A Jack of All Trades: Kirkland Feedyard's Luis Garcia

From pen riding to working in the mill or driving a feed truck, there is little Luis Garcia hasn’t done at Kirkland Feedyard. A jack of all trades, Garcia’s days can differ. But one thing is steady: his first responsibility is to manage the feed bunks. It’s a crucial job he takes great pride in.

“My job is to look at the bunks every day before the feed trucks go to the bunk and see what I need to do to adjust the feed,” Garcia says. “I want to know for sure these cattle have enough feed in the bunks.”

If feed is left in the bunks, Garcia makes sure it is cleaned so no mold accumulates.

Garcia’s love for cattle care stems from his upbringing on his family’s farm and ranch. He has worked at the feedyard since 1983 and understands that successful cattle feeding begins with proper cattle care.

“We want to be sure cattle are fed right,” he says.

Managing feed bunks, or calling feed, is essential to an efficient feedyard. The process ensures cattle are delivered the right quantity and quality of feed every day to minimize variation. A successful bunk manager must be observant, responsive and above all else, understand the cattle in their care. Garcia fits the description to a tee.  

​“I love the animals. I like to take care of them, like myself,” he says. “I do my best to do anything for the cattle and for the company, too.”