Mark your calendars! The 25th Annual Dakota Feeder Calf Show and Feedout is set for Oct. 21 in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. This event serves as a valuable platform for those interested to bring in steer calves weighing between 500 and 700 pounds.
The exhibit and evaluation of calves take place in the afternoon, providing insights into their growth and genetic characteristics.
Karl Hoppe, an Extension livestock specialist at North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center, emphasizes the significance of the event, citing its 24-year record of superior growth and carcass characteristics among North Dakota cattle ranchers, providing valuable data for informed decision-making and herd advancement.
The event, a collaboration between NDSU Extension, Carrington Research Extension Center, and the Dakota Feeder Calf Show, aims to provide producers with insight into retained ownership of calves beyond the traditional cow-calf segment.
Colin Tobin, an animal scientist, emphasizes the importance of feeding out the entire calf crop for optimal data collection and risk mitigation.
Darwin Chesrown, chair of the Dakota Feeder Calf Show, has been a consistent participant since its inception. He values the opportunity to compare the growth of his weaned calves and notes the visible differences in herd sires. “Small differences in production have a massive impact on profit,” Hoppe adds, emphasizing the educational aspect of the project.
Last year's feedout revealed significant variations in returns and daily weight gain among herds, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation for ranchers. Project staff collect data on gain rate, feeding costs, and other characteristics, sharing this information with entrants.
All participating calves are required to be pre-vaccinated, and booster vaccinations are administered upon delivery. The event charges a nominal entry fee of $20 per calf and culminates in the presentation of awards to deserving producers.
To preregister calves, contact Karl Hoppe or Colin Tobin at 701-652- 2951 (office), 701-650-8810 (cell) or karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu or Chesrown, Dakota Feeder Calf Show Committee, at 701-448-9286.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain insights, compare performances, and contribute to the advancement of herd genetics in the cattle ranching community!
Photo Credit: gettyimages-diane-kuhl
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle