After addressing last week’s question of retained ownership, this week we look at our calf crop from the standpoint of your buyer. Cattle markets remain robust with the promise of getting even better. Even with that being the case, there is no excuse for leaving $ behind when marketing your calves. Understanding what has value to your calf buyer is key to capturing the most possible $ in the market place.
If I were buying calves, what would I want? Uniformity. Calves of similar weight (less than 100 lbs.). Similar age (less than 90 days). Same sex. Similar condition (not too fat, not too thin). Uniformity in quantity adds even more value. Uniform semiload lots of 50,000 lbs. is best. If this is not possible from your operation alone consider collaborating with other cattlemen to pool calves or investigate the marketing potential of the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network sales (website link below).
Management. Buyers want calves that are polled or dehorned. Steers that are castrated and heifers that are open. When these conditions are not met, calves will be discounted. Furthermore, calves weaned for 45 days, vaccinated (twice), bunk broke and pre-conditioned have more appeal to buyers and accordingly potentially sell at a premium.
Genetics. Calves sired by bulls of similar genetics that appear to be from the same cow herd adds to uniformity. Documentation of genetic potential in the form records of past calf crops health, growth and cost of gain, dressing percentage, carcass weight, carcass quality and cutability add potential value.
The weekly price reports we read in Oklahoma and from around the country indicate the value of various ages of cattle when sold as a commodity. That commodity price is based on the above standards being met. The potential to market your calves at a premium to the commodity price exists if you are willing to provide the management to meet these standards, and document the health and genetic potential of your calves. What has value to the buyer of your calves translates to profit potential for you.
For additional information please contact Greg Hartman, Beckham County Ag/4-H/CED at 580-928-2139.
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. References within this publication to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
