Smith Cattle

Smith Cattle is a family run cattle operation managed by Rayburn Smith. Rayburn has been in the cattle business since the age of twelve. Growing his meager heard of one into one of the larger operations in Louisiana. Smith Cattle is involved in most aspects of the industry. From a cow/calf program, auction market, video livestock auction, back grounding and feeder operation to policy boards. Rayburn began in the auction market business by buying part of Farmer & Stockman Auction in Clarence, LA, becoming the youngest market operator/owner in the state. He along with Chuck Garrett are now operators of Red River Livestock, in Armistead, LA, one of the newest most modern facilities, selling over 65,000 head in 2007. Rayburn has been with Superior Livestock since 1988. Superior Livestock is the world's largest livestock video auction. Superior Livestock has over 400 representatives through out the United States selling approximately 1.8 million head of cattle in 2007. Rayburn was the top selling representative for 2004 and 2005, and has been within the top ten for several years. His group last year sold over 42,000 head. Smith Cattle also operates a small back grounding and stocker operation. Rayburn is a bonded livestock dealer in the State of Louisiana, and has been representing the livestock dealers on the Louisiana Livestock Sanitary Board, the livestock policy board of Louisiana, since 1996. The family helps out by operating Carrie's Animal Health, an animal health supply company, offering competitively priced products to our customers. A very small horse operation rounds out the operation, with between two and ten colts offered for sale annually. Each family member has their own interest: Benjamin and Carrie Brewton run Carrie's Animal Health, Rayburn and Benjamin are representatives for Superior Livestock and bonded livestock dealers. Benjamin is involved with back grounding and feeding cattle. Laura, Joel and Emily handle the horse operation. Joel and Emily calve out the heifers. Laura and Joel help with working the cattle and concentrate on school. Emily is the bookkeeper and jack of all trades. With everyone pitching in, the operation works pretty smooth and allows this family to live out our American Dream, ranching Louisiana style.