1995 Annual Report for FNC95-092
On-farm Research to Raise Slaughter Beef on Pasture and Grain
Summary
Higher production costs and lower profit margins have forced cattle producers to seek alternative production and marketing practices. Retaining ownership and adding value to calves offers producers the potential to increase profits.
Objectives: To retain ownership of calves and finish them to slaughter weight by feeding grain in conjunction with a leader/follower mangement intensive grazing program and direct marketing finished beef.
Results: Heifers averaging 444 pounds were put through a follower/leader grazing system on stockpiled fescue in the fall of 1995 and on pasture in 1996. Heifers were grain-fed on grass from July to October. Marketing took place in October with half sold live at auction and half marketed in the beef directly to consumers. Cattle sold in the beef to consumers provided $223.75 per head extra income compared to those sold live at auction.