Cattle feeders and branded beef programs talk about the traits they pay for

It is said you can’t judge a book by its cover and the same may hold true for gauging which market animals will produce the most profitable carcasses.

On July 22-24 in Manhattan, Kan., cattle producers will have the opportunity to evaluate live cattle and estimate their carcass measurements on the hoof. Later, they will be able to re-evaluate the actual carcasses in the Kansas State University (KSU) meats lab.

This is just one of the activities planned for the Beef Profit Alliance seminar to assist cattle producers in understanding what drives profit in the beef industry. In addition to quality carcass merit, genetics play a key role in profitability in the feedlot.

Tom Brink, senior vice president and chief risk officer for JBS Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC, will discuss what genetic attributes they seek as the nation’s largest cattle finishers in the U.S.

A panel of speakers will address the impact of branded beef programs and how producers can add value and marketing opportunities to their cattle by enrolling. The panel consists of Brian Bertelson of U.S. Premium Beef, John Butler of the Beef Marketing Group, and Blake Angell of Meyer Natural Angus.

“The collective experience of this panel in locating, feeding and marketing genetically superior cattle will provide Beef Profit Alliance attendees valuable insight into contributors of profitability in branded beef programs,” said RAAA Director of Added Value Programs Myron Edelman who will moderate the panel discussion.

For a complete Beef Profit Alliance agenda, log on to RedAngus.org and download the brochure from the home page. Registration is $85 per person and can be completed online at RedAngus.org or by calling the RAAA at (940) 387-3502.