A cattle operation in Florida has found success in taking the sickest calves for sale and transforming them into healthy animals ready for the feedlot.
Steve Yoder’s farm in Altha, Florida serves as a prime example of the upside stocker operations provide the market.
The high-risk calves are brought to his farm, where he says they are offered a little TLC. That begins with castration, vaccines, and deworming. The calves are then treated to Bermuda grass with supplements.
Once cattle are healthy and gaining weight, Yoder describes his animals as “bulletproof” and ready for finishing.
Programs like this often find success in areas where grass is plentiful and feeding costs can be cut down.
Related Stories
March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.
Eric Weaver with UNL joins us to share about a promising new HPAI vaccine, early test results, next steps in development, and its potential impact on the livestock industry.
New treatments offer hope, but challenges remain for beekeepers.
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
Higher cow numbers and slightly stronger output per cow pushed milk production above last year.
Rotational grazing can improve pasture use and soil health while helping control feed and drought-related risk.