Feedlot Cattle Operation

Summary

Josh Holman, a fourth-generation farmer from Garner, Iowa, runs a feedlot and cow-calf operation. Cattle are raised in model slope barns and carefully fed until they reach market weight. Holman ensures cattle health through daily monitoring, vaccinations, and individual identification. Manure from the feedlot is used to fertilize crops, which in turn feed the cattle. With the help of performance analytics, the farm adjusts feed to optimize cattle growth. The cattle are sent to a local packing plant, where they are graded for quality. Holman’s goal is to provide consumers with healthy, high-quality beef products.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Holman family runs a fourth-generation farm in Garner, Iowa, specializing in feedlot and cow-calf operations.
• 😀 Cattle are raised in model slope barns and fed specifically for processing into meat products like steaks and roasts.
• 😀 The feedlot operation consists of two sites where cattle are raised from 500-700 pounds to 1300 pounds over 18 months.
• 😀 Upon arrival at the feedlot, cattle are vaccinated and tagged for individual identification to ensure their health.
• 😀 Daily health checks are conducted on the cattle, including inspecting their feed intake and treating sick cattle as needed.
• 😀 Cornstalk bales are used for bedding three days a week, and pens are cleaned every few weeks.
• 😀 Manure is collected, stored in the summer, and spread on fields in the fall to provide nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for crops.
• 😀 Feed amounts are adjusted daily based on how much is left in the cattle’s bunk, aiming for optimal feed efficiency.
• 😀 Performance Beef Analytics is used to track feed consumption, average daily gain, and feed efficiency to manage cattle health and productivity.
• 😀 Cattle are sent to a local USDA beef packing plant for grading, with prime and choice grades being the goal due to their higher marbling and desirability.
• 😀 The Holman family aims to provide a safe, healthy, and high-quality eating experience for consumers, prioritizing their satisfaction.

Q & A

What type of operation does Josh Holman run in Garner, Iowa?

Josh Holman operates a fourth-generation family farm with a feedlot and cow-calf operation in Garner, Iowa. The cattle are raised in model slope barns and fed specifically for processing into meat products such as steaks and roasts.

What is the weight range of cattle when they arrive at the feedlot?

When cattle arrive at the feedlot, they typically weigh between 500 and 700 pounds.

What happens to the cattle once they reach the finishing site?

Once cattle reach the finishing site, they are raised until they are 18 months old and reach a weight of 1300 pounds, at which point they are sent to the packing plant.

How does Josh ensure the cattle's health in the feedlot?

Josh ensures the cattle's health by vaccinating them and tagging each one for individual identification. He regularly drives through the feedlot to check on the cattle, making sure they are eating and healthy. Sick cattle are identified using the tag number and treated accordingly.

How does the farm maintain a healthy and dry environment for the cattle?

To maintain a healthy and dry environment, the farm uses corn stalk bales for bedding three days a week and cleans the pens every few weeks. The manure collected is stored during the summer and spread in the fall to fertilize the fields.

What is the significance of spreading manure in the fields?

Spreading manure in the fields is important as it provides a natural source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which helps fertilize the soil and supports the growth of corn and soybeans, which are then used to feed the cattle.

How does Josh manage feed consumption for the cattle?

Josh manages feed consumption by monitoring the cleanliness of the feed bunks. If the bunks are clean for several days, it indicates the cattle need more feed. If there is leftover feed, the cattle are given less. A program called 'Performance Beef Analytics' is also used to track feed usage and cattle performance.

What role does the 'Performance Beef Analytics' program play in the farm's operations?

The 'Performance Beef Analytics' program helps track feed usage and consumption, providing a clear view of how the cattle perform in terms of average daily gain and feed efficiency, aiding in better management of the cattle's diet and growth.

How are the cattle fed once they reach over 300 pounds?

Once the cattle reach over 300 pounds, they are sent to a local beef packing plant. The cattle are graded by the USDA based on the quality of their carcass, with grades such as Prime, Choice, Select, and Standard.

Why does the farm aim for Prime and Choice grades for their cattle?

The farm aims for Prime and Choice grades because these grades are considered more desirable due to their marbling, which leads to juicier and more flavorful steaks. Higher-quality cattle allow the farm to receive a premium from the packing plant.