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CATTLE SERVICES
THE TRUSTED CHOICE
Specializing in custom cattle feeding, RK Cattle operates out of North Central Nebraska with a one-time capacity of 10,000 head. Employees are Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified.
FEED YARD
CATTLE ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, cattle are unloaded and weighed by an RK Cattle employee. Cattle are immediately assigned to a receiving pen with fresh hay and water.
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In conjunction with the customer, staff quickly assess the health and nutritional needs of the newly arrived cattle.
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A veterinarian-approved processing regime is determined and carried out by people trained in animal handling techniques.
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An identification tag is administered during processing, after which cattle are moved to their home pen.
CATTLE FEEDING AND NUTRITION
Cattle begin with a starter ration and are stepping up to a finish ration, typically within 21- 30 days of arrival. Custom grower rations are available for those lighter-weight calves requiring an extended feeding period. Feed management staff direct the weighed quantity of feed for each pen daily and monitor throughout the day to minimize waste and maximize performance.
Ph.D. Nutritionists build rations using the most cost-effective and quality feed ingredients available. Nutritionists visit each feed yard regularly to observe cattle, answer inquiries, train feed teams and fine-tune protocols to maximize cattle performance.
CATTLE HEALTH AND WELFARE
All cattle are physically observed by an RK Cattle pen rider daily. An animal exhibiting injury or illness symptoms is moved to the hospital, where a trained animal health team determines a diagnosis and provides appropriate treatment. Detailed treatment records and recovery periods are maintained for each animal.
Veterinarians visit the feed yard regularly to review treatment records and evaluate the efficacy of treatment protocols. In addition to regular visits, veterinarians are available on call for particular treatment circumstances or questions to assist the animal health team.
ADDITIONAL CATTLE SERVICES
FINANCING
Feed Financing
Financing is available for cattle on feed at RK Cattle. When cattle are shipped to a packing facility, the feed and interest charges are deducted from cattle sale proceeds.
Cattle Financing
RK Cattle offers competitive and convenient financing for cattle located at RK Cattle. When cattle are shipped, the principal and interest charges are deducted from cattle sale proceeds.
RISK MANAGMENT
Cattle Insurance
Cattle on feed at RK Cattle are covered for specific weather events.
Hedging
RK Cattle offers price risk management tools to assist producers in managing market volatility. Please contact Ryan Ortner or Tom Arens to discuss this further.
Feed Cost Protection
Another valuable risk management tool is the ability for producers to set a price for the feed grain to be fed to the individual producer's cattle.
OWNERSHIP AND MARKETING
Retained Ownership
Regardless of the size of your operation, RK Cattle has the facilities and the experience to optimize potential returns.
Marketing
Not tied to a specific packer, RK Cattle customers have the flexibility to base marketing plans on particular cattle and market conditions. Cattle buyers visit the feed yards each week to view market-ready cattle. In addition to the traditional cash market, other alternatives include forward contracts, value-based grids, and breed-specific programs.
CONTACT US
Ryan Ortner
Phone Number: 785-443-6682
Tom Arens
Phone Number: 402-841-9938
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