By Blake Jackson
“Adding value to a cow-calf operation is important to its sustainability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Evaluating how cattle perform in the feedlot and at slaughter, and using that information to make management decisions, can enhance the profitability and efficiency of cow-calf operations.
The Missouri Steer Feedout, a long-standing program run through MU Extension in collaboration with Show Me Youth Ag Academy and Missouri State University, is now enrolling spring-born steers to begin feeding in November.
Davis explains that participants can:
- Assess genetics and previous feeding management on feedlot performance and carcass quality.
- Gain experience feeding cattle and retaining ownership without bearing the full risk or investment of an entire pen.
- Use program results to market their cattle more effectively across different sectors of the industry.
“Entries for the feedout will be accepted through Oct. 15, with weigh-in projected for Nov. 17,” Davis says. Eligible entries must include five or more steers born after Jan. 1, 2025, weaned at least 45 days (60 preferred), weighing over 500 pounds, dehorned, castrated, vaccinated, and BVD-PI negative.
On weigh-in day at the Show Me Youth Ag Academy Feedlot near Newport, northeast of Lamar, steers will be evaluated by a Missouri Department of Agriculture grader and assigned a set-in price to aid in profitability calculations. Steers will then be custom fed, with performance and carcass data collected and shared with consignors.
“Expenses and management of steers will be handled like a custom feeding operation,” Davis adds. The program also provides educational opportunities for the public, high school, and college students, demonstrating feedlot management, marketing, and data analysis.
A nonrefundable $20 per head reservation fee is due with the entry form by Oct. 15 to the MU Extension Center in Cedar County, 113 South St., Stockton, MO 65785. Producers seeking more details or wishing to enroll can contact Davis at 417-276-3313 or davismp@missouri.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Dairy Cattle