Business Stories
Better Stockmanship Builds Better Business
Cattle producers have long known the importance of properly caring for their animals. At every stage of cattle development and processing – from the cow-calf operation to the feedyard – improving animal-handling practices will lead to more successful cattle operations.
Keeping Up with the Industry
Through the years, Scott Keeling, owner of Keeling Cattle Feeders, had to “move with the times,” adjusting his business model to accommodate a changing industry. He started out feeding about 75 percent customer-owned cattle, 25 percent his own. Now those numbers are almost inverted. “It’s not 75/25 the other way, but it can sure be 60/40 at times,” he says. Taking on that risk and expense himself has become a necessity. “It’s really become tough and the capital requirements are high,” he says. “Some people
A Tribe’s Cattle-Raising Tradition
Some can link the Seminole Tribe’s start in the cattle business back to 1521 (before it was called the “Seminole” tribe), when a cattle trade occurred with Ponce de Leon. Today the tribe’s ranchland spreads over five counties in Central and South Florida, stretching all the way down to the Everglades. Conditions are hot, humid and wet, but the cattle thrive.
CreatingConnections Provides Training for Cattle Producers
Merck Animal Health’s CreatingConnections™ Training Series was developed to help producers, employees, veterinarians and nutritionists give the best possible care for cattle by providing them with education, information and training. The series includes proven practices and techniques for animal handling that help improve cattle well-being and overall herd health.
Five Habits of a Successful Feedyard Entrepreneur
Starting a cattle operation is no easy task. There’s a lot of hard work involved in any job within the cattle business, but what truly sets the successful feedyard owners apart? Read the full article for details.