McDonald’s, the fast-food giant that claims to be “the largest purchaser of American beef in the U.S.," announced Jan. 8 that it would begin working to use only “verified sustainable beef” starting in the year 2016. But the company did not give any details what that sustainable beef policy would specifically consist of for its chain of suppliers.

Most winter-feeding programs for dry cows rely on relatively less expensive, lower quality forages like corn stalks, prairie hay and winter range. These forages have low amounts of crude protein.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a four-part series looking at how four individuals are turning dreams into reality to become first-generation farmers, ranchers and dairymen. To view the Part 1 spotlight on Lance Peters, click here. To view Part 3 featuring Jacob Shenk, click here. To read Brandon Fawaz's story in Part 4, click here.

Dr. Terry Greathouse has been farming and ranching in Texas for more than 30 years. Much of that time, he has been fighting an ongoing battle against pocket gophers.