Blogs

Retained Ownership: Maximizing Value Through the Cattle Production Chain

In the world of cattle production, retained ownership has long been a strategic decision for producers seeking to maximize the value of their herds. By maintaining ownership of cattle through the cow-calf, stocker, and feedyard stages, producers gain greater control over their operations, enhance profitability, and collect valuable data to make informed decisions for the future. However, like any strategy, retained ownership comes with risks that require careful management to ensure success.

December 19, 2024

Thankfulness and The Gifts of Relationships in Agriculture

As the crisp chill of November settles over the land, our minds and hearts naturally turn toward the Thanksgiving table and the joys of the upcoming Christmas season. These holidays are a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration, offering a moment to pause and recognize the incredible gifts that surround us. In agriculture, particularly in the cattle industry, this season offers an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of the work we do, the relationships we build, and the dedication of those who rise each day to feed a growing world.

December 12, 2024

Fall Run - More is Changing Than Just the Weather

As we settle into fall, the changing weather isn’t the only transformation at play in the cattle industry. The annual Fall Run—a critical time when calves flood salesand grow yards reach full capacity—is more than just a seasonal event this year. Economic pressures, fluctuating markets, and even geopolitical tensions add layers of complexity.

November 26, 2024

Why We Invest Heavily in the Health of Our Cattle

At the heart of successful cattle farming lies the age-old tradition of “husbandry of a herd”—a practice that emphasizes the careful management and welfare of our cattle. This tradition is not just about maintaining the status quo; it's about enhancing the health and productivity of every animal in our care. Our commitment to this practice is why we dedicate so much time and resources to ensuring the health of our cattle.

October 24, 2024

Certified Angus Beef Annual Conference

The Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand is more than just a label. It represents a promise of quality, backed by rigorous standards and a commitment to excellence from the rancher to the retailer. As a rancher-driven, not-for-profit business and a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, CAB has built its reputation on delivering top-tier beef while ensuring that its producers see financial benefits. The recent Certified Angus Beef AnnualConference was a celebration of this success, but more importantly, it reinforced the brand’s mission to strengthen partnerships and elevate the entire beef industry.

October 10, 2024

Job Opportunities with Pratt Feeders Group

The Pratt Feeders Group, a distinguished leader in the cattle feeding industry, is renowned for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and customer service. With four feedyards located in Pratt, Ford, and Ashland, KS, and Buffalo, OK, our organization has built a reputation for success over the years. At the heart of our operations is a robust team driven by strong work ethics and a dedication to maintaining our status as industry leaders.

September 19, 2024

Leadership Transition and New Appointments at Pratt Feeders Group

The Board of Directors of the Pratt Feeders Group is excited to announce significant leadership changes within our organization. Following the retirement of Dave Latta, Tom Fanning, the long-time manager at Buffalo Feeders, will be stepping up as the new General Manager of the Pratt Feeders Group effective at the end of May 2024.

January 26, 2024

Part 4: "The Future of Cattle Feedlot Applications with DNA Technology"

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, technological advancements have always played a pivotal role in shaping the future. One such ground breaking advancement is in the field of genomics - a scientific discipline that examines how DNA sequences influence physical biological attributes. This technology, especially in cattle genomics, is revolutionizing livestock operations, offering powerful and profitable applications.

January 25, 2024

Part 3: "DNA Testing and Animal Health"

Welcome back to the third installment of our four-part series on leveraging DNA in your cattle operation. In this segment, we delve into the crucial aspect of DNA testing and its impact on animal health. Understanding and implementing DNA testing can revolutionize your herd's health and productivity, which is vital for any operation, including those in Buffalo,Oklahoma.‍

January 18, 2024

Part 2: "The Benefits of DNA Testing for Cattle Breeders"

In the first part of our series, we explored the basics ofDNA testing in cattle. Now, let's delve into the tangible benefits this technology brings to cattle breeders, particularly in enhancing breeding strategies, managing genetic diseases, and improving meat quality. We'll also look at real-world examples, including insights from industry leaders and perhaps a glimpse into practices at Buffalo Feeders.‍

January 11, 2024

Part 1: "The Basics of DNA Testing in Cattle"

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the fundamental building block of life, carrying the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms, including cattle. Structurally, DNA is a long molecule made up of nucleotides, each containing a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. The sequence of these nitrogen bases along the DNA strand encodes the genetic information.

January 4, 2024

Navigating Market Strategies: How Buffalo Feeders Excel in Cattle Marketing

In the dynamic world of cattle trading, understanding the nuances of different market strategies is crucial for success. At Buffalo Feeders, we study and focus all of our efforts towards the art of marketing finished cattle, utilizing various approaches to maximize value.

December 14, 2023

The Critical Role of Genetics in Enhancing Cattle Production and Efficiency at Buffalo Feeders

At Buffalo Feeders, we understand that the foundation of a successful cattle feeding operation lies not just in our expert management and top-notch facilities, but significantly in the genetics of the cattle we feed. The genetics of cattle plays a pivotal role in determining feedlot performance, harvest outcomes, and overall herd health. This is why we pay keen attention to genetic selection in our operations.

December 7, 2023

Buffalo Feeders' Leap into the Future: A State-of-the-Art, Energy-Efficient Feed Mill

Our commitment to our customers and the community is demonstrated by the large capital investment Buffalo Feeders is making to upgrade and improve the heart of the cattle feeding operation…The Feed Mill.

November 30, 2023

Beef Inspires Strength: Fueling Healthy Beginnings and Lifelong Vitality

Beef is important to our lives in many ways, raising beef has always played a part of the western heritage of the United States and provides many excellent jobs associated with Farming and Ranching the Beef Industry community.

November 23, 2023

Honoring Our Heroes: Lt. Ross Pile's Valiant Service

I have to say that one of my earliest thoughts of what a hero is and how they impact a local community, I think of Ross Pile of Laverne, OK. Ross grew up in the small town of May, OK and graduated high school with my mother. I remember looking up to him as a young child and always wanted to hear what he had to say. Mr. Pile had a strong influence in my hearing the Call to Arms. I chose a different route, preferring the Army Infantry. Below I my tribute to Lt Ross Pile, recipient of the Purple Heart medal and many others.

November 16, 2023

An Award-Winning Contributor to the Food Supply Chain

In the plains of Oklahoma is a cattle operation that plays an outsized role in the American food supply chain—Buffalo Feeders. With a remarkable production of 45,000 head of finished cattle annually, which translates to 43.2 million pounds of beef or 115 million servings of beef per year, Buffalo Feeders is no ordinary cattle feeding operation. That's enough to provide every Oklahoman with a serving of beef every day for a month.

November 9, 2023

Unraveling the Cattle Market Rollercoaster

From May the 8th, 2023 to September 28th, 2023, the October Live Cattle futures contract rallied $24.00 or $300 per head and the Cash Market had followed it all the way from low $160’s to $185 last week.

November 2, 2023

Navigating El Niño's Impact on High Plains Cattle

As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn to shades of red and gold, cattle feedyards across the High Plains region of the United States are gearing up for the winter season. However, this year's preparations come with a unique challenge – the looming presence of an El Niño weather pattern, which can bring unpredictable weather conditions to our region.

October 26, 2023

We won the "Feedyard Excellence in Beef Quality Assurance" Award!

BQA plays a vital role at Buffalo Feeders. It focuses our efforts on ensuring that the cattle we raise are safe, wholesome and of the highest quality. Buffalo Feeders priority is to raise quality beef. Being a part of the TCFA/BQA program allows us to have the opportunity to implement the best practices and guidelines about handling and managing our cattle.

October 19, 2023

Unlocking Premium Markets: Enrolling in the NHTC Program

In the world of beef production and international trade, the term 'NHTC' holds a significant place of importance. Non-Hormone Treated Cattle, abbreviated as NHTC, plays a pivotal role in the marketing of feeder cattle and live cattle, especially in the context of the European Union (EU).

October 12, 2023

The Crucial Role of Backgrounding Cattle, Ensuring Health and Profitability

Backgrounding is a transitional period in beef cattle production that occurs after weaning but before the animals enter a feedlot for finishing. This practice is aimed at preparing weaned calves for the more structured and intensive environment of a feedlot by improving their health and adapting them to different feed types.

October 5, 2023

National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA)

For those unfamiliar with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), it is a leading organization in the United States dedicated to representing the interests of cattle producers and promoting the beef industry. While primarily known for its advocacy within the cattle and beef sector, the NCBA offers numerous benefits to its members, making it a valuable organization for anyone involved in the cattle industry.

September 28, 2023

Understanding the USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a pivotal role in the nation's agricultural sector, with far-reaching impacts that extend beyond farms and ranches. In this blog post, we'll delve into what the USDA is and explore the benefits it offers to cattle producers, farmers, ranchers, as well as how it impacts everyday Americans who may not be directly involved in agriculture.‍

September 21, 2023

Revolutionizing Cattle Nutrition: A Cutting-Edge Approach with Next-Gen Supplements

In the cattle industry, the old saying holds true that the quality of what goes into cattle directly impacts what we get out of them. Expertly managed, sustainable, and tailored, our approach sets new standards in cattle nutrition.

September 14, 2023

Unlocking the Value: Why Being Progressive Beef Certified Matters

In the world of cattle feeding and management, striving for exceptional animal welfare and sustainable practices is very important. Buffalo Feeders has a long record of excellence in Beef Quality Assurance, being awarded the 2019 National Cattlemen’s Association BQA Feedyard of the year.

September 7, 2023

Harvesting Love, Legacy and Victory: The Pioneer Woman’s Impact on Oklahoma

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma, a rich tapestry of love, family, and an extraordinary journey unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on countless hearts. Here, Ree and Ladd Drummond, affectionately known as The Pioneer Woman and Marlboro Man, have woven a legacy that stretches far beyond a thriving cattle ranch.

August 31, 2023

Cattle Welfare in Extreme Weather: Our Custom Cattle Feeding Approach for Performance and Health

Amid the sweltering heat of a summer and the biting cold of winter, the lives of cattle unfold in a delicate balance. At the heart of their journey lies a fundamental challenge: the battle against nature's extremes. Heat stress during scorching months and the rigors of wet and cold conditions demand unwavering attention. Yet, for a custom cattle feeding company, the concern extends beyond mere survival—it's about crafting an environment where each animal thrives.

August 24, 2023

Savoring National Filet Mignon Day: A Culinary Journey from Pasture to Plate

Picture a steak so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate. This is the essence of filet mignon. Cut from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin, this prized gem is celebrated for its unmatched tenderness, buttery texture, and delicate taste.

August 17, 2023

Where Do You Buy Your Cattle From?

Beef cattle start their journey at cow-calf ranches in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Louisiana, just to name a few. These ranches are the backbone of the beef industry, where cows are bred and calves are raised until they are weaned. The ranchers here are dedicated to the animals' health and well-being, leading to robust calves ready for the next stage of their lives.

August 10, 2023

The Benefits of Custom Cattle Feeding Programs

As cattlemen, our main goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our cattle while maximizing their growth and productivity. One crucial aspect of achieving this is formulating and mixing well-balanced diets or rations for our finished cattle. These diets typically consist of primary ingredients such as corn, hay, wet distillers grain, and supplements.

August 3, 2023

Maximizing Profitability for Ranchers: The CAB Partner Feedyard Advantage

At Buffalo Feeders LLC, we take immense pride in being a Certified Angus Beef (CAB) partner feedyard. Our commitment to excellence, along with our proprietary sorting system and value-based marketing strategies, enables us to help our valued ranch customers earn more money for their cattle. In this blog, we will delve into the numerous advantages that being a CAB partner feedyard brings to the table.

July 27, 2023

71st Annual Convention & Tradeshow July 21 & 22

The Oklahoma Cattlemen's annual trade show and convention is just around the corner. Friday, July 21st and 22nd, Cattlemen will come together to discuss and ratify policies debated during the winter policy meeting. These policies give the leadership direction and authority to talk to our state and federal law makers and administrations.

July 20, 2023

August Live Cattle Markets are Climbing the Wall... What's Next?

August live cattle markets are climbing the wall. Feed yards are looking for higher cash prices and the packers as usual are dug into steady or lower. The pull backs have lasted 2 to 3 weeks and then here we go again. What's next?

July 13, 2023

Freedom and the American Cattleman

Cattlemen have been an integral part of the American economy since the early days of the country. They have played a significant role in shaping the nation's history and culture, and their contribution to the country cannot be overstated.

July 6, 2023

Corn Market Fears | War & Weather, Supply & Demand

The corn market is a highly sensitive and dynamic market that is influenced by a variety of factors, including weather patterns, market demand, and global trade. The spring and summer months are especially critical for the corn market, as this is the time when farmers are planting and cultivating their crops, and market fluctuations can have a significant impact on their bottom line.

June 29, 2023

Market Report | Week of 6/19/2023

The spot cash market has been the leader in the markets over the last several weeks with tremendous strength, setting several new all-time highs in the spot cash market. After Posting a high-water mark of $186.00 last week in the southern region, the packers finally seem to have: 1. Gotten more inventory around them and 2. pushed the retail meat prices (cutout) higher to get margin back into their favor.

June 22, 2023

Dairy-Cross: The New Stocker Calf?

Check out this post from MasterHand Milling where Tom is asked to give his take on the research that is pushing forward dairy-cross animals as a new choice for stocker calves. Oklahoma State University has chosen to partner with Buffalo Feeders and Master Hand Milling to perform trials this summer to evaluate the grazing and feedyard performance of dairy-cross cattle against traditional beef calves.

June 15, 2023

Live Cattle Basis and Why it Matters

Most cattle producers have always known that the market price of cattle can fluctuate based on supply and demand, quality, and location. However, many producers don’t understand the interaction between the cash market and futures market, which is "live cattle basis," Most cattle producers would admit, that they are quite confused about what it meant and how it could impact their business.

June 8, 2023