Producer Profiles

Sally: We are all working on the same farm, but we don’t really see a lot of each other. Even though the meetings take longer than needed some days, they are good because they help everyone know what’s going on.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice cattle producer Nick Trainor has to offer young cattlemen is: Learning never stops. This young cattle producer makes it his goal to surround himself with positive-thinking ranchers who want to see him succeed.

“You’re welcome back at V8 Ranch anytime,” smiled Brandon Cutrer as I pulled out of the drive after our interview – and I’m certain I’m not the only visitor who’s heard those words.

Cronin Farms has been steadily improving their land management practices for 25 years. Since transitioning to no-till in 1992, the Cronins have carefully managed their land and their livestock to give both the best care.

The panhandle of Texas is the heart of America’s largest cattle-feeding area. More than 6.5 million fed cattle are marketed here each year, accounting for 30 percent of the total U.S. production according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

With the recent downturn in market prices, producers are looking for ways to add value to their calves before they hit the market. One alternative is backgrounding. Cimarron River Cattle Company, a custom feeding operation near Kismet, Kansas, specializes in backgrounding calves and preparing them for the feedlot.