A Dighton, Kansas, feedlot is one of the newest Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) licensees in the nation, joining more than 80 licensed yards in 17 states. Lane County Feeders, Inc., offers many opportunities to Angus producers who want to get the most out of their top quality cattle.

CAB has been demand-driven and customer-focused for 25 years, and its Feedlot Licensing Program started in 1999. As a CAB licensed partner, the feedlot is aligned with Angus producers in an effort to satisfy the growing U.S. and international demand for Certified Angus Beef(R) product.

With a capacity of 42,000 head, Lane County relies on excellent management. Through modern electronic cattle management (ECM), it performs cattle sorting to grid specifications and preserves individual animal identity. The system also allows for individual tracking so that cattle reach optimum finish points as determined by the target grid.

State-of-the-art technology is only the first of Lane County Feeders' services. It also provides cattle and feed financing, participates in partnerships with producers, and assists in risk management.

For Derek Martin, supply representative, and Jim Meetz, manager, deciding to become a CAB licensed feedlot was a question of quality assurance. "Everything [CAB] does seems to be top quality," says Martin. "We hope this will produce a supply of quality cattle that will excel on our grid." Lane County Feeders has an exclusive grid marketing agreement with Excel.

Martin and Meetz hope that becoming a CAB licensee will increase coordinated quality assurance with more Angus producers, resulting in a higher percentage of Choice and CAB carcasses.

"Quality grade is all genetics," Martin adds. That's why Lane County Feeders is looking forward to seeing even more CAB quality Angus genetics as a licensed CAB feedlot.

For more information on how to finish your Angus type cattle at Lane County Feeders, Inc., call (800) 579-3645 or e-mail dmartin@st-tel.net.

Certified Angus Beef(R) is the leading brand of fresh beef; with annual sales of more than half a billion pounds by thousands of licensees worldwide. The distinctive shield label tells consumers the beef is tender, flavorful and juicy. For producer information, consumer tips and grocer or restaurant locations visit www.2eatcab.com or call 1-877-2-EAT-C-A-B. ©