The ABC’s of Marketing Your Cattle

 Export Premiums  Prior to 2003 nearly ALL tongues went to Japan at >$5/lb premium (today $4.56/ lb in JP; $2.12/lb in US)  Short ribs/plates from ALL cattle (today ~ 30%)  Export premiums would add $20-35/ head in value

 1.4 billion people  Per-capita income (annual):  2000: $1,000  2008: $3,000  2020 (f): $8,500  Top 15% of population: $5,000+ (150 million)  Pork : 83#/capita (US : 60#/cap)  Over 759 McDonald’s (Adding 100/ year)

 According to BQA Guidelines cattle should be castrated and/or dehorned prior to 120 days of age or 500 lbs.  Recommended by American Veterinary Medical Association  Surgical is most commonly used method.

 Why is castration a common practice?  Castration reduces aggressiveness and sexual activity by lowering testosterone levels, and modifies carcass characteristics by decreasing the number of animals with a high muscle pH.

 Why is dehorning a common practice?  Dehorning reduces the risk of injury to those handling cattle as well as cattle themselves, for example transporting.

 Now, why should I do this?  On average bulls will be discounted $5-$8 cwt versus a steer at comparable weight $8 cwt x 550 lbs = $44 per head  On average horned cattle will be discounted $2 cwt versus a polled animal at comparable weight $2 cwt x 550 lbs = $11 per head

 Sale Barn or Auction Sale  Private Treaty  Internet Auctions  Video Auctions  Retained Ownership

 Weighing Conditions  Shrink  Commission  Consignment Fees  Details, Details, Details….

 Shrink550 x 5%x 2% 27.5 lbs11 lbs $160 cwt $44less$17.6 = $26.40 per head or $ 4.80 per cwt