YSA Tours Cattle Feeding, Dairy Industries

Sep 24, 2024

The 2024 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) met for its third session last week. Class members from across the state spent three days touring various segments of the beef and dairy industries. The YSA program is exclusively sponsored by Merck Animal Health.

El Dorado Livestock Auction hosted the group’s first stop, where they participated in Beef Quality Assurance training and heard from market co-owner Josh Mueller. Poland Angus Ranch near Isabel hosted the second stop. Richard Poland shared the story of his operation and walked the group through his heavy-bred first-calf heifers.

Adams Cattle Company LLC/XIT Ranch near Plains hosted the first stop on day two of the tour. John and Jack Adams spoke to the class about the history of the family ranch and how they operate today. The Adamses also touched on their successful Quarter Horse program. The second stop was High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, where managing partner Greg Bethard talked about the inner workings of the dairy, the expansion currently underway and how the operation utilizes its resources to remain efficient and sustainable.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.