Give Cattle and Profits an Edge with Preconditioning Program: Follow a third-party certified preconditioning program, earn up to 6.15 dollar more per hundredweight this fall

摘要

With fickle fall feeder calf markets in the forecast, producers looking to expand profit margins should evaluate their calf preconditioning program now. "Cow-calf producers are facing projected stagnant to lower markets this fall and, therefore, potentially slimmer profit margins," says Frank Hurtig, director of Merial Veterinary Services. "That means they need to Start exploring every possible avenue for adding value to their calves and bottom line." According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts, a struggling world economy will result in weak beef demand that will keep cattle placements level with 2008 numbers — despite the late 2008 drop in feed crop prices. Since feedlots will likely be feeding fewer cattle than most years, buyers are more likely to be picky on sale day, potentially giving producers who follow a preconditioning program an edge, Hurtig says.