Laphe LaRoe – An Industry Built by People

By Lindsey Sawin

Ask someone to describe a feedyard, and they will likely mention cattle first. Ask TCFA Chairman Laphe LaRoe, and he will tell you it is really about the people who care for them. The cattle feeding industry is built on individuals who demonstrate an unmatched work ethic and a shared commitment to providing high-quality care for cattle, producing a safe, nutritious beef product for consumers around the world.

​“There is lots of quality work that gets accomplished at a feedyard before the sun ever even comes up and before the rest of the world is going to work. That work ethic has always been a part of why I enjoy the industry,” LaRoe said.

LaRoe is no stranger to hard work. He has built his career through dedication and a deep love for
the cattle feeding industry–an appreciation that began early in life.

One of the people who helped foster LaRoe’s passion for the industry was his father, who
worked at Hartley Feeders for many years. LaRoe and his family lived in a house at the feedyard, immersing him in day-to-day operations of a feedyard.

“I’ve always said I grew up in this industry. My dad was always involved with cattle,” LaRoe said. “His passion was handling cattle, and he loved being on a horse.”

That early exposure sparked LaRoe’s interest at a young age and led to only a brief period in his life when he was not directly involved in the cattle feeding industry.

After graduating from Clarendon College, LaRoe began his own career in the feedyard industry at the Cargill feedyard in Dalhart. Driven by his passion for the business, he worked his way through the ranks, managing the cattle department before eventually moving to the corporate office.

LaRoe later managed McLean Feeders for 13 years. Ten years ago, he moved to Smith Cattle Company, where he currently serves as director of operations.

Throughout his career, LaRoe has benefited from mentors who shared their experience and knowledge of the industry. Those relationships instilled in him a desire to help develop the next generation, ensuring the heritage of the cattle industry continues.

“The future of the industry comes from building and training the next generation. I have been fortunate to always have someone I’ve worked with that had a world of experience they were willing to share,” he said. “Even today I am still learning because I have been blessed with the opportunity to surround myself with strong people. I think that needs to be the base to keep this industry going.”

LaRoe is passionate about feeding the world and encourages others to explore opportunities within the industry, whether through allied industries or hands-on roles with cattle.

“The industry is big enough from the technologies we use to the equipment we use, so there is a place in this industry for people of all backgrounds,” LaRoe said. “It is so diversified that it doesn’t have to be just putting your hands on an animal.”

During his career, LaRoe has witnessed significant changes within the cattle feeding industry. From
the adoption of new technologies at feedyards to improvements in cattle genetics at the ranch level, these advancements have contributed to sustained and even increased demand for beef.

“It is not by accident that demand is as high as it has been in the last 40 years,” he said. “That
is a direct reflection of the hard work and focus that has been put into improving our product. It didn’t happen overnight; it has taken years. We have done a good job of listening to what our consumer wants.”

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SERVING AS A LEADER
“If you are in the feedyard business, you know who TCFA is,” LaRoe said.

Throughout his career, LaRoe has been involved with TCFA and the services the association provides to feedyards across the area.

Since the early 2000s, he has served on committees and completed two terms as a director. In October, TCFA members elected him chairman. His desire to serve the industry has grown through his continued involvement with the association.

“It is almost like a calling, because of the effort that has to be put in to maintain your current job and serve as Chairman,” he said. “One of the best parts about this is the involvement that you get to have with the other members and realizing the massive amount of strong leadership within the organization.”

TCFA’s presence in both the state and federal capitals has positioned the association as a trusted resource for policymakers on issues related to the cattle feeding industry. LaRoe has played an active role in that advocacy, traveling to Austin and Washington, D.C., since his first term on the board of directors.

On his first trip to Washington, LaRoe quickly realized the impact of TCFA’s policy work on the long-term success of the industry.

“One of the most memorable things when I walked through those halls the first time was that people knew who TCFA was,” he said. “That was when I realized how important that was and the work that has been put in by TCFA.”

Creating a unified voice for the industry remains a top priority for LaRoe.

“The most important part of being involved in an organization is that if you get involved in an organization, you have a seat at the table,” LaRoe said. “Then, you have the opportunity for your voice to be heard and when you combine that voice, that is what helps us to be effective.”

Being elected chairman carries a sense of pride and responsibility. As chairman, LaRoe’s primary role is to guide the association through the challenges and opportunities facing the industry throughout the year.

“Each year, the industry faces challenges and I get the opportunity to be on the frontline to help defend our challenges,” LaRoe said.

One of the challenges that has been top of mind for producers across the U.S. is the New World Screwworm (NWS). For the last year and a half, it has been a priority, and it remains a top priority for LaRoe.

“To me, the number one goal is to get us to a point where we are comfortable with the surveillance and movement protocols,” LaRoe said. “We need to be able to have a high level of confidence in the
inspection and preventative treatments to resume trade with Mexico.”

NWS causes many challenges and makes leaders who are willing to face challenges head-on even more essential, and LaRoe exemplifies that commitment through years of dedicated service to TCFA and the industry.

“Laphe has spent many years learning the ins and outs of cattle feeding and has taken on a leadership role in the industry,” said Ben Weinheimer, TCFA President and CEO. “We appreciate his dedication to serving the industry and his passion for working alongside TCFA members to advance cattle feeding priorities.”

That dedication is rooted in a lifelong connection to the cattle feeding industry. LaRoe has loved the business for as long as he can remember and plans to continue working in the industry and advocating for it long after his service as chairman comes to an end.

“It is a part of life for me,” LaRoe said. “You get completely attached to this industry. The people you surround yourself with and the challenges and opportunities we face every day ensure it is never boring and for me it is enjoyable. I’ve never had anything else that makes me want to do anything different.”