Jim Helfter, R.I.P….

….we’ve just learned of the passing of one of the unsung heros of the natural grass fed beef industry.  Jim Helfter, designer of the Helfter cafeteria mineral system, died after a fall from a horse Monday, October 28th.

Jim had been dealing with serious heart problems for some time and it’s not clear at this moment whether a heart attack preceded or followed his fall.  Funeral services are pending.

Helfter, a quiet, unassuming man, came up with the original cafeteria mineral plan and one that, we think, out-performs all others.  It gives the cow free choice of about a dozen minerals and permits the animal to choose what its body is telling her it needs.  As recently as yesterday a visitor from Oklahoma was praising our herd, saying that it outshone any he had seen.  That’s Jim’s minerals!

Helfter knew cattle and late in life became a fan of Devon.  He was an innovator, a scientist and a teacher.  Most of all, he was a decent man and a good friend.  He will be missed by a lot of cattlemen.  Our sympathies go out to his wife and family.

We’re told that the company that he founded will continue, as he would have wished.