Survival Through Growth, Page-turning Events and Ideas that Worked: The Poky Feeders Journey

The cattle feeding business has not been a smooth ride throughout the years, but Joe Morgan and now his son, Grant, have found ways to ride the waves by putting the needs of their customers first. This episode covers more than four decades of cattle feeding history — the high interest rates of the ’80s, the poor beef demand of the ’90s, and so on. At every junction, Poky Feeders had “page turning” events that allowed them to survive and grow. They'll tell you what they need most from Angus breeders and what kind of cattle they need in their feedyard. Hear from the father-son duo just ahead of Joe’s induction into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame.  HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully GUESTS: Joe and Grant Morgan, Poky Feeders Joe Morgan farmed and fed cattle after earning an animal science degree from Iowa State University. In 1985, he moved to Garden City to manage Poky Feeders. Its original capacity was 17,000 and under his and now his son, Grant’s, leadership it has grown to 103,000 head.  Growing up around the feedyard, Grant first chose to pursue other paths for his education before coming back to the feedyard. He took over as manager six years ago and has created an internship program and paths for employee growth along with leading their most recent expansion efforts.  Joe has served on several committees with the Kansas Livestock Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He was a founding member of U.S. Premium Beef, and he currently serves as vice chairman of their board.  RELATED CONTENT: I AM ANGUS: Poky Feeders Big Time Quality The Idea that Worked   Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.