Our BBA 3.1 Session was held on Friday evening, June 21st at the Meridian Sale Barn.  Attendance was great and we enjoyed a nice BBQ plate, along with some excellent marketing information.

 

Cattle Marketing

We learned that the definition of marketing is adding value to your product (calf) and then showing or presenting that product to potential buyers.  The Stockyards of Meridian has scheduled 5 special sales (VAC 45) to provide a way to market calves with  “added value”.  These special sales will start in August!

 

Sales Dates	Weaning Dates
August 12	June 27
September 9	July 25
October 14	August 29
November 11	September 26
December 9	October 24

 

 

Blain Parrish, general manager of the sale barn showed us the difference between several different kinds of calves and what their value would be.  He talked about the things that cattle buyers look at as calves go through the sale ring.  He listed breed type, color, bone structure and overall condition as discussion points.  Blain also stated that he would be glad to come out to your ranch and view your cattle with you.  He is available for penning, working, sorting and hauling.  Blain will work hard to get the top money for your cattle!

 

Requirements for VAC 45 Calves

 

· The calves must have been weaned at least 45 days prior to the special sale date.

· The calves must have received the required vaccinations in a timely and proper manner.

· All calves must be castrated and dehorned at least to the hairline.

· All calves must have a BVCS ID tag in the left ear (tags provided by sale barn).

· All calves must have been de-wormed during the 45 day prep period.

 

Vaccination Protocol

 

1. Triangle 4 + PH-K by Boehringer Ingelheim:  Covers respiratory viruses (IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV) plus Pasteurella hemolyticum.  Administer per label in the neck area prior to weaning or at weaning time.

2. Bar-Vac 7/Somnus Boehringer Ingelheim:  Covers the Clostridial diseases plus Hemophilus Somnus.

      Administer under skin in the neck area prior to weaning or at weaning.  A second dose is required when   

      giving the respiratory booster.

3. Pyramid 5 + Presponse SQ by Boehringer Ingelheim:  This is the respiratory complex booster that is in

      Modified Live Virus form.  Administer in the neck area along with the second dose of Clostridial.

 

Nutrition for Weaned Calves

Beef producers have several options when choosing the right feed for weaning calves.  Accuration Starter is the best starter that Purina offers.  Calves eat it on the first day and it will produce the most gain during the weaning process.  PreCon has been used since 1968 and still is very palatable to calves.  These premier products are available in bulk or sack.  Red Chain Stocker 10 is used by many to wean calves and has a very economical price point.  The key to using any of these products is to get calves eating as soon as possible to assist the vaccines in doing their job.  Cattle that are adding weight during weaning will build immunity from the vaccines very quickly.  It is always important that weaning calves gain enough weight during weaning to offset the feed cost.  We can help you choose the best program for your operation.

 

A ‘new’ product is available for supplementing growing calves on grass.  Accuration Liquid 12-10 is excellent for complimenting this years green grass to efficiently grow your VAC 45 calves.  Drop by the store and we can give you the details!