Ranch to Rail Program Makes Changes to Implement a New Feedback System for Ranchers, 2000-2001 Data Available

Over 1,700 ranches from ten states have learned more about their cattle and how they fit the needs of the beef industry by participating in the Texas A&M Ranch to Rail Program. Some learned their genetics and ranch management systems are on target, and yet others learned the need for drastic changes in order to be competitive.

This year, three major changes will be implemented in Ranch to Rail to increase the usefulness of the information and enhance access by ranches that want to participate.

Video Imaging Technology

The latest in video imaging technology will be used to evaluate carcasses and determine values of the entries. Use of these systems is expanding to reduce the subjectivity of carcass value determinants.

Cattle fed in the Ranch To Rail-North program will be marketed with Excel Corp. Excel has incorporated a system in their packing plant that captures images of the carcass and loin eye. The digital image is computer analyzed to determine loin eye area, fat thickness, marbling and lean meat yield. Ranchers will be provided a file with the carcass measurements and will be able to "see" their carcasses.

Cattle fed in the South program will be marketed through the Nolan Ryan Tender Aged Beef Program. The carcasses will be evaluated by the Smart Machine Vision Beef Cam system to assess carcass parameters and assure tenderness. The values derived from this technology will be provided to participating ranches.

Delivery Dates

Delivery dates to the feedyards will be expanded to accommodate early and late fall weaning times. Ranch To Rail North can send their calves to Swisher County Cattle Co. in Tulia, Texas, on October 10-11, 2001 or November 14-15, 2001. Those in the Ranch to Rail-South can send their calves to Hondo Creek Cattle Co. in Edroy, Texas, on October 2-3, 2001 or November 6-7, 2001.

Entry Fee

This year there will be no entry fee or charge. The Extension Service has secured industry support to encourage producers' participation. Entries are due September 15, 2001.

For more information on the Ranch to Rail program, contact Extension Animal Science at 979-845-3579. Information is also available on the Internet at http://animalscience-extension.tamu.edu.

2000-2001 Results

It was an extremely profitable year to retain ownership. The average net return was $142.09 and 73 percent of the ranches averaged over $100 per head. Seventy five percent of the carcasses were YG 1 or 2, and only two percent YG 4.