What is a Cow Worth?

[@TylerBunchanumbers]

Folks, if you pick up what Mike's laying down here you can see that buying local is a win win. You can get your beef at a higher quality at 10-20% off store prices and the farmer makes a good price for his product. Win Win.

[@bustersmith5569]

Yes Sir !!! 👍

[@noahhernandez1396]

Buy local! 🇺🇸

[@linseycollins7424]

Yep. I raise my own here in my back yard.lol

[@davidsawyer1599]

I have no issue with buying local. As far as saving money????? Regenetive beyond organic no inputs beef is at least two times more. This ranch is considered conventional. The prices may be very competitive with the locale grocery. Your point is well taken. I'm comparing apples to oranges.

[@bustersmith5569]

@@davidsawyer1599 I'm not sure as what your referring to ? Sorry....

[@bigcliffadventures]

That's what I like you showing the world what gets the money . I pary for each rancher and farmer to win each day but we need to stand up for yall too. Mike God bless y'all

[@OurWyomingLife]

Cliff Anders thank you sir

[@davidkitting6676]

@@OurWyomingLife Mike, I would add that everything happens for a reason, whether we can understand and learn from it now or it's for a later application. That's life, and you live it the Wyoming way as best suits you and yours. God will take care of the rest.

[@marknasatka1891]

Thanks for the video. The average person has no idea of the risk and challenges the small producer faces. Thank you.

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

From Texas so hard to make a living in the cattle business honestly if leasing to hunters was not so good most ranches would go under.

[@jeanneshannon5607]

Amen to that

[@Northtide]

@@Kenny-bj2zq Mike does some leasing to 'Speed Goat' hunters. He has to to make all the ends meet. Down here in South Texas visitors often ask: "Why we have miles and miles of 8'-10" fences. Can cattle jump that high?" No they can't but then neither can the exotic African antelope, and native deer. Check out the price per-hunt on the ranches. That money provides a great hunting experience, and money to sustain the ranch.

[@magnatenews2879]

Thank you I have always been curious

[@magnatenews2879]

I wish I had a local farmer that I can buy steaks from..

[@tkilg7169]

It's hard to put into words the gift that Mike has in conveying important info along with video creation and editing. A subject that most ranchers who don't have the gift would put you to sleep talking about, is entertaining and at times, emotional when viewed here.

[@tidelovinyankee1368]

One of the best videos you've made. Most of us have no concept of the financials involved in ranching. Many vloggers share much of the day-to-day goings on on their ranches, but you are letting us in on something we rarely see or hear. I thank you for that. One of your stated goals is to educate the consumer; you are doing that, and I look forward the remainder of your discussion about the cost of ranching. Your videos are unique, and I wish I had subscribed sooner. Thank you

[@c_turfgrass7773]

That's right

[@alecball68]

Thanks for doing what you do most people have no idea what it takes to grow a cow next time I have a stake I will think about this video and enjoy it much more thanks

[@reevinriggin3570]

Born and raised on a cattle ranch in South Dakota. I left the ranch for more excitement and to pursue the interests I had. I have been a city dweller for the last 37 years and have missed those cows and calves everyday. I may go back. Not to ranch as I am too old for that now, but to just return to Gods country and live a simple life where I too can know where my beef has come from. How it was fed, raised, and to a certain degree lovingly raised by a local ranch family. Never fear though. I will not bring the ways of the city back with me. I will always be a country boy at heart and definitely remember where I came from and WHO I came from. Thanks for the video. I have no idea why it showed up in my suggestions as I have not done any searches for anything that would remotely bring up ranching or cattle. I gotta say though, I really enjoyed watching and even subscribed. Maybe fate?

[@steamboat1341]

Every time I watch your channel its a positive learning experience. I sincerely thankyou for videos such as this one that really inform people just what a calf and cow are worth. The disheartening fact that we as producers are being told what our products are worth our returns are small and our back breaking work, well something is wrong with the system. These videos really bring what our life in Wyoming as a cattle producer is all about. I only wish we could fix the system. Thankyou again and I promise I'll keep my big mouth shut when it comes to rotational grazing and electric fences. So somewhere out there, in the Wyoming wind is one appreciative viewer.

[@christyhinkley393]

This has been an extremely educational tutorial to me and everyone I have already and plan to forwarded it to. I am looking forward to the ones you are planning to do in the future. Thank you so much for you taking the time to explain to those of us that only see the ending where the meat is in the stores. Hi from Virginia Beach VA

[@deejohnson5163]

LOVE THE VIDS !!! Don't listen to the haters. Just point them in the direction of the cow piles.

[@anthonymartinez4780]

Hey bud just wanted to say that from an agriculture worker to a rancher, I appreciate what you do. Most folks don't realize where their food comes from or the hard work that goes into raising/growing it to their dinner tables. I will be buying beef from a local rancher. Much love from the San Luis Valley in Colorado

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

Mike I discovered your youtube channel a few days ago & I have been binge watching your videos! I can say now that I absolutely adore your ranch, animals, & family. You do such a great job balancing all of the work that you do both on & off camera. & you wife & kids are very lucky to have a good man like you on their side. Also you have convinced me to buy beef locally from farmers directly, which I can do because I live near farming country. Thank you for all that you do, & I cant wait to see what the future has in store for your ranch, & your Wyoming Life!

[@neubianx]

Video Editor: The volume level of the background music really needs to be taken down to about 25% of whatever it is as it's competing with the speech in the video.

[@l33tpie]

Here in Aus, this time last year, due to the drought we had some producers having to sell cattle at only $100 AUD a head simply because it would cost far too much to keep them fed. The damned abattoirs and supermarkets didn't budge on the in store prices though the greedy bastards.

[@BrendenParker]

I remember an old ewe was going for $250 when before you couldn't give them away. This year we will have floods.

[@DC8Combi]

Subscribed, great feeling to see folks who do things not just for the money. I'm very fond of the farm life and cattle, them cattle are quite smart and very nosy. They love gathering around you and putting on a show, when I was a kid I lived on my uncles dairy farm. I went out one cold morning to get the gals and was very tired, I came across a group of them laying down and I sat next to ones neck as a pillow, it was really warm. That gal wrapped her neck gently around me and I feel asleep all toasty! Lets say Uncle Chuck couldn't figure out what on Earth took them gals and I so long to get to the barn 🤫. I'm wishing you and your family along with all farmers the best, thank you for your service feeding all of us 👍.

[@CindyKinney]

Hi Mike. This video was so interesting. I learned a lot. I live in the country in Northern Maine but not a farm. Until about 30 years ago, I always lived in town, so learning about cattle and all farm things is so interesting to me. It's like a whole new world. Take good care on the farm and stay well.

[@nadronco9312]

Amen to this Video. I raised cattle for 25 years only to be shafted by the Auction Houses time and time again - ESPECIALLY WITH COVID. Where were "they" on those freezing nights drying off newborn calves at 01:00 AM, where were "they" putting out round bales in MINUS 40 degree wind chills, where were "they" in 101 Degree Summer Days putting up hay.......Hug a farmer, and pray for them, and know you are blessed to have a grocery store with stocked shelves.

[@cindyboard7816]

The cost of the beef (filll in the $ amt.) vs. Knowing where your beef came from....PRICELESS!!!!! Keep up the good work Mike and Erin!!!!! Where would we all be without farmers and ranchers?!?!? "If you are going to complain about farmers, then don't talk with your mouth full!!!!" I always loved seeing that bumper sticker on a farm truck!!!!! Stay safe!!!!!

[@AustinandKayla]

Yes! 🙌🏻

[@tomt6040]

My ex-wife and I raised drop calves from the local dairies, our favoritite dairy used an Angus bull. I was trucking, which meant that the income varied. During the summer and fall we bought as many calves as possible from the local auctions. During the winter we bottle fed them and got them ready fot rthe pasture in the spring. When times were tough we would take one or two to the auction to make our bills. We surived! (this was during the Carter drepression). I now own a few acres in Nevada and plan to do the same if Biden wins the election and we have to survive another depression.

[@richarddesbiens796]

@Robin Patricioraising beef is what keeps them alive as a species the libtards would genocide all cattle since they fart CO2 the molecule of life

[@tomt6040]

@Robin Patricio Go eat an oleander bush!

[@LucasMartin-im5ub]

I think you guys scared away that Robin guy lol

[@CiaofCleburne]

Drop calves from a dairy. Good idea.

[@JohnDoe-qz1ql]

You were correct. Great foresight!

[@quarterlimit5838]

This right here is why we buy from a local rancher AND why we will soon be growing our own. Not only do we know the rancher personally, we know how his cows are cared for, what they’re eating and how they are processed. Plus, the meat just tastes better. Even the raw meat smells good(some of you will know what I’m talking about) and our friend has another successful year of ranching. It’s a win all around.

[@ljlranch118]

I think this is your best video yet, We too have been increasing the percentage that we finish and sell retail, but growing that market is harder than many might think. We bought a walk in freezer to be able to have a more stable supply and have just set up online ordering and free local delivery. I have 12 calves being processed in the next six weeks and I hope we can move it fast enough not to overwhelm our freezer

[@bluesman97]

Let's all hope this takes off like wildfire.. I would be more than happy to buy my beef direct. The Ranchers are the one's who deserve the rewards. Great Video, Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerhawk]

Thank you Mike & Erin for another excellent video!! Also, thank you for feeding us folks without farms!! We appreciate you producing safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food!! Yum!!

[@bryanjaeck4828]

I liked the video. I remember a Missouri rancher who raised is beef and sold them individually to customers. The cattle never left the ranch they were born on, no shots for growth, the day they left they went to local butcher shop and the purchaser paid for that. No herbicides, or pesticides used on the land. It cost more but very healthy beef animals. He was sold out every year on the cattle he raised.

[@trevorthelen5878]

Keeping pushing this message!! The company I work for is a main supplier to the beef industry with our products which in turn makes us members of the national cattleman's and local state cattleman's association and I non stop answer there surveys/questionnaires with the same statement and that is if they truly want to help then connect people directly with the producer and local butcher so we get back to supporting the backbone of this industry!!!

[@brucevandegrift2655]

I think this channel should be a educational course, for the most part, it’s common sense, business sense, basic math , informative??? Yes, it gives a city folk a peek into the place and people who grew what “they” chew . Tyall, and don’t worry about those “fallen food” critters, the farm i grew up on, granny said, that’s why you’ll never be hungry in heaven. Funny how those life’s lessons play 50 years later, peace be the journey friend

[@cathymacdonald1789]

Thank you for all of your ranching information over the years Mike, it’s always interesting and informative. This is great for all the population to learn from

[@peggywilliams1191]

Just discovered your channel about a week ago and I love it..I grew up in Oregon where we had a dairy farm, farm life was the best we learned very early on not to name the pigs, sheep or chickens because you could be eating them for Sunday dinner...hahaha anyhow love what you an your wife have created for your children....love Peggy 💗 ♥ 💓

[@shaeanderson2697]

thank you for helping keep me and my family fed.

[@kevinlamarr1424]

That’s what I’ve been wanting to ask you since I started watching your channel. When you told the story of your last conversation with your father in law, I knew you were the guy I wanted to watch. I even unsubscribed to the KZbin farmers because I know the difference. I’m really looking forward to the series. You were the person I’m going to be, figuring it out as I go. Since you are doing the processing, what about selling the manure/compost, the hides and the bones and scraps for dog food? I have been seeing cowhide rugs for $100 online. In the 70’s we used to get bones and scraps from the butcher for our dogs.

[@Ranch_Hand_Jeff]

That's some excellent content my friend. We'll done.

[@c_turfgrass7773]

Mike, we started doing the same thing with our reg. Angus operation (those that don't make the cut). Our average cost is $200 to finish, $425 for slaughter to USDA specs....been the bet move we've made. Adding a restaurant customer helped tremendously as well. Great job brother!

[@randomloverboy]

I think everyone needs to see this video, it gives a new respect to ranchers and it shows how much the packaging companies raise prices.

[@anomie6788]

Thank you for taking the time to make that video, very informative. I am glad to hear you are selling directly to the public. If there is a rancher here in Florida selling there end product I would be more than happy to buy from them.

[@justinsimmons2715]

i do enjoy the analytical look at the profit making by the folks down the line from us, but as a cattle rancher myself, it gives me heartburn. Buy local beef from the family who raised it.

[@johnwarring2337]

Hey man, I get feeling bad (or even awful) about that year of heavy losses in calves, but sharing this info and living and learning is what everyone needs to keep our system running. Great for you to share, I appreciate learning, I appreciate what you do, and thank you for it. God bless

[@petruzzovichi]

Fascinating report Mike. This is an excellent video containing a wonderful quick pic of new mom Erin. You and your entire family are 4+, quality Americans and major contributors. Blessings and thanks to you.

[@bryanfox2735]

Man!!! That’s the best info ever! All the farmers and ranchers need to stick together and get their prices up for all the work they do!!! 🇺🇸💪👍

[@tkz9850]

Fantastic video, great job educating us on the costs & how important it is to SUPPORT OUR SMALL AMERICAN BUSINESSES. You crushed it this time.

[@ckingclosur]

Thanks for sharing Mike I was listening very carefully to what you were saying and I have few points to share with you as well so here I start. The loss of calves in 2011 was due because of setting i.e. cows should be in a shelter under a roof contained so maybe your operation is improved by now in a way that you are able to build a first-class barn or barns to house the livestock. I know it is expensive to have top of the line barns. Maybe in the future, you will be able to have two things as a business. 1- your own processing plant. 2- your own butcher shop. You can't have anyone but family to run such operation. As you can see, we're talking a giant business operation here getting to be a Wyoming beef industry Tycoon. I hope you get to this point, all the best till the next post

[@ronnieam33]

This guy reminds me of Mike Rowe. Well done!

[@TheSnakeman3]

Thanks for sharing the winter calf story Mike and I understand your flight. We done have as many cattle as you do but the story is the same. We finally got some rain with tropical storm Beta and were very glad to get it. The pastures are already growing and green again. You are educating many and thank you.

[@timgilchrist3065]

I can tell that you appreciate your cow herd as much as I do, which is a lot.

[@billreal76]

GREAT video, Mike. I'm a Virginia beef consumer and looking forward to watching the 'rest of the story'. Thanks for telling it and giving us a chance to experience the ranch life with you.

[@dalethorp3687]

I received the 8oz pepper jerky last night and it is almost gone. Thanks Mike & Erin Is the jerky habit forming? YES!!!

[@henrybittle5234]

Farmers and Ranchers are the back bone of our country, Total respect for them. Hard Hard work, You guys rock, thank you for you.

[@dbirdeycapozzi9807]

Good one Mike! Excellent topic. Love to Erin and the children!

[@argentorangeok6224]

There are so many ranches and small farms in my area that raise cattle. It's just a bloody shame there is hardly any local processing and butchery. It would be cheaper, healthier for people and the land, and maybe I could finally get a nice fatty joint of beef.

[@sarahposey7166]

The profit you figured is pretty optimistic. Glad you are doing all of it yourself, and they are less stressed by moving!

[@davidmoss5186]

Nice video! City folk don’t understand the expenses that go into raising a calf, or the amount of time needed.

[@warpedone2]

ThanQ for filming

[@kevinlesch9656]

Good to see I'm not the only one that goes into the super market and price checks beef! Every time I go in I look at ground beef, but I can't remember ever buying it! Some of your figures seemed high some low but it's pretty close in the end. Big one that I deal with, actually my local butcher deals with is the price of hides, or lack there of. He used to get $100 each then down to $50 last couple years he gave them away. Not enough tannerys in the US. I got one of mine and took it to an Amish guy to tan. Figure I could make some tool pouches or wallets, but the leather still sits cause I don't have the time.

[@kencappo607]

Thanks Mike ,I think I’m going to stop buying beef from the supermarket and look to a local farmer

[@cindylong624]

contact your state agriculture department for info

[@fishydubsfishing6516]

Just become a vegetarian

[@tonyynot6151]

Same here.. gonna look local, thank you for the great insight

[@Renee94015]

Thank you Mike for being so informative and you are so updated to thank you and good luck

[@reynazimmerman1266]

I wish I could give this two thumbs up! Mike, thank you so so much for everything you do! You and Erin are incredible!

[@krisbaird5555]

Good job on the video yes alot of people have no idea what kind of risks us farmers and ranchers take. Take care Mike hope it will be a better year for us all next year

[@rwilson208]

I have often wondered how a person would go about meeting a rancher or a farmer and discussing investing funds into their business and being silent on the business. Strictly, an investment. This is the first cattle ranch video that I have seen. I was surfing youtube to find something interesting. I enjoyed your video and subscribed to your channel.

[@Byrnzi360]

No clue why KZbin recommended this video to me... but I’m glad I watched it. Very informative. My condolences about the lost cows during the storms.

[@buddmcstudd6994]

That was so comprehensive and not annoying I loved it.

[@thomasrudder9639]

What a great dude. Great character, hard workin, huge hearted, gentleman. I’d buy my steaks from this guy (and jerky) if I were near him. I’m going to search out local farmers here in Crested Butte to buy from.

[@yvonnechristian5050]

Thanks for all you do for all of us. God bless our farmers and ranchers.

[@carrieschirado8967]

Great video Mike! They are your family your life! Thank you for sharing!

[@harrykanhura4178]

Thanks for making this video, and for being a rancher! I enjoyed watching this and learned how risky ranching can be.

[@miriambertram2448]

what a great series you've started!

[@LM-sc8lu]

For years my family raised our own "beefers", pork, and poultry, as well as laying hens. We thought about how much we spent on our out meat and eggs, but always figured we could eat cheaper at the store. But we wouldn't have had it any other way. No days, with the kids grown and gone, we purchase grass fed, grain finished beef and pork from neighbors, but I still raise my own poultry, and a few layers.

[@johnathanmuncy841]

Really looking forward to this particular series of video's as I am in the process of starting my Cattle Operation here in Arkansas

[@joserivera5500]

Us city folks only watched cowboys on the TV. But what a great video. Have been waiting your videos, and enjoying them. Always wonted to know. Thank you and all the good Farmers.

[@shyguy2481]

700 per calf. 20 calves. 12k. 3k per calf, 60,000. 4k per calf 80,000. Each calf grown and have 5 calves each. 20x 5 making 100 calves. 4k each, 400,000 potential. Idk if it would even be possible to expand that fast but man would it be crazy. One slip up can cost years of exponential growth.

[@gman6112]

One big miss here if you process your own is dog treats. It costs $12 for a 6” piece of forearm bone dried and shrink wrapped at PetsMart.

[@shadytreez]

Thank you for your hard work! You are the back nine of America.

[@troychampion]

i stumbled across this video today... I really like the way you put it together and I love to learn... I subscribed.. thx.

[@t900badbot]

I'm a butcher. By the time it hits the grocery store self, it's mostly break even or a loss leader after transpo, labor, overhead. I am fascinated by your ranch. Keep up the hard work sir!

[@mcohan6854]

The last 2 mins of the video it finally hit me. You talk, smile and played very similar music to Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs. Thanks for the educational video.

[@isaacfs8995]

Mike are you planning on/can you do a video about how you finish cattle? Would love to see that!

[@michaele5657]

Been there done that keep up the good work and thank God there's people like you out there still doing it.

[@scottcahala7779]

Thanks for teaching us about the cost of our food. The farmers need to get more for all of there hard work. With out the farmers there is no grocery store.

[@rupeinspections5611]

Thank you for your terrific video and taking the time to explain everything you do on your ranch. You are very smart and just ignore the negative people.

[@whistlinsixty4859]

Will pre-ordering beef like hamburger, steaks, and prime rib be available in the future via mail order? Its one thing to pick out your steaks from the store but watching them be raised up and fattened is oddly satisfying

[@thyslop1737]

Excellent speaking voice for presentations for video, even TV

[@mitch_smith]

We split a cow once a year w/ another family. Best way, imo, to know what you are getting and get a good deal, while still paying the farmer for their work at a higher rate. Side note: thanks for the note on the beef jerky. Came in today and was a very good lunch. Thanks Mike and Erin. Appreciate you.

[@brendasnider7130]

Love your channel. Love the way you tell us about your farm. Love you let us see the good and the bad of running your ranch.

[@aarone3790]

You are awesome thank you and your family for feeding America 🇺🇸

[@timlash]

Great video Mike! Getting the broader picture like that really provides the perspective to evaluate how I should spend my money. Thanks so much for the insight.

[@Sethdominus777]

We need more farmers like you

[@MikeBaxterABC]

I grew up on a hobby farm, we rasied one steer for our frezer every year(the odd time 2) the beef once prosessed and frozen cost more than it did in the store :) ... I live in the city now, since my wife passed away 10 years ago, I am a single Dad with three kids stil at home, ... afreezer full of beef is a pipe dream, besides chicken hot dogs we hardly get to eat meat at all :)

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

I spent almost 40 years in the food packaging end of the business with 80% of that in the FRM and HRI end. For 10 of those years I set up meat plants and processing plants all over the west coast working for a little company called Cryovac which is now Sealed Air. I spent the rest of my time in the industry as a owner of my own processing and packaging supply company for 20 years. I ended up getting bought out and started another company that I put every last cent into just to be wiped out by this WU-FLU pandemic. This is a tough time for my industry and I feel for all my friends in the business now. I will come back.. I always have and its this kind of attitude that this channel as presented. I wish nothing but the best of luck in the following year to you and your family. If i was situated closer I would love to be involved with your processing end of the business. Along with your further processing ie smoking and drying and packaging fresh meats. Stay healthy and free.

[@timhood6970]

Keep growing them, we'll keep eating! I'm saying this as I am working on a T-Bone that just came off of my grill!

[@sandracorless6186]

Hey Mike, love the vlog what we do is buy from the farmers market, and the grocery store we shop at is family own and they in turn buy from local farmers so its a win win for everyone. So whats next for OWL keep up the good work and see you in the next video 🤔🤠🐂👍😉

[@2fast65]

Awesome video Mike most people do not understand where there food comes from let alone the cost of producing it all the way back to the farmer or rancher you did a great job explaining it have a great day be safe thanks.

[@brianplum1825]

This is my first time watching this channel. My immediate impression is that the host looks and sounds professional like a TV news anchor -- not what I expected after watching other rambling, amateurish channels so common on KZbin.

[@KellysAdventures305]

I absolutely love that broadcaster's voice you have! I was struck with an idea for a video I would love to see. Like a nice nature video of cow and pig behavior and other animals like the antelope, Prairie dog, jack rabbit or whatever animals that pop up on your ranch. With that voice narrating it would be a smash!!! Also, now I'm craving meat. Time for a weekend BBQ with lots of steak, chicken and ribs!

[@vernt4583]

Great video Mike I really enjoyed it and it is so sad that we’re hearing that over 80% of our meat processing is done by foreign owned companies!!!!!

[@timmypickett8361]

You nailed it, mostly China and its not just beef.

[@leestadnyk5573]

I like this video and appreciate your educating the general public on livestock even if as a Canadian I disagree with your position on Canadian beef. It is not our fault the packers have integrated out beef production into north American packing system. I appreciate also your choice to value add and process your own livestock

[@manofwar2529]

Man really good video. Thank you to you and your family for everything yall do. GOD BLESS.

[@angelulloa2461]

I’m really starting to hear the radio personality you have mike😂

[@barbarataychert4910]

Great video. Very informative.

[@alidahall8726]

Coming from a family on my grandma's side of cattle, and pig farmers and from what my grandma had told me every animal is worth alot of money and has to be looked and treat like gold cause it was the families income so it means the food the equipment had to be looked after very well. My grandfather was Mennonite I'm not sure what they grew but what ever the Mennonites grew had to be looked after very well as well and like we'll with the equipment they use. So I was brought up to respect my farming/Mennonite heritage and more respect to the rest of the farmers and Mennonites and Amish farmers in the USA and canada

[@katewojo]

Thank you Mike ---this video was eye opening! You are truly an educator and an innovator in your field! TY for feeding America!

[@marcusriley7309]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I like your content and you convey your message well. I purchased 30 acres and want to start a small farm. Hope to learn something from you thanks again for the information.

[@danielfarnsworth5734]

$13/lb for brisket is quite steep! I can buy from a local butcher shop here for $9 or at costco for sometimes as low as $4...