385: How Cattle Buyers Determine What Your Cows Are Worth with Michael Pilot

Ever wondered what happens after your cull cows leave the farm or how cattle buyers determine what they're worth? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Michael Pilot, a cattle buyer who purchases cull cows directly from producers across the Upper Midwest. Michael shares how he got his start in cattle procurement, what he looks for when evaluating cattle, and how relationships with producers have shaped his business over the last eighteen years. The conversation also dives into changes within the dairy industry, the importance of packing plant capacity, the current cattle market, and an honest discussion about mental health in agriculture and supporting the people who feed our country.

Links:

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Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Michael Pilot
01:04 – From Hockey Player to Cattle Buyer
04:03 – How the Dairy Industry Has Changed
06:18 – What Cattle Buyers Look For
12:48 – Stories from Life on the Road
16:24 – Mental Health & The Future of Agriculture
19:52 – Packing Plants, Markets & Industry Challenges
22:52 – Final Encouragement for Producers

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