Final Report for FNC98-226
Project Information
Adapting to changes in the marketplace can provide substantial premiums to livestock producers.
Objective: To improve the marketing ability of producers in southern Iowa.
The project was organized to enable producers to access, collect, interpret and respond to information and take advantage of evolving value-added opportunities. The producers conducted field days and attended seminars on animal identification, source verification and carcass data interpretation. These producers identified and collected carcass data on 5,135 head of cattle from 68 producers. The data provided them with a stronger position and greater flexibility in marketing.
Results: They were able to market finished cattle in value-based grids, which has resulted in average premiums of $20 per head. The data also helped feeder cattle producers obtain higher prices for calves and yearlings.