Davidson, Jim 1973-05-31
Jim Davidson discusses the growth and operations of the Sudan Livestock and Feeding Company.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Jim Davidson
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: May 31, 1973
Location: Sudan, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
Father Ben Davidson's career in the meat packing industry described,
Co-founded Sudan Livestock and Feeding Company in 1940,
Sudan Livestock and Feeding Company discussed,
Explains early operations,
Incorporated in 1957,
Joined the company in 1954,
Growth of business resulted from serving small independent packers,
Company proved it possible to feed cattle for a year-round market
Tape 1, Side 2:
History of Sudan Livestock and Feeding Company discussed further,
Grain supply has been affected by the boom in the industry in the past 10 years,
Slump of 1963 recalled,
Less risk in feeding heifers
Tape 2, Side 1:
Discussion of current financial losses in the feedlot industry,
Past losses recalled,
Factors in cattle market slump given: Weather claimed as origin,
Demand-supply problems,
Federal intervention in price freeze discussed,
Practice of custom slaughtering and other factors noted,
Factors summarized,
Speculations on time and price factors needed to solve the economic problem,
Relative importance of factors examined,
Explanation of "cattle funds",
Speculation on future of cattle market and federal aid,
Need for import control cited
Tape 2, Side 2:
Assertion of change in consumer habits,
Present situation compared with situation 20 years ago,
Feedlot operations under present circumstances reviewed,
Financial losers named,
Discussion of the effect of purge on the industry,
Feedlot personalities named
Range Dates: 1940-1963
Bulk Dates: 1940-1963
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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