A Dozen Marketing Tips

Kindra Gordon wrote a nice article on the key to successful marketing of calves for the Hereford World Magazine.  Below are the 12 points that were made:

1.  Provide Historical Performance Data on previous calf crops

2.  Use BVD PI Testing

3.  Wean and Background Calves for 30 to 45 Days

4.  Sell Heavier Calves (consider growing out to 800 to 900 pounds)

5.  Offer Truckload Lots

6.  Participate in Preconditioning Program (encourages use of a good vaccination program)

7.  Participate in an Age and Source Verification Program (BBU has one now)

8.  Participate in a Natural Verification Program (calves not given antibiotics or implants)

9.  Participate in an Organic Verification Program (difficult to qualify for)

10. Participate in a Non-Hormone Treated Cattle Program (no implants for EU export)

11. Participate in a Breed-Based Branded Program (Nolan Ryan Tender Program)

12. Contract your Calves

Nolan Ryan Beef

The NRB program was highlighted in the May 2010 Beef Magazine recently in an article titled “Up in a Down Market – Branded Beef Marketers see Good and Bad in Today’s Economy”.  CEO Charlie Bradbury is featured (photo and all) in the article along with Certified Angus Beef (CAB) President, John Stika and COO of Certified Hereford Beef (CHB), Tom LeBeau.  Charlie makes comments like “You can’t be everything to everybody” and “We’re all about providing a lot of support”.  Great job Mr. Bradbury.

Research Projects

BBU has (or has had) cooperative research projects in feeding and carcass evaluation with Texas A&M University, Auburn University and Texas Tech University. BBU members also participates in feeding and carcass trials throughout the United States.

Results show purebred and crossbred Beefmaster steers are exceptionally efficient in the feedlot and are producing carcasses that generally fall into the Select and Choice grades. With Select grade beef becoming more popular among consumers, these steers are right in line with consumer demands. On-going studies are identifying genetic lines that excel in feeding and carcass traits.