Hoffer finds success in feedstock operation

Bosler – Landon Hoffer, along with his dad, Tim Hoffer, own and operate Hoffer Red Angus, which is located outside of Bosler. The Hoffers work diligently to breed well-balanced cattle to perform at high altitudes on their seedstock operation.

Landon, his wife Amy and their three boys Carter, Jace and Cameron also run a 3,000-acre custom hay operation, Double H Haying, which serves Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska. Aside from the ranch, Landon works in the research department at the University of Wyoming.

Hoffer Red Angus is one of the only seedstock Red Angus ranches in the area, and one of few custom hay operations.

Youth programs and education

While Landon shares he wasn’t raised on a ranch, he was able to spend time on his uncle’s ranch in South Dakota growing up. His uncle inspired him to become a rancher.

He also attributes his interest in agriculture to several youth development programs he was involved in while attending high school, including 4-H, FFA and rodeo club.

Landon showed heifers in 4-H and took up an interest in farm and ranch management while attending high school. 

“Being involved in these programs extremely impacted my interest in agriculture,” says Landon.

After graduation, he acquired a degree in agriculture business at the University of Wyoming. Landon feels attending college allowed him to “think bigger and expand on ideas.”

“College is nice in the fact you’re around a lot of like-minded people with similar ideas,” he shares, noting he feels his degree supplied him with “tools to start looking at business plans and budgeting.”

Starting a cattle operation 

Starting a business wasn’t easy, and Landon had his fair share of challenging days at the beginning, he noted. 

“I didn’t have prior money made from a ranch when starting,” he shares. “The amount of equity it takes to grow and expand finances, especially when you’re young, makes it a challenge to start out.” 

In order to purchase his first 120 commercial cows, Landon took out a Farm Service Agency loan.  Today’s Hoffer Red Angus registered herd is a product of hard work over the last 10 years. 

Landon acknowledges the collateral damage new ranchers risk when first starting out, especially when the market isn’t in their favor.

“It can be challenging because you are the price taker as a producer,” he says. “You don’t always know what to expect for future prices.” 

Landon shares he believes getting his own start in the industry and not coming from a generational operation sets him apart from others in the industry.

“Although we didn’t have prior money invested, we have experience and passion for what we do,” he says.

Future advice

The challenge of starting out on his own “fueled the fire” for Landon to become a successful producer, he explains.  He wants young producers to know hard work pays off in the end.

Looking back, there are things he would have done differently, but it all worked out in the end, he shares. Getting started can be challenging, but taking the first step is key.  

“Start with what you can handle,” says Landon. “I went in feet first and it ended up working because I always had a long-term vision and plan in mind.”

He encourages young producers to prioritize and set goals. 

“Work hard and have a long-term plan in mind. You can get there and farther,” Landon concludes.

Hoffer Red Angus will host their second annual online sale April 10 via DVAuction.com. For more information on cattle and custom haying, visit hofferagriculture.com.

Kaitlyn Root is an editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.