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Precondition Your 2019 Calf Crop for Greater Calf Value at Mark

Precondition Your 2019 Calf Crop for Greater Calf Value at Market Source: Shane Gadberry, Professor - Ruminant Nutrition, University of Arkansas
During fall 2018, value added calves fetched nearly $10/cwt over non-value added calves with a gross added value of $56/calf. What makes these calves different? Health history and weaning management. Here are a few steps to consider if you want to be a value added player. The first step in marketing value added requires a visit with your sale barn to determine the programs the barn offers for preconditioned calves. Many barns around the state offer special sales to attract additional buyers looking specifically to purchase preconditioned calves. Marketing preconditioned doesn’t have to be restricted to special sales either. Some markets may choose to market value added calves as a regular part of their weekly sale. The second step in marketing value added is to become BQA certified. County Extension agents provide BQA classes. Certification is required to participate in some value added programs. The third step in marketing value added is determining a health and management plan up to and following weaning. There are several commercial plans available through vaccine companies. Arkansas Extension also launched the Natural State Preconditioned Calf Program, also known as GoGREEN. Calves meeting health and management requirements and weaned at least 45 days before market qualify for the GoGREEN tag. Begin visiting with a veterinarian, Extension agent or pharmaceutical company representative about health protocols now. Establishing a health protocol now is important because some vaccine choices can influence the vaccine needs of the entire cow herd. One example is modified live vaccines. Modified live vaccines for use with pre-weaned calves have strict label requirements about cow herd vaccination and timing. The fourth step in marketing value added is determining a weaning management plan. Buyers looking for preconditioned calves generally want calves to be weaned at least 45 days. Calves can be weaned to a drylot or fenceline weaned to pasture. Both have their strengths and limitations. Buyers also like calves that know how to eat and drink from troughs. In general, aggressive feeding after weaning won’t be profitable. Calves weaned to pasture will benefit from a little supplementation, whereas calves weaned to drylot may require greater amounts of supplement depending on hay or silage quality. The local county agent is also a good source of information on post-weaned calf management. On April 16, the livestock and forestry research station near Batesville, Arkansas, will be hosting a field day specific to the idea of preconditioning. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. For more information about marketing your calves through the GoGREEN program, contact your county Extension agent and visit our website www.uaex.edu/gogreen. ■