A Closer Look at Montana's Cattle Industry and Sustainable Practices
Post by Clemson student Kaydin Knight
During my third and final session in Montana, we visited a feedlot, a finishing lot, the Central Agricultural Research Center, and the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn. At each location, we learned something different about Montana's history, agriculture, and land management practices. The first feedlot we visited was Yellowstone Feeders, where we spoke with Bill, the feedyard manager. We spoke with him about the role of finishing lots in the beef industry. The second facility we visited was Judith Basin, where we met with Andy and learned more about cattle production, feedlot operations, and how he helps run the feedlot.
To continue our exploration of Montana's cattle industry, our first stop was Yellowstone Feeders. Visiting the feedyard provided an opportunity to see up close how cattle are managed during the finishing stage and to learn about the important role feedlots play in beef production. This particular feedlot has the capacity to hold up to 25,000 cattle at one time. The cattle included mixed Angus, purebred Angus, and Wagyu, with each group managed according to different production standards based on how they would be marketed. These standards included the length of time the cattle stayed in the feedlot, whether they received growth implants in their ears, and the specific diets they were fed. These are just a few examples of the many standards that must be followed to meet production and marketing goals. We were also shown the processing barn, where all of the cattle are brought to be checked, handled, and sorted. Like most finishing feedlots, Yellowstone Feeders fed its cattle a grain-based diet to promote greater weight gain and prepare them for market.
While Yellowstone Feeders demonstrated how a large finishing feedlot operates, our next stop allowed us to see another perspective on cattle production in Montana by visiting a feedlot that manages cattle during the middle or "teenage" stage of production rather than the finishing stage. The facility we visited was Judith Basin, where we met with Andy and learned more about cattle production, feedlot operations, and how he helps run the feedlot. At Judith Basin, cattle are raised to a certain weight and then sold to a finishing feedlot in Canada before eventually returning to the United States to be marketed. This stage of cattle production is relatively uncommon for feedlots, making this operation type unique. Unlike most finishing feedlots that primarily feed grain, this feedlot feeds its cattle silage. Nearly all of the cattle also receive growth implants in their ears to help support efficient growth. The cattle are also identified using tags based on color and pen number, which helps workers easily manage and track different groups. Because the cattle cross the Canadian border, the operation must also follow numerous strict regulations and requirements for animal identification and movement, which is another reason why they tag their cattle so specifically.
Although both Yellowstone Feeders and Judith Basin play important roles in the beef production process, they differ in the stage of cattle they raise, the diets they feed, and the management practices they use to prepare cattle for market. Judith Basin was by far my favorite because the operation seemed to place a strong emphasis on cattle comfort and welfare. The pens were cleaned more frequently, and straw bedding was provided during the winter so the cattle had a more comfortable place to lie down. Andy explained several other management practices they use to reduce stress and improve animal comfort. He also explained that the cattle often gain more weight because of these measures. Another aspect of Judith Basin that stood out to me was its use of horses in daily operations. The feedlot pays for the horse feed, veterinary expenses, fencing, and barn housing, even though the horses belong to the cowboys. The cowboys can also earn additional income by purchasing a green horse at a sale, training and riding them while working cattle, and later reselling them for a profit.
Overall, visiting Yellowstone Feeders and Judith Basin gave me a better understanding of the differences of Montana's cattle industry and the many different management practices involved in raising cattle. Although the two operations had many differences in their production stages and management, both demonstrated the importance of balancing productivity and animal care. Cattle in feedlots and finishing lots can help show sustainability in Montana by improving production and reducing pressure on native grasslands. Finishing cattle in smaller, managed areas, ranchers can help prevent overgrazing, protect wildlife habitats, and allow grasslands to recover by giving them more time off. Feedlots can also use and recycle manure as fertilizer. They will often sell it to neighbors or other farmers.
