Cattle Feed Lot Tour

Your host on this virtual cattle feed lot tour is Paul Engler, chairman of the board of Cactus Feeders and probably the world's best-known cattle feeder.

If you've never set foot in a commercial cattle feedyard, but you're intrigued by the possibilities offered through retained cattle ownership, or you just want to learn more about cattle feeding, join The Cattleman on a photo tour of Cactus Feeders with Paul Engler and his staff.

Learn some of the fundamental things to look for in the physical facilities of a cattle feedyard as well as smart questions you should ask before you ship your calves.

Largest cattle feeding operation

With 10 yards in Texas and Kansas, Cactus Feeders is the world's largest cattle feeding operation (privately owned) around with a one-time capacity of 520,000 head. Both large and small cattle feedyards have their advantages.

One of the many reasons the Texas Panhandle is "cattle feeding country" is because of the abundance of locally grown grain. A relatively mild climate is another reason cattle feedyards proliferated in the region, as well as close proximity to all major packers.

The site of this virtual cattle feed lot tour is Cactus Feedyard, located, appropriately, in Cactus, Texas. It has a 75,000-head capacity with 90 percent of the cattle being customer-owned (vs. company owned).