According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 90 percent of all beef herds have fewer than 100 cows. Furthermore, herds with less than 100 cows account for 65 percent of the US beef cow inventory. These small producers face many barriers within the industry. Perhaps the most prominent is the difficulty encountered when trying to retain ownership of calves through slaughter. Though many individual producers are interested in retaining ownership of their calves, they cannot economically ship calves or fill pens in commercial feedlots. As a result, few have been able to participate in retained ownership. Therefore, they often lack knowledge related to the performance potentials of their herds.
In 1996 we initiated a program that would allow individual producers to retain ownership of calves in a commingled setting. The Noble Foundation provided management oversight and complete data collection and reporting on an individual calf basis. We accepted 226 calves from 16 herds into the program. Participants were required to wean and precondition calves before delivery. Calves were then received at the Noble Foundation Pasture Demonstration Farm in November of 1996. Upon arrival each animal was tagged with both electronic and visual ear tags. After regaining fill, calves were weighed and shipped to a private farm for a 90-day wheat pasture phase. In late February, calves were weighed as they were taken off wheat pasture. Then they were shipped to a commercial feedlot and sorted by weight into five pens. Calves were fed until average back fat thickness of the pen reached approximately one-half inch. They were slaughtered at a commercial packing plant. Carcass data were collected by Cattlemen's Carcass Data Service.
Average daily gain for all calves was 2.83 pounds while grazing wheat pasture. After grazing, health, and freight expenses were deducted, producers realized $107 profit per calf during this phase. Profits ranged from a low of $55 to a high of $138 per head.
Overall average daily gain during the feedlot phase was 3.40 pounds per day and total cost of gain was 61 cents per pound gained. On average, calves lost $36 during the feedlot period resulting in a $68 profit overall. Profits per calf during the feedlot phase ranged from a positive $96 to a loss of $233. Overall profits ranged from -$124 to +$195 per head.
Carcass weights fell within an acceptable range (622 to 901 pounds). Though average rib eye area was desirable (13.02 square inches), over 30 percent of the individual carcasses had less than 12 square inches. Only 44 percent of all carcasses graded USDA choice or prime, and over 36 percent were in low select or standard grades.
Before cattle were slaughtered, the Noble Foundation sponsored a tour to the feedlot facility for all participants (May, 1997). Cattle were viewed and feedlot management was discussed. Noble Foundation and Texas Cattle Feeders Association staff presented an evening program. The following day, participants attended an educational workshop on the structure of the beef industry and beef quality and yield determination at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.
The Foundation also sponsored an educational seminar at the end of the 1996-97 program. Participants were given an overview of cattle performance as well as an assessment of how their calves performed. Agricultural Division specialists were available to assist in interpretation of data and to suggest changes in response to observed deficiencies. Input was solicited from the group relative to ways to improve the program in 1997-98.
This program has demonstrated a need for genetic improvement in many herds in the region. We will continue the program and accept up to 1,000 calves in the fall of 1997. Greater participation should result in increased awareness of genetic deficiencies. Our specialists can then utilize this information to educate producers and to assist them in the production of cattle suitable for today's markets.