The Casual Cattle Conversations Podcast: How Ranchers Can Save Money through Repurposing

How Ranchers Can Save Money through Repurposing

Ranchers are resourceful. After all, they are using natural resources to produce a high-quality protein source with countless by-products. But, there is more to the story of the resourcefulness of ranchers. Cattlemen and women across the country think outside the box to repurpose materials from other industries that would otherwise end up in landfills. Damon Carson – the owner of repurposedMATERIALS – has a front-row seat and hand in helping ranchers across the country make this happen more and more each day.




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repurposedMATERIALS serves as a middleman between other industries and ranchers. They collect materials that can be repurposed and distribute them to ranchers and other industries who will give them a second life. The founding of this unique company was inspired by the combination of Damon’s rural upbringing and career in waste management. “A painter reached out to me and asked if I’d keep an eye out for an old vinyl billboard because in a second life, they make great drop cloths. I later found out they also make great tarps for covering hay and that’s where everything came together for me,” said Carson. From there, Damon got to work and now has locations in Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Ohio and South Carolina.

Vinyl billboards are just one of many ways cattle producers are repurposing rejects from other industries. Oil stem pipes and guardrails are frequently used to build corals. Old street sweeper brushes give something for cattle to rub on. Conveyor belts and playground mats are used for barn mats and alleys to prevent slipping while old swimming pool covers and parachutes make great canopies to provide shade. If you’ve got a problem and are willing to get creative, Damon and his team have a lot of ideas and materials to help you out! The concept of repurposing was mastered by ranchers decades ago. The difference today is you have access to more materials through a company like Damon’s.

The purpose of repurposing is two-fold. First, it is often cost-effective and reduces the overall expense of a project. Second, it feels good to give something a second life and keep it out of the landfill. Whichever reason you choose to repurpose, remember to include that when telling your ag story and consider repurposedMATERIALS to help you find cost-effective solutions for your next ranch project.