Steer Feedout Deadline Approaches
MT. VERNON, MO.
The deadline for signing up to participate in the Missouri Steer Feedout for steer calves born after July 1, 2016 is May 10. Actual pickup of steers is June 6 and they must be weaned at least 30 days, preferably 45 days before pickup date.
An entry consists of at least 5 steers that will weigh 550 pounds or more at entry. The entry fee is $20 per head. Feed, health treatment and yardage expenses will all be deducted from the proceeds when the steers are harvested in November and December.
Provisions can be made to receive an advance payment if 10 or more steers are entered. The total advance will not exceed 50 percent of the initial value placed on the cattle in Jane.
The cattle will be gathered at two or three locations in Missouri and go directly to a feedlot in southwest Iowa. The cooperating lots are part of the famous Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity. The Missouri steers have been fed under the direction of TCSCF and Iowa State since 2001. A detailed results sheet provides individual gain and carcass data right down to the rank, based on retail value of steers per day of age. This is useful as you may compare your cattle’s performance to others being fed by TCSCF.
Why should a commercial cow herd or seedstock provides participate in the feedout? To gain objective knowledge about the various production and management traits involved in economical beef cattle raising.
Once the knowledge is gained, use it to change your selection, management and marketing practices. An example would be if your steers daily feedlot gain falls in the lower one-half of their pen mates, you probably need to infuse more gainability in your breeding program via a breed change or selection of animals within your current breed.
If your cattle exhibit excellent growth and carcass merit, make sure their performance is noted by your marketing agency whenever you sell. Order buyers like to have some advance knowledge of consistently top-performing cattle if they’re being sold. The auctioneer also can make special comments if your cattle have good feedout performance behind them. ∆
Genetics and Finished Steers
Photo credit: MU Extension
Low-Risk Opportunity