Lewter, Durward W 1973-06-13

Durward Lewter, former manager of Lewter Feedlot in Lubbock, describes the origin and development of the feedlot. He also speculates on the future of the cattle feeding industry.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Durward W. Lewter

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 13, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 1 hour

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Reviews family background and career, Origin of interest in feedlots given, Advantages of Lubbock as a location for feedlots examined, Comments on early (1955) operation of feedlot, Barriers to building a market for milo-fed cattle explained, Speculations in and development of cattle rations described, Gives factors used in choosing Lubbock for feedlot location, Dynamics of cattle industry reviewed, Discusses early (1955) feedlot operation and facilities, Nature of business arrangement (1955), Problems in buying "feeder cattle" mentioned.

Tape 1, Side 2: Outlines changes in feed processing, Purchasing grain described, Discusses method of record keeping, Lewter Feedlot liquidated (1967), Changes in cattle markets traced, Criticizes government price control, Success of feedlots predicted, Discussion of "cattle types", States impressions on the development of feedlots, "Investment clubs" described, Comments on Texas Tech’s Dean W. L. Stangel, Present feedlot activities discussed, Speculation on value of feedlot records.

Range Dates: 1955-1973

Bulk Dates: 1955-1967

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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