This is a follow up to an initial outcome success story from 2020. In 2020, we worked with a producer to understand the cost of production for finishing cattle on their operation. Using their nutrition and management strategies at the time, new feed rations were developed that looked drastically cut feed costs for the producers and better utilized their available land, while maintaining their performance objective. Over the last two years we have worked with the producers to implement the new rations. This included approximately 2-3 farm visits a year to review data, discuss problems and revisit our recommendations. This success story takes what looked to be a success on paper in 2020, and follows up with actual performance data and economic impacts. 

 Laurindale Farms is a father-son operation in south Christian County that established a small freezer beef trade approximately 10 years ago.  In 2019 a local processor approached them with an opportunity to expand their finishing program from 30 head to 120 plus head annually.  Soon after the expansion several problems were encountered.  Cattle were not gaining consistently and slaughter weights were declining.  Extension specialists and the local ANR agent addressed these issues in several ways. Bull selection methods were revised.  Weaning, grower and finishing rations were reviewed and reformulated. Feeding and handling facilities were redesigned to allow more efficient delivery of feed and enable the monitoring of weight gain on the farm.

Carcass data from 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 are shown in the table below.  Carcass weights have increased 121 pounds and marbling scores have increased 46 points.  These improvements have been made with only a slight increase in backfat and decrease in cutability. The increase in marbling score resulted in 83% of carcasses achieving a choice or better quality grade, which is higher than the 2021 national average of 72%.  Most importantly at current prices, this added carcass weight results in $266.20 average additional gross returns per head.  Additionally, feed cost per pound of gain is lower using the reformulated rations as compared to the previous rations.  This is vital to maintain profitability as overall feed grain prices increase.

Carcass Data Comparisons – Laurindale Farms, Trenton, KY