Bidders Compete for Certified Calves at World Auctioneer Championship

Feeder calves carrying the new Merial(R) Surehealth(TM) certification took center stage during the 38th World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) competition held at the OKC West Livestock Market Inc. As 31 of the nation's best auctioneers showcased their talents during this prestigious event, sponsored by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), potential buyers bid top dollars for the first calves sold that were part of the comprehensive animal health program.

"This was an exciting day, not only for the auctioneers, but for anyone associated with the beef industry," says Jeff Schoen, manager of integrated beef systems, Merial. "Calves from the first nationwide veterinarian-certified bovine health program, exceeded the expectations of each producer."

Surehealth, launched by Merial in January, was designed to improve animal health, increase cattle values and help beef producers capture a portion of that value. It certifies that feeder cattle have been fully prepared for maximum productivity in feedlots with less risk of bovine respiratory disease.

OKC West Livestock Market Inc., is one of the larger marketing facilities in Oklahoma, selling 200,000 head annually. For this event, Bill Barnhart, general manager, contacted his top customers to offer weaned calves or feeder steers of varying weights. Four area producers brought in 1,325 certified calves from the program.

"I received several calls to witness the competition and anticipated an overflow crowd, so I reserved 100 seats for buyers in advance," Barnhart says. "We strive to offer the most up-to-date practices to market cattle," he adds. "This is the start of a new generation of marketing."

Offering certified calves is a win-win situation, Barnhart says. "My customer, the producer, gets paid for his hard work and selling a top-notch animal to the next individual in the beef marketing chain. The buyer benefits, too."

Fred Reuter, D. V. M., who runs stockers near Oklahoma City, consigned 500 calves for the sale. "The guidelines for the program help me do a better job and the program provides a direct link between the stocker and feeder segment. The program is a solid marketing tool for my operation."

Reuter's neighbor, Troy Denwalt, gave a thumbs-up after the sale. "The program brings more value to my cattle. Feedlot operators know these animals have the proper handling and vaccinations," Denwalt says. "The return on my investment was twice what I expected," he adds. "I'm already planning to send more cattle to this sale, which moves to Iowa next year."

Glen Propps, a cow/calf producer from Lookeba, Okla., brought 175 steers and heifers to the sale. "There was plenty of emphasis on my certified calves, and bidders perked up when they entered the sale ring," he says. "My goal was to sell $800 steers and I came within $10 and change on 94 head that averaged 800 pounds. I'm tickled pink."

Health documentation is important for Jim Williams, who buys cattle as director of feeder calf procurement for Innovative Livestock Services in Kearney, Neb.

"We sell a high percentage of our cattle through a grid marketing program. Past research shows that healthy cattle perform better and have higher carcass merit," Willams says. "I purchased certified calves because it gives me a history of each animal. These records help lower our risk and processing costs, which leads to increased profitability."

As owner of Feller and Company, a commercial feedlot in Wisner, Neb., Tom Feller markets 40,000 cattle each year. "I learned about the program through an order- buying service. It's something we've desperately needed in the industry," Feller says. "From past experiences, it's been difficult to purchase sale barn cattle with minimal health problems. These animals often get sick and if you have higher than normal death loss, profits decline."

David Fitzpatrick, an order buyer for Bryon Bogie Livestock in Richmond, Ky., was impressed with the calves. "They showed excellent condition, had clean noses and were very alert. I purchased 600 head because I want this program to come to my area. It will give us the edge in the feeder cattle market."

"Merial Surehealth was designed as a total package," says Jay Brown, D.V.M., director, integrated beef systems, Merial. "Our company is committed to seeing that the nation's first veterinarian-certified bovine health program moves forward.

"Another important aspect of the program is the source and process verification. The beef industry is demanding more detailed information about the health and management history of cattle," Brown says. "Once this program covers the country it will become a real beacon for the future."