Merck Animal Health and Kansas State University evaluated over 800,000 head of calves sold through Superior Livestock. According to Merck Director of Cattle Technical Services John Hutcheson, preconditioning, vaccinations and other management practices were considered to determine what drives a sale. “There was a definite signal to cattle owners, cow-calf producers, that these buyers want calves that are ready to transition to the next phase.” There are things cow/calf producers can do to increase the value of their calves on sale day. “If you purchase bulls that have known genetics that are recognized by buyers of these calves, then you get a nice bump in value as well.”
