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Thiers complete a decade of expansion
Ryan Thier stands next to some of the cattle in one of the farm’s monoslope buildings. Julie Buntjer The Globe
By Julie Buntjer | jbuntjer@dglobe.com RUSHMORE — R&R Thier Feedlots is growing the fourth generation of cattle producers all while going through a major expansion project on land west of Rushmore.
degree in farm management and ag business. “Dad and I worked together and I gradually took over the reins,” said Ryan.
poured concrete floors on their existing outside lots.
Owners Ryan Thier and his dad, Richard — the R&R in the farm’s name — have pen space today for up to 15,000 head of cattle after significant expansion efforts in the past decade.
The feedlot was on the State Cattlemen’s Tour in 2010, at which time visitors saw the Thiers’ first 1,500-head capacity monoslope barn (built in 2004) and outside lots. Since then, 12 new outside lots with cement bases and mounds, along with three additional monoslope barns have been constructed. The lots and a 1,500head slatted confinement barn were completed in 2014, and two 3,000-head capacity barns were completed in 2016 and 2018. In that time, the Thiers also
“We don’t have Mother Nature to cooperate with us feeding livestock,” Ryan said, noting that the cement lots are less labor intensive, and the monoslope barns provide not only a buffer against the harsh winters, but welcome the sunlight and improve efficiency in feeding cattle.
The Thier farm was started by Ryan’s grandfather, Cyril, who began feeding cattle in the 1920s. Richard, after graduation and a stint in the service, returned to the farm in the late 1950s, and roughly 40 years later, Ryan joined the operation after earning a two-year
“We’re trying to get consistent gain and conversion,” Ryan said. “With the slatted barns, once the cattle are in there, they’re on their home stretch.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 65
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