Beginning with a single mobile feed grinder in 1963, Suther Feeds Inc., of Frankfort, KS, has grown to a cattle feed and nutrition consulting firm that today has customers in nine states.
Jerry Suther, along with partners Tim Suther and Michael Joel, operate the company begun by Jerry and Tim’s father Melvin.
Jerry said his father started out with a mobile feed grinder on a truck, supported by another truck carrying soybean meal and other feed components that an individual cattle producer might not have. Feeds then were ground to the customer’s needs, using recommendations from a nutritionist at Sweet Lassie Feeds in Missouri.
Over time, the business grew into multiple feed grinders because of the individualized attention each producer received, Jerry said.
Now the firm helps producers create unique feed blends for the best herd and animal health and performance, Jerry said. They have 24 sales consultants that interact directly with most of their clients. Some even consult and make recommendations based on genetic testing of a client’s herd.
The largest part of the business is focused on direct contact and consulting with farmers and feeders, Jerry said. Most of their efforts bypass the largest feedlots, as the company addresses the needs of smaller and medium-sized producers and feeders.
NUTRITIONIST INPUT
Suther Feeds has Dennis Holthaus, a PhD nutritionist, on staff to help with feed formulations for each customer, Jerry said. This helps to direct feed formulations that meet customers’ changing nutritional challenges.
Suther Feeds also makes free-choice mineral supplements for producers. Mineral blocks also can be had, but they are formed by contract companies.
Nutritionists often are thought of in terms of feedlots, and Suther Feeds’ Holthaus certainly works with feedlots, Jerry said. But the company also helps cow/calf producers and backgrounders with their nutritional needs.
They have programs to meet the needs of calves, cows and everything in between.
The company can test the grass and hay and consult on what to do to supply all the nutrients the customers’ cattle needs.
A post on the company web site tells that some pastures may have enough energy but not enough protein for a cow to unlock and use it. Changes in weather and pasture conditions can affect the nutritional output of pastures and identify the need for supplements.
And with heat and drought conditions affecting pasture growth and nutrition production currently, it takes a watchful eye to maintain the nutritional needs of cattle for their owners.
FACEBOOK CONNECTION
Suther Feeds is present on Facebook with a group of loyal followers.
Many agricultural companies are not using social media to connect with customers and potential customers, an analyst said. Using social media keeps them connected with almost instant communications from the company to the customer.
However, a rising number of companies in all fields of business are using Facebook and other social media outlets to reach customers, the analyst said. More companies and professional associations could use this outlet for greater exposure.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
Fed cattle sold lightly this week at $95 to $100 per cwt on a live basis, up $1 to $3 from last week. No dressed-basis trading was reported but took place last week at $155 to $160, up $3 to $5.
The USDA choice cutout Tuesday was down $2.34 per cwt at $200.92, while select was down $1.03 at $190.85. The choice/select spread narrowed to $10.07 from $11.38 with 104 loads of fabricated product sold into the spot market.
The CME Feeder Cattle index for the seven days ended Monday was $135.62 per cwt, up $0.45. This compares with Tuesday’s Aug contract settlement of $136.72, down $0.32.