A feeder calf is defined by the University of Kentucky as a steer or heifer weighing between 800 to 1,000 pounds and is one to two years of age. Feeders are usually stockers that are sold to feedyards for further weight gain. If a rancher produces large heavy calves, they may go directly from the ranch into the feeder stage and the stocker step is omitted. Feeders stay in a feedyard for four to six months prior to harvest. They are harvested at about 1,200 to 1,400 pounds and 18 to 22 months of age.
Value of feeder cattle vary from year to year based on supply and demand of finished beef, feeder calves, and corn. As the value of finished beef increases, the value of feeder calves also increases. As the value of corn increases, the value of feeder calves decreases. When corn price is high there is increased value in retaining calves, and grazing them on pasture as stocker cattle for sale as yearlings. Between 2001 and 2017 national finished steer and corn prices had a major impact on the national price of feeder steers. After adjustment for year and month, when corn price increased $1/bushel, 600–650 lb feeder steer prices decreased $6.35/cwt. When finished steer prices increased $1/cwt, 600–650 lb steer prices increased $1.44/cwt
Description
- No. 1. Feeder cattle which possess minimum qualifications for this grade usually display predominate beef breeding. They must be thrifty and moderately thick throughout. They are moderately thick and full in the forearm and gaskin, showing a rounded appearance through the back and loin with moderate width between the legs, both front and rear. Cattle show this thickness with a slightly thin covering of fat; however, cattle eligible for this grade may carry varying degrees of fat.
- No. 2. Feeder cattle which possess minimum qualifications for this grade usually show a high proportion of beef breeding and slight dairy breeding may be detected. They must be thrifty and tend to be slightly thick throughout. They tend to be slightly thick and full in the forearm and gaskin, showing a rounded appearance through the back and loin with slight width between the legs, both front and rear. Cattle show this thickness with a slightly thin covering of fat; however, cattle eligible for this grade may carry varying degrees of fat.
- No. 3. Feeder cattle which possess minimum qualifications for this grade are thrifty and thin through the forequarter and the middle part of the rounds. The forearm and gaskin are thin and the back and loin have a sunken appearance. The legs are set close together, both front and rear. Cattle show this narrowness with a slightly thin covering of fat; however, cattle eligible for this grade may carry varying degrees of fat.
- No. 4. Feeder cattle included in this grade are thrifty animals which have less thickness than the minimum requirements specified for the No.3 grade.
Features of Feeder Steer
- Large Frame (L). Feeder cattle which possess typical minimum qualifications for this grade are thrifty, have large frames, and are tall and long bodied for their age. Steers and heifers would not be expected to produce U.S. Choice carcasses (about 0.50 inch fat at twelfth rib) until their live weights exceed 1250 pounds and 1150 pounds, respectively.
- Medium Frame (M). Feeder cattle which possess typical minimum qualifications for this grade are thrifty, have slightly large frames, and are slightly tall and slightly long bodied for their age. Steers and heifers would be expected to produce U.S. Choice carcasses (about 0.50 inch fat at twelfth rib) at live weights of 1100 to 1250 pounds and 1000 to 1150 pounds, respectively.
- Small Frame (S). Feeder cattle included in this grade are thrifty, have small frames, and shorter bodied and not as tall as specified as the minimum for the Medium Frame grade. Steers and heifers would be expected to produce U.S. Choice carcasses (about 0.50 inch fat at twelfth rib) at live weights ofless than 1100 pounds and 1000 pounds, respectively.
Uses/benefits of Feeder Steer
Raising beef steers appeals to people for multiple reasons. While it is easy to do, it is important to understand a few basics before jumping right in. Having correct information will help you decide what breed is best for your property and how old you want the steer to be at purchase and slaughter. It is also vital to understand the nutrition behind raising grassfed beef, so you can keep your feeder steers healthy and productive. The breed of the steer you choose to raise will make a difference. Most breeds we are familiar with are specific for dairy production or beef production. A few of the breeds that are specific to beef production are Black Angus, Red Angus, Hereford, Limousin, and Charolais
Prices of Feeder Steer
$4.00-$18.00/ kg