I had thought of getting together with other local producers to do some kind of co-op, but then I remembered that they don't feed like I do.
I, personally, have about 600 tons of silage, 18000 bushels of corn and plan on contracting enough soybean meal for the rest of the year tomorrow (if that is possible). I've heard SBM is going to become hard to find...and prices were already high.
I am clueless about how one would organize such an effort, but I'd be a willing participant. I also have room for another 100 head of feeders in my lots and with some additional equipment (feed bunks mostly) I could take lots more.
One problem with this is making sure that everyone who participates is in fact, doing what they should be. I have the feed records to back my claim, as well as my reputation around here. My feed man thinks I'm kind of nutty, but he knows what I do. The vet does as well.
I had played with idea of selling my calves to city folks, but I keep and feed them to finish. Sort of retained ownership, but one at a time. I don't know if I'd find any takers, but it was an idea. My calves are only about 500-600 pounds right now. I have a long way to go to finished beef.
Jena