Problems Encountered with Retaining Yearling Calves on Farms in the North

Abstract

The practice of shipping or retaining calves in the Northwest in recent years has reached full cycle. The practice a number of years ago of some ranchers was to ship the heavy calves (400-500# approx.) at weaning, and retain the lighter calves, winter them and sell them in July and August as long yearlings.

For a number of years the feedlot operator kept dipping into the lighter calves because of the demand. In the past two years a complete turnabout has occurred due to the economics of the cattle industry from the standpoint of price and feed. So at present we have completed a cycle and are now where we were a few years back.