I’ve mentioned the Beef Industrial Complex (BIC) a few times. Basically, it’s the packer and feeder strangle-hold on the cow-calf producers. It seems to bleed over into everything from the mainstream genetics that are being forced on the farmers and ranchers to the feed stores that provide all the supplements that are necessary to keep these Frankenstein cattle alive.
I’ve always thought there was a conspiracy to profit off the farmers and ranchers, but I didn’t really understand it. After listening to PJ Budler’s podcast with Jared, it finally clicked. PJ says American agriculture has become corporatized. And corporations do what’s best for themselves, not the farmers and ranchers. Therefore, everything they push on the farmers and ranchers is to make themselves more money.
The focus on growth, milk, and carcass traits do not benefit farmers or ranchers. PJ explains that any added value you think you may have gained from the extra growth and carcass is lost on the additional inputs required to maintain the larger mainstream cattle. In other words, the math ain’t mathin’!
The universities are right in there with the corporations. They must support their donors, which are the corporations. For them to speak against their donors would be suicide. Therefore, most publications coming out of the universities are about how to survive within this corporate system.
Another great point PJ makes is that it isn’t our job to subsidize the packer and feeders. They make enough money. Our job, as farmers and ranchers, is to be profitable ourselves. That involves some critical thinking on our part. In other words, stop following the herd!
When you are sick and tired of being used by the BIC, Pharo Cattle Company® is here to show you a different way. Come to one of our spring sales, even if you’re not ready to buy a bull. You will get a chance to listen to PJ Budler at the pre-sale meeting and to meet with PCC® producers and customers. You will get to see first-hand what all the fuss is about!
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