CALF_News_June_July_2019

20 CALF News • June | July 2019 • www.calfnews.net Warren White and Mc6 Cattle Feeders have always looked to expand their production and marketing. Their latest venture is a one-of-a-kind program to feed specific, non-hormone, nationally sourced cattle produced and harvested specifically for Walmart. The world’s leading beef retailer, Walmart has developed its own supply chain for hormone-free Angus cattle that is fully transparent from the ranch to the packer. Along with Mc6, located in Hereford, Texas, other partners in Walmart’s supply chain endeavor include Creekstone Farms, rancher Bob McClaren of 44 Farms and Prime Pursuits in Cameron, Texas. McClaren and White will help Walmart source cattle. After being finished at Mc6, the cattle will be harvested at the Creekstone packing facility in Arkansas City, Kan. “This is a unique program because of the scope of who is involved –Walmart,”White says.“It’s a win-win for produc- ers. There’s a chance we will see more retailers and branded programs doing something similar.” White and Mc6 have been feeding all-natural cattle from 44 Farms genetics for several years. The new program takes further advantage of 44 Farms Angus genetics, as well as other Angus seedstock operators across the country. “The Prime Pursuit brand will involve cattle produced in most of the western U.S.,”White says.“We’ll be sourcing cattle from Texas to North Dakota and nearly all states west to fill our need. I’m doing a lot more traveling now.” Their hormone-free program is similar to the non-hormone treated cattle (NHTC) program for cattle marketed to the anti-hormone European Union. It goes against conventional feeding programs that include implants and growth promo- tants like beta-agonists. No MGA can be used in heifers. Judi- cious use of antibiotics is allowed. “The program goes beyond an all-natural program,”White says.“All cattle must be in a PVP (process verified program). We are using IMI Global as the third-party auditor to assure cattle are source verified and non-hormone.” In the program, cattle are selected and sorted from cow-calf operators, backgrounders and stocker operators. White says cattle will be brought in at about 850 pounds for steers and 775 pounds for heifers. Steers will be harvested at 1,350-1,400 pounds. Heifers will be harvested at 1,250-1,300. “In a conventional feeding program, you buy cattle, feed them and sell them,”White says.“The challenge in this pro- gram is to procure cattle and place them at a consistent weight A Key Link in 44 Farms, Prime Pursuits, Direct Supply Chain to Walmart Mc6 Cattle Feeders By Larry Stalcup Contributing Editor