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Crop Farming<br />
In addition to 700 acres of native pasture, and a considerable<br />
amount of leased grazing land, U2 Ranch<br />
farms 300 acres silage corn and about 60ac barley under<br />
three pivots. Corn silage yields are typically 20 to<br />
22 ton per acre but with the weather conditions of 2015,<br />
yields were up to 25 ton.<br />
This crop acreage utilizes all the manure the cattle<br />
provide with room for more cattle. About a third of the<br />
farm receives manure applications each season.<br />
The ranch operates a full line of equipment for their<br />
own crops and as a custom silaging enterprise – planting,<br />
chopping, bagging – mostly for dairy farms in the<br />
area. Their harvester is a Claas Model 900 and bagging<br />
equipment is AgBag.<br />
Family and Labour<br />
The Ungers have two children. Son Cole, 21, who is<br />
keen on a future in ranching, has completed an engineering<br />
diploma and is accepted in a professional engineering<br />
program. “Education is essential and provides<br />
a good fallback position,” Darren reminds him. Daughter<br />
Jordy, 18, has just entered pharmacology studies in<br />
Calgary looking forward to a career in pharmacy.<br />
The ranch employs three full-time workers. In addition<br />
more help is employed during crop season to help<br />
with the custom silage operations.<br />
“When we talk about our team of people, an important<br />
member of the team is Joe McLean, [beef sales<br />
rep from Hi-Pro Feeds], who has been our contact for<br />
most of our years in the business,” says Darren. “He<br />
and their nutrition staff are an essential part of our operation”.<br />
Joanne adds, “We relate to the Hi-Pro Feeds slogan<br />
that says, ‘Invested in animal nutrition’. We as their<br />
customer are invested in animal agriculture in partnership<br />
with them. Joe has been a great support to us; he<br />
is knowledgeable, service oriented and a good friend.”<br />
Future<br />
When asked about future plans, Darren was quick to<br />
reply, “We do not have expansion plans as more cows<br />
means more land that is simply not available. We already<br />
lease a lot of grazing land. Also, the present work<br />
load is more than enough, so we are focused on innovation<br />
and continuous improvement of the quality of the<br />
herd we have.”<br />
In conclusion he adds, “There will always be room for<br />
good cattle, and we position our business for people<br />
who recognize the value of excellent genetics. Local<br />
commercial customers are still our priority, our main<br />
concern and our focus. At the same time in the past<br />
three years, we have built good relationships with customers<br />
in the US. We are excited to see that market<br />
develop as well.”<br />
“There will always<br />
be room for good cattle”<br />
The U2 herd is already<br />
considered an elite genetics<br />
source for ranchers<br />
across western<br />
Canada, into the US and<br />
beyond. Recently they<br />
sold the first semen and<br />
embryos into Argentina.<br />
The future is always<br />
bright for quality, backed<br />
by excellent service and<br />
strong relationships.<br />
Everyone recognizes<br />
the U2 name, some because<br />
of the well-known<br />
rock group, but more importantly,<br />
many because<br />
of the quality genetics<br />
from the U2 Ranch operated<br />
by 2 Ungers.<br />
Darren, Cole, Jordy and<br />
Joanne Unger – Photo credit<br />
Unger family<br />
AGRI LEADER » 2016<br />
19
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