The bucks stop here

摘要

A recent analysis of Superior Livestock Auction data says reducing calf health risk for buyers offers the most opportunity to add value.Even with calf prices at historically high levels, buyers are willing to pay more for calves that are weaned and preconditioned.In fact, according to the most recent analysis of Superior Livestock Auction data conducted by Kansas State University (KSU) for Merck Animal Health, weaned calves are worth $4.78/cwt. more than their non-weaned peers.The Superior Livestock Auction analysis represents 6,891 lots marketed in 2013. The lots represent a total of about 682,000 calves averaging 566 lbs. each. Calves that were weaned and received at least one viral vaccination before marketing received an average price of $163.49/cwt. Non-weaned calves that also received at least one viral vaccination prior to marketing earned an average price of $158.71/cwt.