About the Minnesota Carcass Merit Program

Who is eligible?

Any producer wishing to test the perfromance and carcass potential of their feeder calves.  In past years we have fed many different sizes, breeds, and types of cattle.

What are the advantages of this program?

  • Discovery of feedlot performance and carcass value of calves.
  • Use of feed intake, weight gain, efficiency, and carcass data to guide genetic decisions.
  • Test concept of retained ownership to enhance profitability of cowherd.
  • Commingling of cattle into larger groups to improve marketability of cattle.
  • Alternative outlet for 2009 calf crop.

Participants will receive a monthly report detailing cattle weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency as well as documentation of any health problems or treatments.  After cattle are marketed and carcass data are collected, participants will receive a final report detailing overall perfromace and carcass characteristics and recommendations on how to use these data to make genetic decisions.

What are the costs of this program?

  • $30/head entry fee
  • Feed costs plus $15/ton feed delivery fee
  • $0.25/head daily yardage fee
  • Any veterinary and medicine costs

The feed costs, feed delivery fee, yardage, veterinary and medicine costs are all charged against the final selling price of calves.  Therefore, the only out-of-pocket cost for producers is the $30/head entry fee.

    Where does the program take place?

    The 2009-10 program will take place at two locations:  UMORE Park in Rosemount, MN and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston, MN.  The UMORE Park location will accept steers and heifers, while the NWROC location will only accept steers.  More information on these locations can be found under locations.

      What is the registration deadline?

      September 28, 2009

        When does the program start?

        Cattle should be delivered to the NWROC between noon on November 2 and noon on November 3.   At UMORE, cattle should be delivered between noon on November 4 and noon on November 5.

        Pre-program management guidelines

        • Groups of five head or more are recommended
        • Ideal weight for entry is between 500 and 700 lbs
        • Calves should not be implanted prior to delivery
        • Calves must be dehorned
        • Steers must be castrated
        • Calves must be vaccinated at least 21 days prior to arrival with a 7 or 8-way clostridial bacterin, modified live IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV, and Mannheimia haemolytica, and Haemophilus somnus
        • Cattle must be PI-tested negative, and results must be submitted with a veterinarians signature or certificate
        • Calves must be TB tested in accordance with applicable regulations
        • Producers are responsible for delivery to the program site