Following the tour, dinner was served and guests settled in for the educational program, “Pasture to Pack,” featuring Tyson Foods, IMI Global and representatives from Wulf Cattle.

Jerry Wulf kicked off the program by thanking attendees for their support and involvement in Wulf’s integrated programs. Wulf continued to discuss the diverse programs that provide multi-level opportunities for producers using Wulf Cattle genetics. The company’s integrated system includes feeder calf procurement, feedlot and carcass data, source and age verification, bull selection indexes, bull retirement program, genetic consultation, and marketing in Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) and natural cattle programs.

The operation feeds more than 45,000 head annually, including 35,000 Limousin and Limousin-influenced cattle. Approximately 90 percent of the company’s fed cattle are sold into Tyson Foods’ value added programs. Future plans include continued growth in cattle procurement and an increase in fed cattle marketings.

Those in attendance received an update on the innovative Breeding to Feeding dairy-beef program using Limousin and Lim-Flex bulls on Jersey females. Genex was the original semen supplier and partner for the launch of Breeding to Feeding. Recently, Alta Genetics, Select Sires and CRV Global have been added as semen distribution partners. Breeding to Feeding is an example of innovative protein production with a sustainable end point target of NHTC and natural markets.

Bob Scherer, Tyson Foods, discussed the value of Limousin genetics in natural programs compared to other breeds. Scherer reported that 28 percent of the natural product marketed by Tyson is supplied by Wulf Cattle. Furthermore, Scherer shared that 33 percent of the company’s NHTC product exported for the European Union is procured from Wulf Cattle.

Travis Edeal, IMI Global, discussed the value of third party verification. Edeal encouraged producers to recognize the value of a robust trace-back system as exports increase and trading partners require more information about the producers and ranch of origin.

Jerry Wulf stressed to those in attendance that the success of the Wulf Cattle marketing program is directly connected to cattlemen who supply the cattle necessary to operate such an extensive operation. Feedlot and carcass data is routinely gathered and shared with the producer. As more data is collected and analyzed, then more accurate information can be used to improve the product.

Wulf staff concluded the evening with brief updates. Lucas Sutherland, manager of the Wulf Depot, discussed the feedlot protocol. Nate Knobloch, head of cattle procurement, discussed the confidence Wulf Cattle operations have in Limousin genetics. Casey Fanta, seed stock manager, outlined its customer service and the opportunities available for those commercial and seed stock beef producers seeking to add value to their operations.  

—From Wulf Cattle news release

PHOTO
Members of the Wulf Cattle team were on hand for their annual Calf Run held at the Wulf Cattle Depot feeding facility in McLaughlin, South Dakota. Pictured left to right are Jerry Wulf, Lucas Sutherland, Bob Scherer, Travis Edeal, Nate Knoblock and Casey Fanta. Photo provided by Wulf Cattle.