Cattle | Survey Shows the Needs/Wants of Cattlemen

In order to be truly profitable, cattle producers need to be able to raise calves or feeder cattle that meet the expectations of the buyer. However, this is not always as apparent or easy as it would seem. Cattlemen may not be compensated for genetically superior cattle because they are not producing the type of product that the feedlot operators consider economically important.

A survey conducted by the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association showed that cattlemen often have very different opinions as to what is important in the three phases of beef production. The respondents to the survey included all segments of the cattle industry. The survey showed that the selling party often had misperceptions of what the buying party was looking for. Understanding these differences can help cattlemen produce a product that better meets the needs of the potential buyer, enabling both sides to improve their profit potential.

The top eight factors considered to be most important to the stocker buying calves are:

• Degree of finish
• Frame
• Sex
• Weighing conditions
• Breed
• Degree of muscling
• Purchase weight
• Purchase age

The top eight factors considered to be most important to the feeder finishing cattle are:

• Degree of finish
• Weighing conditions
• Breed
• Source (state or region)
• Historical feeder average daily gain
• Historical feeder health
• Degree of muscling
• Frame
• Historical carcass performance

Learning to develop management and feeding programs that are not only profitable at the cow/calf level but are also profitable to backgrounders or feeders as well, enables all aspects of the cattle production chain to earn the premiums they want for their cattle. Purina products and programs are designed to help meet these needs and wants.

Rewritten from an article appearing in Successful Farming, May, 1989.

 

We carry an extensive line of animal health products to improve the wellbeing of your animals and pets, to ensure they stay healthy and productive. A solid worming program is an important aspect of animal health, and we carry a large variety of wormers, such as Ivomec, Zimectrin, and Safeguard worming products. We also carry products from Agrilabs, Farnam, and Absorbine. If you are in need of ear tags for your cattle we carry Agritags to help keep your operation organized.

We also have a varied line of insecticides that have been proven safe and effective for use on your animals. Endure by Farnam has had good results for flies. In addition, we carry Pyranha wipe or spray, Duragaurd by Absorbine and Bronco.

Effective fly baits can help deter the problem as well. Whether you choose Quickbayt or Golden Malrin, you won't have to say "Shoo fly, don't bother me!" Pour-ons also included are Permethrin-Synergized and Ivermectin-based pour-ons.

When it comes to people and their dogs, it's like talking about family. To help keep your dogs healthy and happy, we carry products such as Happy Jack mange medicine, Canine Red Cell, performer-brand Earmite killer, Nustockn Sulfodene, Pet Tabs, and Esbilac...just to name a few.

Our employees will help you make the best decision for your animal's health, and your pocketbook's health as well. Remember, we are here to serve you, and we appreciate your consideration.