Special Report
Finishing cattle in a hoop barn
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers/Brownfield Ag News Doing Things Right Farm Tour kicked off on the Bryan Reed farm near Albia. We were welcomed to the farm by Bryan and Amber Reed, their three children Jaycee, Brayden, and Ashlyn, and Bryan’s parents Ron and Sharon Reed.Bryan and Amber have lived on the farm we visited today for ten years. A 1997 Iowa State University graduate, Bryan worked for a neighbor farmer until 4 or 5 years ago when he started on his own. Bryan’s dad and mom live down the road on the 80 acres where he grew up – on land farmed by Bryan’s dad and grandfather before him.In addition to farming 350 acres of his own crops and custom farming 700 row crop acres, Bryan runs 250 cows and finishes all the calves he raises in a hoop building constructed on his farm last year. His decision to erect the structure was based on his determination to be a good steward of the environment. Rain and snow never enter the lot and all the manure is contained within the building until conditions are right for these nutrients to be applied to the farm land.
Because his cattle are not exposed to weather extremes, the Monroe County farmer has seen better overall performance in the cattle he feeds out in this hoop barn. By making these changes and improvements for the environment and cattle comfort, Bryan has reaped some economic rewards. The cattle are more feed efficienct and gain better now, helping justify the costs associated with the higher feed costs experienced in the past year and a half.
Bryan said there are a lot of things he and other farmers are doing with limited resources to provide a safe and abundant food supply for the consumer. As the population grows, the expansion of new technology becomes even more important.
The Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers (CSIF) provided Bryan with much-needed – and appreciated – guidance on siting and contruction of the new barn and with neighbor relations.
While standing at the gates on one end of the hoop barn, Bryan told me his time and a sharp pencil are two important tools in his farming operation.
Most of the cattle on his farm go back to a Simmental base (much to my appreciation, as I, too, am a Simmental owner) with Red Angus. Bryan looks at carcass traits when making his breeding decisions. He enjoys selecting the bulls and genetics and by finishing out his own cattle he knows he is providing the safest and best product possible for the end consumer.
It’s obvious to me that Bryan is always thinking about the end-user when he is making decisions about what and how to grow crops and livestock. Producing the right amounts and qualities to meet the needs of the end consumer is important for him.
Bryan said there is always room for improvement, but he believes he is doing the best job he can for his family, the enviroment, his community and neighbors, his state and beyond.
As for the future of the Reed farm? Bryan hopes that one or all three of his children (all under the age of 5) have the opportunity and desire to come back to the farm and work with him.
I sure enjoyed visiting with Bryan Reed. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation.
AUDIO: Conversation with Bryan Reed
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