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Arkansas Steer Feedout Program
An Information Feedback System for the Beef Industry
The Arkansas Steer Feedout Program is an educational program that provides
cow-calf producers with information about the post-weaning performance and
carcass characteristics of their calves. The Steer Feedout Program is not a
contest, nor is it a retained ownership program. It creates an opportunity for
producers to determine how their calf crop fits the needs of the beef industry
and provides the information needed to determine if changes in genetics and/or
management factors are warranted to be competitive in beef production. Visit the Steer Feedout
Program Summary Reports for results from previous Steer Feedout Programs.
Reminders:
1. Vaccination with a modified live virus vaccine (IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV) is
now required. Vaccination with a killed virus is not acceptable. Please
consult with your local veterinarian to make sure that your steers receive
the correct vaccinations. Please be sure to follow the label directions
concerning vaccination protocol and timings.
2. The requirement to enter steers in lots of five has been removed. The
minimum number of steers is still five.
3. Calves will receive both electronic (EID) and visual tags, and both of
them should be placed in the left ear. Producers should place a ranch tag in
the right ear.
Program Rules:
- A
producer may consign as many steers as desired; however the minimum number
of steers that can be consigned is five. When nominations are received,
producers will be sent a background information form that must be fully
completed and returned before entries are final.
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Only calves weighing 500-850 pounds upon arrival will be accepted. A
steer feedout ear tag for each calf will be mailed to the producer through
the county agent. Each calf must have the ear tag in place when the calves
arrive at the feedyard. Each calf should also be tagged with a ranch ear
tag. This will provide a double identification system. Place the steer
feedout ear tag in the left ear.
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It is strongly recommended that the calves are backgrounded prior to
leaving the farm. A general recommendation would be to wean 45 days prior to
shipment. At the time of weaning, vaccinate with a
modified live virus vaccine (IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV). Revaccinate
two weeks after the first vaccination. Vaccination with a modified live
virus vaccine is required. Consult with your local veterinarian to assess
what other health needs should be addressed.
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Assistance will be provided in coordinating shipment to the feedyard.
Indications of requests for this type of assistance must be made on the
nomination form. If a producer would like
to deliver their own calves, they must arrive at Wheeler Bros. Feedyard. If you plan to transport your own cattle,
call Wheeler Bros. Feedyard (580-623-4934) for directions and to make
delivery arrangements.
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Upon arrival, cattle will be processed according to standard feedyard
procedure.
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Cattle will be sorted into an appropriate number of expected outcome
groups based on weight, frame size and flesh condition.
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Animals that require treatment for any illness will be treated
according to guidelines established by the feedyard veterinarian. Costs of
treatment will be charged to the owner. The feedyard management and the
Arkansas Steer Feedout Program management will make every effort to
safeguard the health of all animals, but will assume no responsibility for
death loss or sickness.
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After an acceptable length of time, calves that are not achieving an
economic rate of gain will be sold as realizers and the proceeds placed in
escrow for disbursement at the end of the program. Owners will be notified
when such calves are salvaged and when one of their calves dies.
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Feed consumption for each pen will be determined at the time of
close-out. Individual calf consumption will be prorated on the in-weight and
average daily gain.
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Charges to be assessed each entry at the end of the feeding period
include: (a) processing fee, (b) yardage, (c) medicine costs, (d) feed cost,
(e) trucking costs; (f) items A thru E will be financed at the prevailing
interest rate and (g) Beef Check Off ($1.00/head).
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Entries will be marketed when individuals reach the weight and condition
regarded as acceptable by the industry. The feedyard manager will make this
decision.
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Calves will be weighed individually at the conclusion of the feeding
period and a 4 percent pencil shrink will be applied to the final weight to
determine live sale weight for calculation of feedyard performance.
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The cattle will be sold on a carcass basis, with premiums and discounts
for quality grades, yield grades and carcass weights. Fair market value for
all sales will be attained, but neither the feedyard nor Arkansas Steer
Feedout Program management guarantees the profitability of participation in
the program. Proceeds will be mailed to the consignor after the expenses
listed in item 10 are deducted. Disbursement of funds will be approximately
4 to 6 weeks after each pen is closed out.
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Feedyard performance information to be collected: average daily gain,
total cost of gain, break-even, feed conversion and net return.
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Carcass information to be collected: dressing percentage, carcass
weight, ribeye area, fat thickness, USDA yield grade and USDA quality grade.
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Producers will be sent a report after arrival at the feedyard with
information on arrival weight and pen assignment.
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At the conclusion of the feeding period, feedyard performance data and
carcass information will be provided on each consignment. The information
will be kept confidential for consignors to use in evaluating the cattle
they are producing.
For more information, contact your local
county
Extension agent.
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