Steer Feedout Sign-Up Underway, Deadline Is Oct. 10
The top retail value steer from the 2017-18 Missouri Steer Feedout.
Photo credit: MU Extension
SPRINGFIELD, MO.
The Missouri Steer Feedout signup is underway for steers born after Jan. 1, 2018. Entry deadline is Oct. 10 and delivery is set for Nov. 6.
A farm may consign a minimum of five head. Larger herds are encouraged to enter 10 to 25 head to get a more representative sample of their herd's genetic makeup.
The entry fee is $20 per head. The balance of the expense for the feeding period will be deducted at the end of the feedout according to Eldon Cole, field specialist in livestock for University of Missouri Extension.
More and more programs are seeking participation from progressive herds that have feedlot and carcass data on their calf crops. The data may be genomic, recent sires, expected progeny difference (EPD) or actual animal performance from feedout type programs.
“Most of those programs seek feeders that have above average performance numbers. The Missouri Feedout helps you determine if you have cattle that perform above average,” said Cole.
The feedout steers will be headed to a Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity feedlot in southwest Iowa on Nov. 6.
“We’ve used the Tri-County program since 2001 to get feedlot performance and detailed carcass data on each individual steer,” said Cole.
Cattle sell through Tyson’s at Dakota City, NE on their grid.
A high percentage of the feedout participants (73 percent) have entered steers in previous feedouts. They use the results to make bull decisions, cull cows and adjust pre-conditioning protocols.
“Entrants readily admit their goals include being above average for the various traits measured both in rate of gain, feed conversions, carcass quality and yield grade. They also like to show a profit and have the feeling their most recent entry was the best they’ve had,” said Cole.
The Missouri Steer Feedout began in Lawrence county in 1981. The original goals have not changed much, they were: 1) evaluate the genetics and management of calves as they influence feedlot performance and carcass trait; 2) owners gain experience retaining ownership without the risk of feeding their entire calf crop; 3) improve the reputation of southwest Missouri cattle.
Since 1981, three Missouri lots, one in Oklahoma and twelve in Iowa have fed the steers. To date, 362 different owners have entered 7298 head in the program.
For participation details you may contact your nearest University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist or go online at http://extension.missouri.edu/lawrence/livestock.aspx ∆