Five Rivers Cattle Feeding: A Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding: A Legacy of Innovation and Growth

How it all began

The story of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC, is a testament to innovation, vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence in the cattle industry. It all started on the vast Great Plains of Colorado with the pioneering spirit of Warren H. Monfort.

The Monfort Legacy

After returning from World War I in the late 1920s, Warren H. Monfort embarked on a journey that would shape the future of cattle feeding. He began farming north of Greeley, Colorado, during the challenging times of the Great Depression. In 1930, Mr. Monfort became a trailblazer in quality cattle feeding. He was among the first in the industry to provide high-quality fed cattle to packing plants year-round.

The Monfort feedyard, born during these trying times, grew rapidly. By the time World War II arrived, it had reached a remarkable capacity of 3,500 head, an enormous number for that era. But this was just the beginning.

In 1966, the Monfort feedyard pioneered the processing of flaked corn, a groundbreaking development that would revolutionize cattle feeding. By 1968, it had evolved into the world's first 100,000-head feedyard, proudly adopting the slogan, "We don't just feed cattle… We feed the world." The Monfort legacy had firmly taken root.

Planting the Seeds of Growth

The next chapter in the story of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding involved Continental Grain Company, a global giant in the grain industry with its origins dating back to 1813.

Founded by Simon Fribourg in Arlon, France, Continental Grain Company had expanded its operations over the years, becoming one of the largest private grain companies in the world by 1945. Led by Michel Fribourg, the company's reach extended from farmers to consumers worldwide.

In 1975, Continental Grain Company purchased Coronado Feeders, marking its entry into the cattle industry. This marked the beginning of a new era in cattle feeding, and by 2000, ContiBeef LLC was formed, bringing together six cattle feedyards.

The Birth of Five Rivers

In 2005, Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, LLC was established. It was a merger of the six ContiBeef feedyards owned by Continental Grain Company and the four Smithfield Beef Group feedyards owned by Smithfield Foods, Inc. This union brought together a wealth of experience and expertise in cattle feeding.

A New Horizon

In 2008, JBS, a global leader in the food industry, acquired Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, LLC from Smithfield Foods and Continental Grain Company. This acquisition further solidified Five Rivers' position as a leader in cattle feeding.

Continued Growth and Expansion

Over the years, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC, continued to grow and expand its operations. In 2022, the company completed the asset purchase of Front Range Feeders, a 20,000-head feedyard in LaSalle, Colorado, which was renamed Five Rivers Cattle Feeding Montera Feedyard. Additionally, the acquisition of Sonrise Feeders, a 15,000-head feedyard in Wellington, Colorado, brought further strength to the organization, now known as Five Rivers Cattle Feeding Horton Feedyard.

Today, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC, stands as a testament to a rich history of innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in the cattle industry. With a legacy that spans generations, it continues to play a vital role in feeding the world and shaping the future of cattle feeding.

Visit Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC to learn more about their rich history and contributions to the cattle industry.

ABOUT TRIBUTE  (THANK YOU FOR FEEDING THE WORLD)

TRIBUTE is a brand of Beef2Live that is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in producing the best beef in the world. From the cow-calf producer to the stocker operator, from the livestock auction to the feedlot and processor, every step in the process of producing high-quality beef requires a significant amount of effort and commitment.    MORE...