Commercial Marketing: Connecting the Cow-Calf and Feeding Sectors by Nate Smith, General Manager As we pass the halfway point of my rst year with Top Dollar Angus, it seems an appropriate time to analyze and discuss what those actively involved in the marketing of commercial cattle are sharing with us and how helping them connect buyers and sellers is still the key to adding value for everyone involved. The industry sectors I’m referencing are primarily the cow-calf and feeding sectors, two parts of the industry that rely upon each other for success, but that continue to struggle to connect and communicate with each other. As a company that strives to bring value to both sides of this relationship, it has been rewarding to hear from each side about what they feel adds value and use those discussions to help connect the two, while bringing value to both. With that in mind, let me share what we are hearing from both sides with a focus on what we are learning from the feeding sector. Since joining the Top Dollar team in January, I have had the pleasure of meeting with many feedyard managers. Some operate smaller, privately owned yards. Others represent large corporate feeders with multiple locations. While the operations may vary in capacity, what weights and type of cattle are preferred, they do have similar thoughts to share with the people who produce the cattle
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they feed. Several managers have shared that while quality has improved over the years, now more than ever, no one phenotypic trait can guarantee above-average performance. For example, in the past hide color could be an indicator of performance, but today scientically backed data is the only way to truly have a glimpse into the potential of a particular set of animals. That data can come in multiple forms, with past close-out and carcass data being one example. While such data can be helpful, it does have limitations. It can only be used after harvest, is never 100% repeatable due to unique environmental inuences and can be difcult for the cow-calf producer to obtain. Feedyard mangers consistently agree that genetics do matter and any time they can obtain genetic data on a set of cattle, it is helpful to their decision making. They regularly communicate knowing the genetic potential of a set of animals carries tremendous added value as a risk management tool. If the genetic potential is known, a manager now can make informed decisions that affect hedging and protability. One manager recently shared that knowing a group is Top Dollar Angus qualied allows him to keep the animals hormone free, while still getting the gains and performance he needs. It also gives the feedyard manager the
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Allan Havick • (712) 235-1225 1225 900th St • Harlan, IA 51537 • rafterh@fmctc.com
Red Angus Foundation Inc. (940) 387-3502 • Ext. 11 janet@redangus.org redangus.org/rafi Mail contributions to: 18335 E. 103rd Ave., Suite 202 Commerce City, CO 80022
Red Angus Foundation, Inc. exists to enhance our breed’s position within the beef industry and help secure long-term sustainable breed growth. 68
RED ANGUS Magazine n September 2021
Rob Brawner
BULLIS CREEK RANCH
HC 68 Box 1 Wood Lake, NE 69221 Phone/Fax (402) 967-3060 www.bulliscreek.com
PEACOCK ANGUS RANCH
Texas Red Angus Champion Genetics
313 FM 2488 Covington, TX 76636 (254) 874-5868 • (817) 774-7204 cell www.peacockredangus.com Where Quality Cattle are the Rule, Not the Exception!
