BROOKINGS, S.D. – Registration is open for the 2024-2025 South Dakota State University Extension Calf Value Discovery program.
Cow/calf operators can gain valuable information to improve their operations by participating in the program. To participate, producers consign a minimum of five steer calves weighing 500 to 800 pounds.
The cost is $20 per head. Registration closes Oct. 20. For more information and to register, visit the SDSU Extension Calf Value Discovery Program website at https://extension.sdstate.edu/
Cattle will be fed in an accelerated finishing program at Vander Wal Yards in Bruce, South Dakota. SDSU personnel will weigh the cattle periodically and send performance updates to their owners. Cattle will be sold in truckload lots in May 2025. All cattle are sold on a grid price system.
Julie Walker, professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, said the information from the program can help producers improve management decisions that affect their operation’s bottom line.
“The Calf Value Discovery program provides producers feedlot performance and carcass characteristics that can utilized in making breeding decisions and aid in marketing of calves,” said Walker.
Cattle must arrive dehorned and castrated, fully healed from both procedures. Calves should arrive at either location with sufficient vaccination against important disease issues, including:
• Five-way viral (BVD-1, BVD-2, IBR, BRSV, PI3) vaccine
o At least two doses of a killed 5-way; or
o At least one dose of an MLV 5-way
• One dose of a Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine
• Two doses of a 7-way Clostridial vaccine
Producers should consult with their veterinarians on the best vaccination program. Calves can be delivered to the Cottonwood Research Station from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 12, or to the Vander Wal Yards from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 12 or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 13. Calves delivered to Cottonwood must be brand-inspected before arriving.
For more information, contact Julie Walker, professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, at 605-688-5458, or Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist, at 605-688-5452.
