Raising cattle is not an easy life. Feeding livestock on cold mornings, the long hours of calving season, maintaining herd health day in and day out – it can be difficult and often exhausting work. But today’s cattle producers are resilient and adaptable as they navigate high costs, drought, environmental headwinds and many other challenges.

We recently reached out to two Bell customers to hear about their experience raising cattle and the changes they’ve seen over the last decade.

The Olson Family in Wyndmere, N.D.

David Olson lives on his grandfather’s original homesteaded farm north of Wyndmere with his wife Rosemary, and started raising cattle with his dad there in 1975. In 2010, David and Rosemary’s son Cody joined the operation, making him the 4th generation of the Olson family to work on the farm.

David’s dad typically raised 90-100 head of cattle, but David and Cody have expanded that number to over 300 in recent years. As David approaches retirement, he and Cody have started to scale back as Cody prepares to take over. They currently have 260 calves from the spring that will be transitioned off the farm for sale in upcoming weeks. In addition to their cattle, David and Cody also have a small grain operation of soybeans and corn.

David shares his thoughts with us below.

What’s the best thing about being in the cattle business?

Seeing that first calf in the spring is something we really enjoy!

What’s the worst part about being in the cattle business?

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, especially during spring calving. That can put a lot of stress on the calves.

What are the keys to running a profitable cattle operation?

We’ve been fortunate over the years to keep adding pasture to our operation. This has really given us the opportunity to continue to grow at a steady pace, and taken some of the pressure off, allowing us to monitor different market cycles and expand at the right times knowing what we could handle. We also put a lot of emphasis on the quality of the replacement heifers we bring in and how we go about that process. We take a lot of pride in our herd.

What are some of the management practices you have in place to manage cattle comfort and good health?

A majority of this focus occurs in the spring during calving season, and includes making sure that we keep areas dry and get newborn calves into the warmer when needed. We start calving with the heifers first, and have a setup that includes 13 pens in a barn and a camera system to monitor the process.

What’s been the biggest change in how you’ve raised cattle over the past decade?

Genetics have really improved and become a point of emphasis in the industry for producing a more consistent herd. Improvements in technology and equipment have also made our operation and our processes much more efficient.

Having access to additional feed sources locally, such as beet pulp and grain distillers from local beet production plants and corn ethanol plants, are also noticeable changes.

What is your favorite cut of meat?

My family all agrees - ribeye!

Enderson/Thompson Cattle in Fergus Falls, MN

Enderson Cattle has a long-standing history rooted in family and dedication. It was founded in 1955 when Jerry Enderson purchased a farm in Fergus Falls, marking the start of what would become a multi-generational feedlot operation. Jerry’s grandson Ben Thompson joined the farm out of high school, and then partnered with his uncle Tim Enderson after Jerry passed away in 2010.

Enderson/Thompson Cattle sources feeder cattle primarily from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, bringing the cattle to the farm’s feedlots where they’re finished to an ideal market weight of 1,400-1,500 pounds before being transported to the packer. Ben and Tim buy all of their feed, relying heavily on beet byproducts, ethanol byproducts, corn and grain screenings, in a focus on optimizing both sustainability and efficiency in the operation.

Hear from Ben about their operation below.

Why are you in the cattle business?

I’m in the business because it’s in my blood, deeply tied to my family’s legacy and values. Growing up around the feedyard, I developed a respect for hard work and the dedication it takes to raise quality cattle. I stepped into this role driven by a desire to carry forward what my grandfather started. For me, cattle ranching is more than just a job—it’s a way of life, one that connects me to my heritage and keeps me focused on building something that will last for future generations.

The best part of being in this business is working hands-on with the cattle. There’s a rewarding connection that comes from caring for these animals daily, seeing them grow, and knowing the quality work that goes into raising them. The hardest part is the volatility of the market, which can make the business side challenging and uncertain. Additionally, there’s a constant responsibility to ensure the animals' wellbeing, which brings its own weight; their health and care are always top priorities, and that level of commitment can be demanding.

What are the keys to running a profitable cattle operation?

First and foremost, knowing your input costs is essential; every expense, from feed to labor, impacts the bottom line, so staying on top of costs is crucial for maintaining profitability. Equally important is having a deep understanding of the market for both buying and selling. Timing and pricing in a volatile market can make a significant difference, so being informed and strategic with market decisions is essential.

What are some of the management practices you have in place to manage cattle comfort and good health?

We prioritize cattle comfort and health through a variety of practices that support our commitment to quality and animal welfare. We maintain a strong partnership with animal health professionals to monitor and support cattle health, addressing any concerns promptly. Additionally, we work tirelessly to keep the feedlot dry and clean, prioritizing the animals' comfort and minimizing stress. Our focus on quality means that the beef we produce consistently ranks in the top 10% in the country.

What’s been the biggest change in how you’ve raised cattle over the past decade?

Advancements in equipment and technology have made our day-to-day work more efficient and precise, and helps us provide consistent, high-quality feed for our cattle. Another major shift has been the ability to view and purchase cattle through online auctions. This technology allows us to access a wider range of livestock options without the need for constant travel, giving us flexibility and convenience in sourcing the best cattle for our operation.

What is your favorite cut of meat?

My favorite cut of meat is the ribeye because it has the best flavor and marbling.

This article appeared in the Q4 2024 issue of Bell’s AgViews newsletter.