Return to the Ranch

Cashing in on individual cattle management

You cannot manage what you cannot measure – the simple principle of the Decatur Beef Alliance which aims to get progressive producers out of the commodity business and into the value-added beef business.

Since 1971 Decatur County Feedyard, just North of Oberlin, Kan, has been in the commercial feeding business under the leadership of owner Warren Weibert. The feedyard has a one-time capacity of 40,000 and is turned over about 1.75 times a year. The focus is on retained ownership customers and improving long-term profitability through information. Decatur County Feedyard began sorting cattle by ultrasound in 1987, and was the first commercial feedlot to sort cattle with a video scanner.

In 1994 the Decatur Beef Alliance was established and the facility invested in Micro beef Technologies’ ACCU-TRAC Electronic Cattle Management System as part of a Total Quality Management approach to beef production.

The alliance enables producers to maximize profit from the genetics bred into the cattle and strengthen the relationship between ranchers, feeders and packers.  The program is rooted in the management principle that beef quality and consistency can’t improve, nor can profits, unless the information necessary for genetic selection is passed back to the producer.

“We focus on individual management,” says Director of Supply Development, Dan Dorn. “Our ultimate goal is to better the return to the ranch and increase the ranchers’ profitability.”

Dorn works with more than 200 regular customers spread across the U.S. from Florida to Hawaii, primarily involved with retained ownership. He works closely with cow/calf producers on advising, reviewing and offering recommendations for genetics and marketing.

According to Decatur County Feedyard results, individual management in the feedyard produces an average $15 per head performance advantage over group management. Timely marketing on a value-based grid system adds another $5 to $10 per head advantage. The greatest potential for higher profits however, is back at the ranch where genetic improvements based on individual performance and carcass data can bring another $50 per head profit. The wealth of individual performance data provides the producer the opportunity for another level of herd management.

Fruitful Plains

A mouth watering look at Kansas grown produce.

For someMidwest farmers agriculture is not about amber waves of grain, but rather the fruitful plains.

Nestled near the Kansas River just east of Topeka is a fruit farm with roots deeper than the apple trees they grow. The sole survivor of an area that once bustled with fruit and vegetable production, Rees Fruit Farm has more than 100 years of experience under their belt and is still going strong.

“As long as there have been Kansas farms, there have been Kansas orchards,” says Rex Rees who owns and operates the farm with his wife, Shannon. “It has its challenges but you just have to find a way to adapt.”

Their farm consists of roughly 5,000 fruit trees including 19 varieties of apples and 14 varieties of peaches. Cherries, grapes, tomatoes, asparagus, pumpkins, blackberries and a plethora of other fresh produce and goods can be found in the Rees Fruit Farm market.

The establishment is also home to award winning apple cider and the original Sweet Apple Cider Slush, a trademark of Rees Fruit Farm that continues to be a top seller.

How did the farm keep going through the years when other didn’t? Rex says it was a combination of things—including luck. “We’ve always had a retail market” he says. “We have a good location; close to the city but on a side that is less developed. The land isn’t so valuable that we can still afford to farm it.” Another key ingredient to success: satisfied customers. “We’re always trying new things to keep up with trends, and keep people coming back.”

Growing fruits and vegetables in the Midwest is not always easy. Like every farm, they must deal with what they’re dealt and in some years that means turbulent growing conditions. High temperatures, low temperatures, humidity, insects, disease; it’s not the most ideal place to grow—but it works.  “The thing about locally grown produce is that it doesn’t look like what you get at the grocery store, but the taste is so much better,” Rex says. “Our tomatoes may not be identical and flawless, but they taste delicious and that’s what matters most.”

Consumers craving locally grown produce are seeking out fresh fruit stands and farmers markets like never before to have a taste. In 1987 (the first year markets were surveyed) Kansas was home to 26 farmers markets. Today that number has almost tripled to the current census of 80 markets statewide.

Prairie Pumpers

International Windmill Trade Fair coming to Kansas

Swiftly turning blades atop soaring towers have long claimed residence to the Midwest skyline. There presence sprung from necessity, but now the windmill is an icon of agriculture and rural life on the plains. Evoking thoughts of days gone by and sometimes satisfaction that certain things never change.

The history and people behind these water pumping structures are almost as iconic as the windmill itself. Windmillers, dealers, restorers, collectors and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond, will soon unite at the 21^st Annual International Windmillers’ Trade Fair, June 3-5 in El Dorado, Kan.

“The purpose of the Trade Fair and Convention is to buy, sell, trade, show and talk about water pumping windmills,” said organizer Chuck Jones of Benton, Kan.  “Some bring their junk iron to sell, some come to buy the junk iron.  Others come to see all the different kinds of Windmills and to learn more about them.  About a third of attendees are full time windmillers, a third collectors, and the other third just like windmills and the other items that go with it.”

The loosely organized group of steadfast windmillers has met in many locations over the years, but never before in Kansas. “We are really looking forward to the windmillers coming,” said Darla Stewart of the El Dorado Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They’re really a great group of people with good camaraderie. They swap and trade parts, share stories and pictures of unearthing windmills and learn about what the others are doing.”

The trade fair will feature historical tours, social events and all-day vending. A lecture will be presented by noted windmill historian, T. Lindsay Baker. Baker is the author of “A Field Guide to American Windmills” which is considered to be the windmillers’ bible and the most comprehensive book on the subject.

2009 Kansas Agriculture Outlook

Let’s Play A Game

“You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away and know when to run.” These well known lyrics of Kenny Rogers, The Gambler don’t just apply to a game of cards anymore.

As producers look down the road to 2009 a lot of questions come to mind. Hold out for better prices or take the money and run? The stakes are high and the winnings are uncertain.

But every hand’s a winner and every hand’s a loser – it’s all in how you play your cards. Before laying your chips on the table, consider the inside advice of Kansas agriculture leaders.

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, Adrian Polansky sees 2009 as a year with challenges that will push for sound decision making. “One area we really need to focus on is risk management,” Polansky said. “For production agriculture the volatility that we’ve seen on the input side whether it’s diesel fuel, fertilizer or other inputs; it appears that we are likely to continue to experience volatility. There will certainly be some market dynamics that we will have to pay attention to in order to be successful.”

Polansky also mentions the uncertainty that lies ahead with a new administration on the federal level. “There is certainly interest in some of the critical appointments, we also have much of the Farm Bill yet to be worked through and there are still many unanswered questions in regard to how the Farm Bill will be delivered, which is very significant to all producers.”

In terms of crop agriculture decisions, Polansky says that policy in terms of biofuels could have significant impact on potential profitability. “For agriculture and the rural economy it’s important that we work towards policy decisions to enhance biofuels and bio-refineries that have positive impact.”

Hereford Family Tradition

Hereford producers find significance in functional cattle

Peacefully grazing the gently sloping hills near Concordia, KS is what appears to be a typical herd of Hereford cattle. To the common eye they are nothing more than livestock, but to the Swenson family they are a cherished product of careful evaluation and strategy. Although humble in a pasture they are sought to be sound in form, efficiently functional and the result of generations of hard work and passion.

It all began when Emil and Carl Swenson purchased their first Hereford females and established Swenson Brothers Herefords in 1934.  From there, the operation grew and yearly production sales were held until the late 1980’s.  “Back then, we were only selling two year old bulls, but the demand that year had buyers coming back to the farm after the sale to purchase yearlings, and from then on, we sold the bulk of our bulls by private treaty on the ranch,” said Richard Swenson. The family will celebrate 75 years in the Hereford business next year with many more to be continued on by Richard and Denise Swenson and their three sons; Ryan, Kevin and Ben.

The Swenson’s adopted the teachings of Dr. Jan Bonsma, a South African scientist who toured the U.S. and wrote the book “Man Must Measure”. As a researcher, Bonsma is internationally famed for his knowledge of the relationship of cattle to their environment and to each other. The book, which went out of print in 1983, outlines beef animal growth characteristics, environmental impacts and fertility, among other traits Bonsma taught the utilization of linear measurements of cattle to predict maternal function, growth and performance in various seminars and lectures.

“My dad attended a lecture and demonstration at K-State given by Dr. Bonsma, and was very impressed with his knowledge and understanding of function and fertility of cattle and how animals relate to their environment,” Richard Swenson said. “By studying an animal, he could easily visualize its functional efficiency and fertility.”

Switching it up?

Switchgrass as an alternative crop? Not quite yet.

Cellulosic ethanol production is still in its infancy, with research increasing and only a handful of pilot plants in operation. However, biomass and cellulosic ethanol crops will drive the next wave of agricultural commodities and push producers to re-think crop selection. In time, alternative crops, such as switchgrass, could be a realistic option.

“At this time, it’s grown as a cover crop on some CRP land and in some limited amount as a hay crop,” says University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor Richard Perrin. “It has received attention as a potential biomass crop for the energy market, but these markets are still in the future.”

Switchgrass is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to North America. Perrin says it is competitive with other grass crops in a wide variety of regions, throughout the Great Plains and the Southeast. Because of its native history, it is resistant to many pests and plant diseases and capable of producing high yields with very low applications of fertilizer.

Some fertilization may be necessary to maintain harvestable stands, says Ag Marketing Research Center specialist Dan Burden. The crop is proven to be very tolerant of poor soils, flooding and drought. Switchgrass is also a valuable soil protection cover crop – it binds loose soils and provides valuable wildlife habitat.

However, as a crop, switchgrass requires slightly uncommon management. For optimal output, it is harvested only every other year, rather than annually. Even though it’s common in CRP fields, switchgrass harvested for energy generation must be a relative monoculture, meaning derived from primarily a single seed type, rather than part of a mixture of grasses. Once the grass reaches maturity in harvest years, it is swathed and baled, much like other forage crops.

Finding a future in glass bottles

From cow to dairy case

By Shelby Haag

Junction City, Kan. — The dairy industry is changing across the nation and some producers are finding market opportunity by taking production back in time.

Consumers are demanding locally grown food. Producers such as the Hildebrands of Junction City, Kan., are supplying that demand with glass-bottled milk. Brothers Alan and Dave Hildebrand are expanding their third-generation dairy farm to meet the growing demand for farm-fresh dairy products.

“We are limited as to how far we can physically expand, given our location near Junction City and Milford Lake,” Alan Hildebrand said. “We had been looking into bottling for quite some time and had a feasibility study done. The results showed positive feedback, that there is enough of a market to ensure profit, and we decided to go for it.”

For years Hildebrand Dairy, with 150 Holstein cows, has sold its milk to processors throughout the Midwest. However, self-processing and distributing will offer marketing freedom never before experienced.

“As producers we have always been price takers. Now that we have the opportunity we would like to be the price makers,” Alan Hildebrand said. “We have more of a say in our costs and returns, allowing us to be successful and competitive.”

According to National Agricultural Statistics Services, dairy is the sixth largest agricultural business in Kansas, generating roughly $252.4 million a year. The Kansas Department of Agriculture expects industry growth to continue. While farm numbers are predicted to decrease from the 409 currently licensed, farm size (cow numbers and milk production) will increase at a greater rate. Along with the number of large dairy farms, there are a growing number of smaller milk producers who are looking for ways to maximize their returns, such as the Hildebrands.

“All dairies are currently facing many of the same challenges, namely high costs of feed, fuel and utilities as well as labor issues,” said Kevin Dhuyvetter, farm management specialist at Kansas State University. “Some of the smaller dairies are faced with making big decisions about the future of their operations — should they expand, exit the industry or try to find some type of niche market.”

Through processing and bottling their own milk, the Hildebrands hope to ease some of the issues.

“By selling our products right off the farm and directly to grocery stores, the middleman is cut and it gives us more control over the business,” Alan Hildebrand said. “By being more self-reliant we eliminate some of the outside factors that can influence production, yet still make a good product.”

The Hildebrand glass-bottle may contain a nostalgic sentiment, but it’s what’s inside that really counts.

“We’ll produce a high quality product and consumers will see the value in our milk,” Alan Hildebrand said. “Our milk will be in the grocery store between 24 and 48 hours after processing. The glass bottles will not distort the pure flavor of the milk and the taste is remarkable. Because of the freshness, milk will also be capable of longer storage and the bottles can be recycled. While consumers will have to pay more for glass-bottled, locally produced milk, they will because they know exactly what they are getting.”

While construction on the new processing facilities continues, the Hildebrands plan to start processing, bottling and distributing their milk in late June or early July.

“Hildebrand milk will be available in most grocery stores within a 50-mile radius of the dairy,” Alan Hildebrand said. “Products will include whole, 1 percent, 2 percent and skim milk. Flavored milk, butter and ice cream are likely to be added later on.”

Products will also be offered at the newly constructed store located on the dairy, where in addition to milk, customers can also purchase cuts of corn fed beef also raised on the farm.

Quality is highly regarded at the Hildebrand dairy. As with any dairy, Hildebrand must meet standard inspections, maintain the required permits and licenses, and are subject to various product tests. However, quality goes beyond enforced regulations. For the last three years, the Hildebrands sold their milk to Wells Blue Bunny and were named one of the top five dairies with low somatic cell count and high quality milk.

“The fact that everything our cows eat is raised right here is somewhat of a special characteristic of our dairy,” said Alan Hildebrand. “Not only does it give us a production advantage, but it also ensures the quality we want.”

Healthy, happy and comfortable animals are the key for any dairy. The more comfortable the cow, the more milk produced. It starts with excellent livestock and the Hildebrand cows are given careful treatment.

“We do what we can to keep all of our facilities clean and safe,” Alan Hildebrand said. “We accommodate the livestock with good ventilation, temperature control systems, sanitary pens and general cleanliness. Our cows also spend time outside in the pasture every day. That is something we feel is beneficial to their overall well being,” he added. “Everything done at our dairy helps us to create a wholesome product, something consumers can appreciate.”

Alan Hildebrand credits the success of the dairy to a group of hardworking people.

“The entire family pitches in a lot with every aspect of the operation,” he said. “We also have a full-time herdsman, Bo Fiest, and several other employees in addition to family members. Everyone does their part to make sure things go smoothly.”

Alan and Dave Hildebrand agree that their dairy and the progress it’s made is something of great pride to themselves and their family. “After all, at the end of the day, it’s our name attached to the product, we want it to be the best it can possibly be.”