High feed costs are definitely of concern for everyone raising livestock. Using alternative feed rations can slow the flow. Another problem surfacing in our area is theft of feedlot animals as they approach market weight. Having grown up in South Dakota where branding protects the livestock property rights of the people raising the animal, it's hard for me to understand why permanent forms of ID are not required nation-wide. It's also of great concern that very little is being done by law enforcement to try to stop cattle rustling rings. It seems to be up to the cattle owner to solve his own problems. When someone is caught stealing, who should check cell phone records and bank accounts to follow a money trail or determine who's working with him? Does anyone have any idea how a feedlot owner can continue to stay in business while bleeding due to high feed costs AND theft???

Thanks for your help! I looked up the number and passed it on to the victims. Their losses are staggering. They've contacted the local law enforcement, state police, attorney general's office, FBI, our rep and senator in Washington, DC among others. So far no one is doing anything. I can't imagine why someone isn't checking out this thief's bank account and cell phone records at the least in an effort to see who's aiding and abetting. Haven't talked to them today, but last I heard, they were sent to an answering machine at the Fort Worth headquarters. I appreciate your input.