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The first annual Michigan Cattlemen's Association Graded/Vaccinated Feeder Calf Sale held December 11, 1998 proved to be a profitable endeavor for Michigan cattle producers. The sale -- initiated and organized by the Michigan Cattlemen's Association with assistance from Michigan State University Extension Beef and Livestock Area of Expertise agents across the state -- provided consignors with an alternative marketing opportunity for their calves. All calves consigned were certified to have fulfilled a strict health protocol assuring buyers that cattle they buy would come into their lots healthy, pre-weaned, and ready to gain. Another plus for buyers was the consistency of the lots. Since the cattle were weighed and graded upon delivery at the auction barn and sorted by gender, color or breed, weight, frame and muscling score, buyers were provided with uniform sets of cattle that should finish in the same time period. Cattle consigned to the sale outsold similar lots of calves in sales across the state the preceding week, and in most cases to equal to or better than western calves sold at the same time. A total of 383 steers averaging 569 pounds brought an average of $72.85. Heifers, averaging 509 pounds on 332 head averaged $70.89. The cattle were mostly black and colored cattle, with a few Hereford and Holsteins mixed in. Mike Karweik, MCA Director and Chairman of the Graded/Vaccinated Calf Sale Committee said, "We are very pleased with the outcome of the sale. It was very successful in providing producers with additional income from their calves, and we believe it will prove to provide buyers with more value for their dollar." "We feel that putting on sales such as this will provide smaller cow/calf producers in the state with profitable alternatives..." said Maury Kaercher, incoming President of the Michigan Cattlemen's Association and Committee member. Future sales will likely be held at different locations around the state to better serve all producers. Industry partners who assisted in carrying out the sale included Fort Dodge Animal Health, MSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Merial, Ltd., and MSU Animal Industry Coalition. "With all of the challenges our industry currently faces, it is heartening to see industry organizations cooperate with producer groups to help keep beef production profitable for all involved," said Gary Voogt, outgoing president of MCA. |
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