In this photo essay, I have taken pictures of a local Aberdeen rancher’s herd. The photo essay is used to create a visual story of what goes into producing American beef.
These photos highlight a small speck of what goes into American beef. From farm to table it uses American products that undergo strict standards. Mike Cutler is a 4th generation rancher, with a passion for his cattle. He has always spent hours of his time dedicated to his cattle. He knows them all as individuals, with the large majority of his cows retiring until the end at his property.
On the tail end of the disastours plan to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef, American ranchers and farmers are still in production. Most Americans haven’t had the opportunity to view where their beef comes from.
The importation of the beef has caused a massive stir on the internet. Most Americans are unsure of the mysterious origins of the meat. They don’t know how the beef was raised, what it was fed, or the true standards the meat is held to.
American ranchers put time, passion, and years of knowledge into producing cattle that goes to the everyday person’s table. I welcome you to look through the photos that provide a small insight into that world.
Mike Cutler took in this cow as a favor for a friend who underwent a triple bypass surgery. Ranching means taking care of those around you. Whether it is time, money, friendship or lending a hand to those less fortunate, ranchers can be seen quietly working in the background.
Several cows stand in a lot before they are backgrounded (vaccinated, pregnacy checked, and wormed), and turned out to winter pasture. These cattle are given high quality rations throughout the winter that provides them the energy and nutrients to survive a harsh South Dakota winter.
One of Cutler’s calves born this summer. The calf is standing at the feed bunk after just being fed. The feed is a mix of forage and grain grown by Cutler. Cutlers personal cattle herd has been built up over generations.
One of Cutler’s steers that will eventually go into the food supply chain. Cutler raises his cattle from birth until it is time to sale heifers to other cattle producers or send to the meat market.
All of Cutler’s calves that are weaned are fed a custom mix of grain. Cutler raises all of the grain that is fed to his cattle. American ranchers have to abide by strict laws surrounding feeds, medication and quality of life.
Inside Cutler’s barn where the cattle are processed. This includes worming, vaccinations, pregancy checks, and maintenance of their health. Cutler’s processing site includes low stress chutes and alleys.