The second annual Proof Positive feedlot program once again proved that Shorthorn cattle can make money for their producers, feeders and packers. This program not only exposes commercial feedyards and packers to Shorthorn genetics, but provides valuable data and insight to retained ownership for the calves’ producers. Extremely high calf prices last fall made the decision to commit calves difficult, but 6 Shorthorn producers who believed in their genetics stepped up to the plate and retained ownership on 131 head.
The cattle were fed at Darr Feedlot in Darr, Nebraska and were harvested in two groups, one at Swift in Grand Island and the other at Tyson in Lexington. With a nearly $20 Choice/Select spread at harvest time these cattle were sold on the rail, but not on a grid, however, they had complete carcass data collected. Considering the wide range of incoming ages, weights and production locations, these cattle looked and performed remarkably well as a group.
In the feedyard, they averaged 3.85 pounds of gain per day with a dry matter conversion of 5.64. On the rail, they hung an 863 pound carcass and graded 62% Choice, with an average yield grade of 2.9.
The greatest value in these cattle was generated by their avoidance of problems. The total vet bill for the pen was $132.78 and here were few outs on the rail. All cattle graded at least select, had only two calculated yield grade 4’s and no dark cutters. Although the market turned and these cattle sold for a live equivalent of around $80 per cwt, the avoidance of health problems and outs proved their importance in making money when feeding cattle.
Overall the cattle averaged a $30.29 profit per head over selling them as calves last fall. This profit does on include interest lost on the money had they been sold last fall, but also does not include the value of the data to genetic progress or potential commercial customers. Congratulations to all participants for making the commitment and making money. Below are the overall averages, highs and lows and the winners of the Best Pen of Five competitions.
Close-Out and Carcass Results
Average Low High
In-Weight 534 400 766
Market Weight 1390 1195 1695
Average Daily Gain 3.8 3.0 5.4
Feed Conversion 5.6
Value Per Head $1188 $951 $1300
Profit Per Head $30.29 $-103.87 $171.23
Hot Carcass Weight 863 737 1017
Ribeye Area 13.9 10.6 18.3
Fat Thickness .5 .2 .8
Yield Grade 2.9 1.2 4.6
Quality Grade Choice- Select Choice+
High “Pen of Five” Average Daily Gain
1st: Rob Sneed, Sedalia, MO 4.57 lbs./day
2nd: James Miner, Pittsburg, TX 4.45 lbs./day
3rd: Bill Fellers, Lexington, NE 4.26 lbs./day
High “Pen of Five” Average Total Profit
1st: Jim Sneed, Sedalia, MO $111.47
2nd: Rob Sneed, Sedalia, MO $95.48
3rd: Bill Fellers, Lexington, NE $85.80