Corn prices have skyrocketed in 2012 following the country’s worse drought since 1988, and now one farmer has turned to candy as an alternative source of cattle food.
Joseph Watson of Mayfield’s United Livestock Commodities revealed to Wpsdlocal6:
“Just to be able to survive, we have to look at other sources for nutrition.”
Watson needed to feed his 1,400 head of cattle, so he began purchasing second hand candy, which contains a higher fat ratio than corn.
The cattle are all scheduled for slaughter, and, by feeding them chocolate and other candy, Watson is able to beef them up before selling them by the pound.
At first it was unclear if the idea would work, but the cattle quickly began to gain weight, giving Watson all the proof he needed.
Just like any other cattle operation, Watson monitors the health of his cows every single day, and, if health problems arise, he takes care of those cattle on an “as needed” basis.
The candy is mixed with ethanol by product and a mineral nutrient to ensure a proper diet.
In the meantime, the candy, which has been deemed not good enough for human consumption, is purchased on the cheap since candy companies would have to dispose of the candy at no profit at all if it were not for Watson’s bulk purchases.
Sure, the cows are still being brought to slaughter, but, for the time being, they get to eat all the chocolate and candy their stomachs will allow. As for the taste of the meat? We’ll have to wait until the cows go to slaughter to determine their true food based value.
[Image via ShutterStock ]