USA Process

Information including weight of the cattle, time or arrival, observations of cattle, origin and condition of the cattle is recorded and an animal health program specifically designed for those types of cattle begins.  All animal health programs are designed and approved by Dr. Tom Latta before administered.  Health programs are based on type, origin, breed, and previous animal health history of the cattle.  A standard program includes, implanting, assignment, attachment of a permanent lot ID number which also has an individual  ID number, deworming, and vaccination.  In cases of highly stressed cattle, an antibiotic can be prescribed by Dr. Latta at this time.  The cattle are then assigned a permanent pen where hay, fresh water and starter ration awaits the cattle.  Cattle that are highly stressed or small may be assigned to a pen that has a wind break and barn built into the pen for increased care and protection from the weather.  Cattle are then fed a finish ration based on a schedule that includes a combination of nutritional science and feeding expertise that is overseen by our nutritionist, Jim Simpson. 

The bunk reader is critical to achieving maximum cattle performance.  Bunk reader technology observes cattle and bunks several times daily, including checks at night as well, to ensure feed is distributed in uniform and consistent manner.  The amount fed is electronically recorded for every pen at each feeding.  The goal is to obtain maximum consumption 24 hours a day.

Rations are scientifically formulated on a least cost theory and completely manufactured in our modern feed mill. Our mill has the most modern grain processing equipment, computer ration batching and mixing system available.  Feed quality control is strictly maintained by testing all incoming ingredients as well as the finished products.   

We are proud of our highly trained cowboys at the feedyard.  They have many years of experience, with many of over 30 years all at our yard.  Pens are ridden daily to observe, pull and treat sick cattle immediately.  Sick cattle are moved through a treatment program based on the specific diagnoses then moved to a recovery pen that allows the animal to readjust to ration and environmental conditions similar to their own pens.  Cattle that have trouble with the recovery process or require additional treatment can be moved to our state of the art pasture and restart area to avoid railers and additional death loss situations.  

To achieve the best animal stewardship and feed conversion, we use well-designed feed bunks to ensure timely feeding.  Water tanks are cleaned on a timely basis.  All of our waters are continuous flow designed for fresh water at all times.   A number of pens are equipped with barns and wind breaks built into the pens.   Pen drainage is superb and the yard is cleaned continuously, which can improve cattle performance by up to 20 percent. 

We participate in a variety of marketing, value added and assurance programs that require us to practice best-management practices for feeding, nutrition, animal health, identification, shelter, and cattle handling.  We have a continuous training program for all employees to ensure that your cattle are never mistreated, mishandled or harmed in any way. 

Sales of finished cattle are an integral part of commercial cattle feeding.  USA Feedyard is ideally located within a three hour drive of six major packers with a combined capacity of over 30,000 per day.  We use any market strategy that will bring you the maximum price for your cattle.  Our reputation for quality, honesty, and consistency allows us to receive top dollar for our finished cattle.