Powell, Bass 1972-10-10
Bass Powell, former feedlot manager, discusses feedlot operations in Kansas during the 1950s. He explores changes and variations in the feedlot industry and speculates on its future.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Bass Powell
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 10, 1972
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Began work with feedlot in 1951,
Review of career: 1951-to present (1972),
Has teaching experience in Oklahoma and Kansas,
Commercial feedlots in Kansas during the 1950s recalled,
Marketing procedures and policy reviewed,
Characterized small feedlot business,
"Farmer and rancher feeders" cited,
Feedlot managers mentioned,
Arizona and Colorado feedlots compared to Kansas operations,
Experimental nature of using grain sorghum explained,
Ration ingredients used,
Traces development of innovation in milo processing,
Use of drugs mentioned,
Cattle resistance to drugs cited,
Discussion of cattle diseases.
Tape 1, Side 2: Physical plant in the 1950s compared to present conditions,
Feed mills of the 1950s contrasted to present conditions,
Financing of feedlots reviewed,
Government regulation of feedlots explored,
Comments on lawsuit involving Emporia, Kansas feedlot,
Speculation on effects of current government policy,
Fluctuating cattle prices examined,
Outlines conditions favoring development of feedlots on the Texas Plains,
Houston feedlot failed,
Causes for cattle disease summarized,
Status of cross-bred cattle on the market,
States opinion on the future of the feedlot industry,
Failures in management and speculations on financial commitments mentioned.
Range Dates: 1951-1972
Bulk Dates: 1951-1972
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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