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FEEDLOT PROGRAMS

This unique retained ownership program is designed to help Shorthorn breeders realize the value of their genetics in a real-world feedlot setting. The Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity (TCSCF) is a cooperative of feedlots in southwest Iowa that helps producers evaluate the performance and carcass merit of their herd. Producers enroll steers and heifers in the program and are encouraged to help manage the cattle through the feeding period. Cattle are weighed at least four times prior to harvest: upon arrival, after a 30-day warm-up, at re-implant, and a pre-harvest sort weight. Gain information is available to the producer as a result of these weigh periods. All entries are sold “on the grid” at Tyson IBP in Denison, IA and complete carcass data is collected on every steer or heifer. Breeders will receive the following performance information from the Great State Feedout: Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Carcass Weight, Ribeye Area, Marbling Score, Backfat thickness, USDA Quality and Yield Grade, and most importantly, a check for their animals minus feed, vet meds, yardage, etc. Any information collected during the feeding period will be used in the American Shorthorn Association (ASA) genetic evaluation whenever possible. The number one goal is to help breeders make money through retained ownership. However, through this program the ASA also hopes to increase the accuracy of post-weaning EPDs and help Shorthorn breeders identify genetics that advance their program and increase the demand for Shorthorn cattle. The Great State Feedout is open to any purebred Shorthorn, ShorthornPlus, Durham Red, or Shorthorn influenced steers or heifers.
 
Here are the steps to follow:
  • Register any Shorthorn calves AND report Birth Weight and Calving Ease scores. A birth contemporary group of at least 2 head must be established in order to receive post-weaning EPDs.
  • Pay a Pen Reservation fee of $20 per head to the ASA to reserve pen space in the TCSCF. This fee will be returned to the producer on the close-out.
  • The owner will transfer ownership to the TCSCF (not the feedlot) for $5 per head. This allows the cooperative a lien on the cattle to buy feed, vet meds, etc.
  • Contact Patrick Wall, ASA Director of Genetic Improvement, at 402-658-4258 to schedule a delivery date. Breeders are encouraged to group cattle together in their area to save delivery costs.
  • Steers & heifers need to weigh at least 500lbs. on the delivery date and be pre-conditioned at least 30 days.
  • A strict modified-live double vaccination protocol must be followed, and papers from your vet MUST accompany the cattle on delivery. (See registration form for health regulations)
  • If possible, cattle will be fed in pens of like-aged Shorthorns from within their state.