Finding Links in the Value Chain

Abstract

<p>Jeff Ryan and his family run a diversified operation in Winneshiek County in northeast Iowa. In addition to a mix of corn and alfalfa, they also operate a cow-calf herd of just under 100 head of commercial cows. The cowherd originated from their dairy operation in the 1970’s. Jeff has been in charge of the beef portion of the operation since age 14 in 1982. That’s when he initiated an artificial insemination program to improve genetics of the cowherd. A scale was added the following year to measure feedlot performance.</p>