Page 21 - Aug242023

The Midwest Cattleman · August 24, 2023 · P21

What has value to your calf buyer?

By Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University

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 marketplace.

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 semi-load 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 programs like the Oklahoma Quality Beef
Network.

•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 add
to uniformity. Documentation of genetic potential
in the form of 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.

SimAngus Bulls For Sale

A.I. Sires Include Beacon & Enhance
Homo Polled and Homo Black

EPDs

YW up to TOP 10% Superior open
MB up to 5% heifers, many from
REA up to 2% A.I. sired dams, for
API up to 10% excellent brood cows.
TI up to 10%

Located near Lynn Snow - 660-619-2867
Sedalia and
Clinton Call Bob Harriman - 660-492-2504