From Rags to Cowhides: Jay Crofoot’s Legacy as a Cattle Feeder
“What’s that smell?”
That is often the first thing you’ll hear from someone driving into Hereford, Texas. Ask any cattle feeder in town, and they will all give you the same answer; “it’s the smell of money.”
A sign just on the outskirts of town reads “Hereford Beef Capital of the World” and it is in this small town, that Jay Crofoot began his humble career as a cattle feeder.
No Stranger to Hard Work
Crofoot grew up in Emporia, Kansas, with his Mother, Father, and nine older siblings. Although he was the youngest of the family, Crofoot was still expected to pull his weight.
“Dad put me to work milking cows when I was about five”…show more content… Although the partnership has faded, the friendship still remains.
“I really wanted to turn it over to them [The Barrett’s] while I was still around,” Crofoot said. “That way I could help if they needed.”
Throughout the years Jay Crofoot and his family have slowly faded from the feedyard industry. However to this day Crofoot remains one of the most influential cattle feeders the Texas panhandle has ever seen.
“Were very fortunate” Crofoot said. “I haven’t been to church much, but believe me, the Dear Lord has blessed us.”
###
This paper identifies with two of the Grand Challenges that Texas A&M has identified: Feeding the world, and growing our economy.
Jay Crofoot worked as a cattle feeder for most of his life. He has traded commodities and futures, losing everything in the process a few times. His perseverance and his love for the agriculture industry helped to feed the world, even if it was only a small portion of it. The feedyard that he co-owned has now become one of the largest family-run yards in the nation, which ships to packinghouses that supply meat to international markets. He continues to give advice to active cattle buyers and feeders, which keeps him actively involved in helping to grow our
