By Eldon Cole

There’s a range of prices paid for calves at any sale barn you choose. And for years, cow-calf producers have wondered why.

Extension specialists from Lawrence County, Mo., took advantage of the experts on hand at the weigh-in for calves entered in the Missouri Steer Feedout. They recorded as many comments as possible from evaluators as they commented on each of the 15 groups of steers.

There were a variety of breeds, flesh conditions, colors, frame size and uniformity in the Missouri Steer Feedout groups. After the evaluation, the buyers and graders quotes were put together with the pictures of the groups and developed into a useful PowerPoint presentation.

Veteran cattle raisers may not learn much, but those who fall more into the beginning phases surely will read some statements that help you critique the kind of cattle you raise. Different buyers do have different orders.

You can access this PowerPoint slide show here.

So what did buyers say? Here’s a sampling of the comments from Matt Thompson, Crossroads Cattle Co., Columbia; Wes Spinks, Jerico Springs; Jackie Moore, Joplin Stockyards; Jodie Pitcock, USDA grader, St. Joe.

Cole is the Extension livestock specialist in Lawrence County, Mo.

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