By Markie Hageman

Feedlots come under a lot of scrutinies for various reasons. Despite our need for cattle feedlots and feeder cattle, there are a lot of misconceptions about this segment of the industry. Here are 5 myths officially debunked about feedlots.

1. Feedlots are bad for the environment- FALSE. Disclaimer: pasture-fed cattle are just as awesome for the environment. However, cattle who are fed a corn-based diet emit less methane than strictly grass-fed, and they are more efficiently raised for processing; meaning they can gain weight at a faster rate than grass-fed, in order to use less water and all-around fewer resources, like land. Again, grass-fed animals have so much to offer the environment, it takes both grass-fed and feeder cattle to ensure there is enough beef to meet demand!
2. Cattle on feedlots have been on a feedlot their entire lives- FALSE. All beef cattle begin their lives on a cow/calf operation in a grass pasture. Most cattle are only at feedlots for the last 168 days of their lives, on average.
3. Cattle are only fed corn while on a feedlot- FALSE. Cattle are assessed when they come onto a feedlot, in order to determine the best feeding ration they need. Cattle can eat anything from corn to hay to local leftovers or co-products from other farmers or businesses. Cattle need the right kind of nutrients for their body and condition, so nutritionists specialize in determining appropriate feedstuffs for them.
4. Cattle are crowded into pens- FALSE. Most pens on a feedlot are typically given 300 square feet per head, but cattle are also herd animals and will bunch up close together. Feedlot pens are also equipped with mounds of dirt 3-5 feet high in order to keep cattle out of the mud.
5. Cattle on feedlots are abused- FALSE. Cattle are fed high quality, scientific diets carefully created for their needs. Additionally, cattle are closely monitored in order to keep an eye on their health. Pen Riders will look at cattle who might be sick and doctor them or take other measures in order to ensure no other cattle are harmed and the affected steer or heifer is adequately taken care of.

Feedlots get a lot of heckling from animal rights extremists, but they are one of the most efficient segments of the industry. Understanding how feedlots run and what cattle behavior is like will allow you to know that most negative views of feedlots are simply a misunderstanding of this part of the industry.