forms from nothing provide an environment for a developing fetus, act as the … Continue reading I’m Holding a What?!?
Tales from the Literate Cowboy
I'll be the first to admit. I love telling stories of life in the cattle business. This is the second part of our discussion over breakfast last Thursday at the feedyard. This group of cowboys has seen some hard times; specifically the winter of 1991. Seems every cowboy around that table had a story to … Continue reading Tales from the Literate Cowboy
Tales of the Cowboy Round Table
When many people were just headed to bed on Thursday night, the Cowboys and I were getting up to ship starters at the feedyard. This "Moon-light" shipping, if you will, is the lucky draw from the meat plant. No one loves to get up at 2 a.m. and ship cattle, but I won't complain as … Continue reading Tales of the Cowboy Round Table
We Shall Call Him Jumper
Have you ever worked with cattle from far South Texas? Several of those Gerts are some kinda flighty. Not add on the athleticism of a Longhorn and you have a steer who thinks fences are hurdles on a track field. I spent the entire day trying to keep this ole steer in the feedyard. The … Continue reading We Shall Call Him Jumper