There are as many ways to run a successful cattle operation as there are people. Eddie and Teresa McCoin of Afton, Okla., are among the more unusual because they run an operation based on cattle trading.
Eddie comes from a long line of traders beginning with his grandfather and great-grandfather who were well-known horse traders. Eddie’s father traded horses of all kinds and had an excellent reputation.
Eddie’s father also traded cattle, which is where Eddie learned most of his skills. One of the more important skills he learned was being able to accurately judge the weight of cattle. When Eddie went off on his own, he traveled extensively buying cattle for individuals and feedlots who depended upon his expertise. Eddie said, “I was pretty good at it, but it’s not of much use anymore because of the Internet and the pre-weighing process at sale barns has pretty much eliminated any need for estimation. However, I still occasionally buy for some individuals.”
Then he added about sons Cutter and Clay, “Now that I’ve got these boys, I like staying home.” The boys are preparing for a 4-H rodeo where they will test their roping skills for the first time.
Eddie runs a streamlined and efficient cattle operation and uses his buying skills for his own advantage. He goes to the sale barns several times a week where he buys heifers that he breeds and then sells pregnant. He also buys 200 to 300 pound calves to sell when they reach a weight of 500 to 800 pounds depending upon market fluctuations. Eddie said, “I look for calves that I think I can make money on. Everybody’s got a different opinion, but I seldom lose money.”
The couple’s operation consists of 80 momma cows, 3 black bulls and up to 120 calves on 400 acres that was part of the family’s original homestead.
Eddie rotates his calves and leaves the cows in a big pasture. The youngest calves are put in a small lot near the house for about a month so they become accustomed to their new home and Eddie’s presence. He buys hay locally and feeds 14 percent creep feed and free-choice minerals. Unlike his father, Eddie uses a truck rather than a horse for daily chores.
Teresa said, “I’m not much of a cowgirl and have ridden our horse only once, but I’ve been around the cattle all the time.” Teresa’s days are spent as a district office supervisor for probation and parole for the Oklahoma Department of Correction. Her position covers a 14 County area and a staff of 60. However, like her husband, the boys are the center of everything. Teresa said, “We live the best kind of life for raising kids and can’t imagine doing anything else.”
