When it comes to marketing preconditioned calves, Extension Beef Veterinarian Dr. AJ Tarpoff says proper documentation is key to being successful in the marketplace. He told Farm Director Ron Hays in a recent interview that there are a lot of preconditioning program strategies out there, and if you use any of those elements in your own operation, he says be sure to make it known.
“If you do everything a part of these programs, make sure its well-known that - ‘hey, they had these rounds of shots, they’ve been weaned for 45 days, or longer,’” Tarpoff said. “Those are all good things that we can market on and should be capitalized upon.”
Dr. Tarpoff insists that using programs such as VAC-45, have been shown that it will add dollars to a producer’s bottom line. He suggests working with your local vet to access the full spectrum of preconditioning options available that can be applied to your strategy. He asserts that preconditioned cattle have less risk associated with them and therefore will be more appealing to feedlots.
“Feedlot operators, they love to decrease their amount risk in the marketplace. So when they know that they have a verified preconditioned animal,” Tarpoff said, “they’re willing to pay more for that because it helps them on the other end.”
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