With a 100,000 head standing capacity, Western offers programs to meet the needs of cow calf producers, specialized feeders, and market investors. As a result of many years experience and focus on development and adopting new and advanced technologies and management strategies, Western has a long and deeply entrenched position as a leader in Alberta’s beef industry.
The Western Story
Western started in the custom cattle feeding business in 1958. Established by its rancher owners as a marketing alternative for their ranch calves and yearlings, the company has continued to maintain it’s customer service focus and has grown to be Canada’s largest custom feeder. The company is a privately held company, owned by Alberta businessmen active in the cattle industry. A key element to it’s success is in development of strategic alliances along the beef production chain, and development of in-depth specialized services that result in greater value for all players.
Western People
The image and reputation of Western as a quality feedlot are a direct result of the dedicated effort of the people that work here. Our motivated and capable staff are empowered to ensure that customers are completely satisfied with results.
The underlying foundation of every management decision is "Information Based Management". With all production and operational activities recorded activities recorded into Feedback, a custom relational database, every aspect of animal feeding, health treatment, marketing, and carcass evaluation is managed and monitored to ensure optimal performance - from both animal and financial performance perspective. Information is paramount at Western, and customers are provided with the level of detail they require to meet their needs.
Management Programs
- Our staff is managed through the "Dacuum" review process. Staff members are encouraged to take control of their own training and advancement programs.
- Our management adopted the Balanced Scorecard strategic measurement methodology in the spring of 2001.
- Western is a major employer of agriculture college grads.
- Environmental Impact Management Strategy Western conducts an external Environmental Audit semi-annually.
- To date we are the only feedlot in Alberta whose safety program has achieved a Certificate of Recognition from Alberta Labour.
- Tours are conducted for numerous industry partners.