See options that cow/calf producers have to add value to their calves heading to market.

Florida is a cow/calf state, so Florida cattle ranchers are looking to get the most that they can for the calves they bring to market. A Beef Magazine article shared ways that producers can use to add value to this year’s, and future year’s, calf crop. See those ways below.

Options for Adding Value to Calves

The article looked at data compiled by Merck Animal Health, in conjunction with Superior Livestock Auction and Drs. Tonsor and Renter of Kansas State University; it consisted of “898,500 calves averaging 571 lb. at time of sale from January to December 2023, consisting of 7,612 lots with an average U.S. national price received of $2.63/lb.” According to the article, the data “explores the impact of genetics, health, and management factors that impact the price received on 5-weight calves at time of sale.”

Conclusions from the data included:

  • ”Steers consistently receive a higher dollar value compared to heifers, with 5-weight steers receiving an additional $26.33/cwt. over heifers.”
  • “With the current tight feeder cattle supply in the U.S., heifers are receiving equal live and dressed pricing as steers in the fat cattle market.
  • “Cattle buyers prefer polled calves that are medium to medium-large in frame. Polled calves/no horns consistently bring a premium in the ring, returning an additional value of $17.00/head over calves with horns present.”
  • “Medium to medium-large frame calves returned $22.00/head over calves with small frame.”
  • “Genetic merit impacts cattle buyers’ willingness to pay. For example, for 5-weight calves marketed through Superior Livestock Auctions, calves that were marketed with the Superior Progressive Genetics Program claim returned $20.00/head more than calves marketed without the claim.”
  • “The use of one suckling calf implant administered after 2 months of age results in 23 lb. of additional gain at time of sale. Using the 2023 national average price received of $2.63/lb., implanting with one suckling calf implant that costs ~$1.50 per dose, returns $59.00/head or $10.33/cwt.
  • “If producers forgo the use of a suckling calf implant to enroll in a Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) program or Global Animal Partnership (GAP) program, the average return for NHTC and GAP program calves, compared to calves not enrolled in either program, was $37.00/head for NHTC and $25.00/head for GAP.”
  • “An additional 30 to 60 pounds can be gained prior to time of sale via creep feeding. There are various types of creep feed systems, including grain-based high energy, limit-fed high protein, and high-quality forage creep.”
  • “Pre-conditioned calves consistently top the market and implementing weaning prior to shipping is favored. “

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