Minimizing feed ingredient expenses without sacrificing quality is one of the most difficult tasks in raising cattle. 

Feed costs can account for up to 80% of the total variable costs of beef production. Reducing those costs means we can provide our consumers with the same high-quality product for a more economical price. Agri Beef is able to achieve this difficult task in innovative, effective and sustainable ways. 

One of those methods is utilizing locally sourced feed for our cattle rations. Feed ingredients, such as corn and hay, are grown in the areas surrounding our feeding operations. Sourcing local ingredients reduces transportation costs, supports local markets, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. 

In addition, Agri Beef uses certain byproducts from other industries to provide nutritionally balanced rations to our cattle. Potatoes, sugarbeets, onions, cereal, tortillas, and even parts of candy bards are all items that can be used as feed ingredients. Many of the unused products from other food production industries are redirected to a feed component for our cattle. 

Marty Gill, a Performix Nutritional Consultant, notes, "These waste products still have plenty of nutrients in them. If we didn't utilize them for feed ingredients, hundreds of tons of food would go to landfills." 

As Gill addressed, the use of byproducts is beneficial for our cattle's health, as well as our environment. An otherwise burden on the environment becomes a key tool in providing the necessary nutrients for our cattle. 

For instance, large amounts of sugarbeets are grown and processed in the Northwest. A sugarbeet plant near our feeding operation in southwestern Idaho, manufactures animal feed ingredients from sugarbeets. Our rations include beet pulp- the product left after the sugarbeets have been cleaned, cut and soaked with the sugar removed. Utilizing these local feed ingredients recycle unused products and decreases transportation costs and emissions. 

Our feed managers mix the beet pulp, either in shredded or pellet form, into the cattle rations. The product has a relatively high energy content and aids in digestive health. 

Determining out cattle's nutrient levels and meeting their requirements maximizes productivity and limits susceptibility to illness. Proper nutrition plays a key role in overall health and well-being of our cattle. 

Utilizing byproducts and local feeds fulfill our commitment to Animal Well-Being and Sustainability, as they allow us to feed nutritious ingredients while reducing our environmental impact.

Our cattle and environment are always top priorities at Agri Beef. We continually work to maintain the health of both as we produce wholesome beef for our consumers. 

As said by Kirk Bowman, Director of Operations of Performix Nutrition Systems, "Our role in agriculture is to make sure we provide a dependable, nutritious product for everyone who purchases our beef."