Released Nov. 29, 2007
STILLWATER, Okla.--Livestock producers interested in learning more about the calves they are producing should consider participating in the Great Western Feedout.
The Great Western Feedout is a newly formed producer information feedback program that allows cattle producers the opportunity to evaluate the genetic merit of the calves they produce for feedlot performance and carcass value following weaning.
The Great Western Feedout will begin on Feb. 20, 2008 at the Cattleman’s Choice Feedyard near Gage, Okla. Entry forms are due on Jan. 18, 2008.
“We are excited about this new feedout program and hope by offering a new program we will expand the number of producers that take the opportunity to learn more about the calves they are producing,” said Greg Highfill, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service Northwest District area livestock specialist. “The Great Western Feedout is a companion program that provides interested producers the chance to receive post-weaning data under a slightly different feedlot entry schedule.”
The Great Western Feedout is a way for producers to benchmark the genetic merit of calf crop for carcass value traits, determine feedlot performance potential of calves, market steers on a grid basis to evaluate carcass value, gain knowledge of the cattle feeding industry and evaluate steer genetics following a management system that includes a winter stocker program.
“It is important for producers to know the OK Steer Feedout will continue as normal,” he said “The 2007 fall-born and spring-born tests are both in progress and will continue with the same format as before and for the foreseeable future.”
Steers for the Great Western Feedout must be approved through the CattleLOG TM Age and Source Verification Program prior to delivery to the feedyard. Approved CattleLOG TM Auditors from Cattleman’s Choice Feedyard of the OSU Cooperative Extension Service will conduct an on-site ranch audit prior to delivery.
The entry group is five or more head, yet no more than 40 head per group. The entry fee is $25 per producer.
“The timeline for this test allows the feedlot phase to follow a winter stocker program,” Highfill said. “The wintering program can have a high-gain potential such as wheat pasture or a dry-lot feeding program, or it can be a low-gain holding program. This allows steers to go on-feed when they are older and at a heavier weight which is currently more typical in the beef industry.”
Given the location of the feedyard and timetable of the Great Western Feedout test, many of the participants will be from western Oklahoma. However, anyone is welcome to participate.
Interested producers can contact Terry Nelson at (580) 234-3391 or terry.nelson@okstate.edu and Highfill at (580) 237-7677.
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Contact: Katie L. Reim, (405) 744-6792 or katie.reim@okstate.edu
