In the plains of Oklahoma is a cattle operation that plays an outsized role in the American food supply chain—Buffalo Feeders. With a remarkable production of 45,000 head of finished cattle annually, which translates to 43.2 million pounds of beef or 115 million servings of beef per year, Buffalo Feeders is no ordinary cattle feeding operation. That's enough to provide every Oklahoman with a serving of beef every day for a month.
One of the distinguishing features of Buffalo Feeders is its strategic alignment with the Progressive Beef supply chain, which includes industry giants like Tyson, Costco, and Wendy's. This association ensures that we meet the highest standards of beef quality, safety, and animal welfare. It also guarantees a level of visibility and trust among consumers, knowing that the beef they consume is part of a premium, well-vetted supply chain.
U.S. Premium Beef (USPB) is a unique organization that has reshaped the dynamics of the American beef industry since its inception. Comprising a network of progressive beef producers who are also owners, USPB has set a new standard for quality and traceability in beef production.
Quality control at Buffalo Feeders is second to none, a claim substantiated by a string of prestigious awards. In 2019, we received the National Cattlemen's Association Beef Quality Assurance Award, a recognition of our commitment to quality at every step of the production process. More recently, in 2023, we were honored with the Feedyard Award for Excellence in Beef Quality Assurance by the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. These accolades speak volumes about our relentless focus on producing the best possible product for the American consumer.
USPB and Tyson are focused on their stringent quality control procedures that begin at the ranch and continue through every phase of production until the beef reaches the consumer. The organizations employ a grading system that surpasses even the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) rigorous criteria. This ensures that the beef under the USPB banner is consistently of superior quality, which, in turn, gains the trust of both retailers and consumers alike.
Tyson and USPB place a strong emphasis on traceability, allowing consumers to have full visibility into the production journey of their beef, from pasture to plate. This commitment to transparency not only builds consumer trust but also allows for continual improvement in production practices through feedback loops that are embedded in the traceability system.
Another significant aspect of USPB is its financial structure, which allows beef producers to become stakeholders in the supply chain. By offering an integrated ownership model, USPB ensures that producers share in the profits and have a vested interest in maintaining high standards. This also incentivizes innovation and best practices in beef production.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are core tenets of our operations. This is reflected in our efforts to minimize waste, optimize water usage, and reduce our carbon footprint. Being part of the Progressive Beef supply chain amplifies our commitment to environmentally sound and humane practices in beef production.
To keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of the modern world, Buffalo Feeders has integrated technology tools into its business data management systems. This technological integration not only streamlines our operations but also enhances our responsiveness to market changes, thus ensuring the continuity of our contributions to the food supply chain.
Buffalo Feeders is much more than a high-output cattle feeding operation; it is a gold-standard institution that feeds millions, powers national food supply chains, and garners awards for excellence and quality. Whether it's winning awards for Beef Quality Assurance or being an integral part of premium supply chains like Progressive Beef or US Premium Beef, Buffalo Feeders is committed to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and sustainability. When you enjoy a succulent steak or a juicy burger, know that the team at Buffalo Feeders had a role to play in making that delightful experience possible. And if you're an Oklahoman, take pride in the fact that our facility can serve up enough beef for every resident to enjoy a meal per day for an entire month, year after year.
In a world increasingly concerned with the quality and source of its food, Buffalo Feeders remains a shining example of how to do things right.
~Tom Fanning
