Feeder Cattle Evaluation Program Is Nov. 7 In Joplin
MT. VERNON, MO.
A feeder cattle evaluation is open to the public and starts at 6 p.m., Nov. 7 at Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage. The event is part of the Missouri Steer Feedout, and 16 owners will parade their 150 head of steers through the ring for a critique by a panel of cattle graders, market representatives and extension personnel.
During the evaluation, steers will be given a USDA feeder cattle grade and discussed for their strengths and weaknesses in today's market. The audience can ask questions and track the performance of the steers in the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity (TCSCF) in southwest Iowa.
The 150 head will join up with two loads of steers from around Missouri and be finished at the same lot and marketed at Tyson's, Dakota City, Nebraska next spring. The TCSCF program provides individual performance on all steers including; daily gain, health treatments, carcass grades, docility scores, cost of gain, retail value per day of age, profit per head and more.
“The performance data can be used by the consignors to make adjustments in their breeding and management programs if their steers are below average in their performance,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “No one should be content with average cattle when there are technology tools that allow breeders and commercial producers to improve their cattle.”
This program is held in conjunction with the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture Market Reporters, Joplin Regional Stockyards and University of Missouri Extension.
There is a meal to begin the evening. Call 417-466-3102 to reserve a meal by Nov. 3. ∆