BR&E Spotlight: Wilroads Feed Yard Investing in Efficiency and Quality Beef

BR&E Spotlight: Wilroads Feed Yard Investing in Efficiency and Quality Beef

As part of our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) initiative, the Development Corporation recently visited Wilroads Feed Yard LLC, a long-standing cattle operation serving the beef industry since 1964. Managed by Travis McGuire, Wilroads is located just outside Dodge City on Lariat Way and currently houses approximately 50,000 head of cattle. Their mission is simple but essential, finish cattle efficiently and deliver high-quality beef to processing partners such as National Beef.

Wilroads Feed Yard is a relationship-driven business. With 118 active customers, 85% of whom have been with them for over 15 years, the company has earned national recognition for its efficiency, quality, and customer service. Their cattle come from across the United States, and nearly 90% of their business is with repeat customers. In addition to a long-term marketing agreement with National Beef, Wilroads supports its customers through risk management, feed financing, and marketing services.

Following a recent $18 million expansion, the company is not currently planning further growth due to site constraints such as land and water rights. However, the upgraded facility now positions them as one of the most modern feedyards in the region, with infrastructure capable of meeting today’s beef market demands.

Wilroads Feed Yard employs 40 full-time and 2 part-time staff and does not currently have open positions. However, like many employers in the region, they face workforce challenges, particularly in recruiting individuals who come with industry-specific training. All employees are trained internally, and while the company has a strong retention record, finding pre-skilled workers remains rare in this sector.

Wilroads Feed Yard is embracing agricultural innovation. The team recently test-drove an autonomous feed truck and is actively exploring how AI and automation can increase operational efficiency. The company has fiber internet service. an essential piece of infrastructure that supports data-driven feeding systems and precision management technologies.

While not currently pursuing new services or export markets, Wilroads is focused on strengthening its core operation. They emphasized that U.S. beef demand is strong and stable, with the export market limited primarily by global regulatory barriers (such as hormone restrictions in the EU and China). As such, their growth strategy is grounded in maximizing productivity, reducing risk, and maintaining customer trust.

With its 60+ years of continuous operation, Wilroads Feed Yard represents the legacy and resilience of agriculture in Ford County. Their feedback in the BR&E process reminds us how essential it is to support the infrastructure, training, and community services that allow our largest employers to thrive.

We thank Travis McGuire and the Wilroads team for their partnership in this important effort. Their insights will help inform future workforce programs, infrastructure planning, and quality-of-life investments.

Media Contact:

Mollea Lightner

Assistant Director, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

molleaw@dodgedev.org | 620-227-9501