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Hoffman’s Poultry: Passion and Production

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When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the country experienced a major shift in food production as Americans began seeking natural, organic sources. This trend saw a major rise in the poultry industry, as many turned to raising chickens as a low-maintenance daily food source.
At the time, Justin Hoffman had just begun to return to the agricultural roots in which he was raised, founding Hoffman’s Poultry. Since that time, the business has grown exponentially as a family-run operation that offers chicks, started pullets, and ready-to-lay hens to customers primarily in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.

Raising poultry has not been an easy task, as they have gotten a taste of just how hard the industry truly is, but it is a business and lifestyle that the Hoffmans have come to appreciate and love, with no plans of slowing down.

“Farmers and ranchers, especially those who have prevailed for years, are my heroes. In the five years since the founding of Hoffman’s Poultry, I am beginning to comprehend what a successful farmer is,” Hoffman pondered. “It’s a person with exceptional drive, self-motivated, jack-of-all-trades, but also an expert in all, with a salt-of-the-earth work mentality. A farmer is humble, a strategic partner with other farmers and local businesses, and who has values beyond themselves. Some say it’s a lifestyle that sounds miserable for all work and no play. I disagree. I love it. I love the challenge, the strain on your daily motivation to keep going, the building of relationships you must cultivate, and the reward in satisfying a customer and the financial compensation that we created ourselves. It’s an exhilarating experience that I want to pursue as long as I’m alive.”

From the Beginning

Hoffman was raised on 120 acres near the small town of Vashti, Texas, in the southeastern part of Clay County. His parents, Bryan and Janice Hoffman, showed their children a strong work ethic through their example as they both worked off-farm jobs but always maintained side hustles.

“My dad instilled in us that if there was daylight, there was a dollar to make. My parents instilled a great work ethic in my two brothers and me, and I am forever grateful,” Hoffman said.

To read more, pick up a copy of the June issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Farm & Ranch

Grazing North Texas: Old World Bluestems

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By: Tony Dean

In volume 1 of “Old World Bluestems”, Tony Dean addressed issues surrounding the Old World Bluestem family, including the invasive nature of these grasses. In this issue, he examines OWBs as a forage for livestock.

OWBs were intially brought to the US as foragr for livestock and for erosion control capability. Ironically, some of the characteristics that make these species invasive also cause them to be desirable grass for grazing.

One of the primary survival characteristics of OWBs is their ability to withstand heavy grazing. OWBs are genetically prone to grow upright like our native bluestems; however, with heavy grazing pressure, plants begin to take a sod growth form.

To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

Big bluestem (turkey foot) grass in prairie against sky of clouds, Murphy-Hanrahan Regional Park, Minnesota (south of Minneapolis)

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Farm & Ranch

Ag Elsewhere: Wyoming

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Ag Elsewhere: Wyoming

By: Tressa Lawrence

It has been a hot, dry summer across northeastern Wyoming. Many ranchers are weaning and shipping early due to the dry conditions and lack of grass.

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Farm & Ranch

Ag Elsewhere Montana

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Ag Elsewhere: Montana

By: Lindsey Monk

The Four Mile Fire was 2,082 acres and very close to three other fires all started by lightning the same night. Together, the four fires burned a total of approximately 47,827 acres. That is a lot of feed for cattle, and ranchers were moving the cattle out of the way. They are mostly contained now, but it has been a very hot and dry summer.

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