Red Angus producers from Texas to Oregon reported 758 head of Red Angus cattle that reached tremendous yield and quality combinations earning them the title of Grid Master in 2013. The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) recognized these Grid Master award winners at its 60th National Convention in Lewistown, Mont., this fall.
In order to become Grid Masters, Red Angus or Red Angus-influenced cattle enrolled in the RAAA’s Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP) must achieve a specified level of carcass excellence. Both conventionally and naturally fed cattle are eligible.
Conventionally fed Red Angus cattle must be marketed in lots of at least 30 head, reach a minimum of 85 percent Choice and Prime, have a maximum of 5 percent Yield Grade 4s and a minimum grid score of 100.
Naturally fed Red Angus cattle must also be marketed in lots of at least 30 head, achieve 90 percent Choice and Prime, with a maximum of 10 percent Yield Grade 4s and a minimum Grid Score of 100.
According to Myron Edelman, RAAA director of added value programs, drought, feed cost and availability challenged feeders in 2013 to identify cattle that have potential for profitability in premium markets. “Cattle that are efficient in the feed yards and still meet the hard-to-achieve specifications as Grid Masters are valuable at every stage of the beef supply chain,” he explained.
Cargill, Meyer Natural Angus, National Beef, Painted Hills Natural Beef, JBS Swift & Co. and Tyson Foods harvested the Red Angus Grid Master qualifiers. Cargill reported harvesting the most Grid Master cattle - 186 head - followed by Painted Hills Natural Beef with 141 head and Tyson Foods with 137 head of award-winners.
The following producers and feeders were awarded 2013 Grid Master Awards for conventionally fed cattle:
- Anderson Land and Cattle Co. of Oberlin, Kan.;Feed Yard: Anderson Land and Cattle Co. of Oberlin, Kan.
- Broseco Ranches of Omaha, Texas; Feed Yard: Ward Feed Yard of Larned, Kan.
- Croissant Red Angus of Briggsdale, Colo.; Feed Yard: Croissant Red Angus of Briggsdale, Colo.
- Feikert Red Angus of St. Francis, Kan.; Feed Yard: Century Feeders of Goodland, Kan.
- Nelson Ranch of Richland, Mont.; Feed Yard: Century Feeders, Inc. of Goodland, Kan.
- Schuler-Olsen Ranch of Bridgeport, Neb.; Feed Yard: Schuler-Olsen Ranch of Bridgeport, Neb.
The following producers and feeders were awarded 2013 Grid Master Awards for naturally fed cattle:
- Christensen Brothers, Inc., of Weldona, Colo.;Feed Yard: Christensen Brothers, Inc., of Weldona, Colo.; (Christensen Brothers achieved Grid Master status in three separate load lots.)
- Bill and Nancy Moore of Unity, Ore.; Feed Yard: Beef Northwest Feeders of North Powder, Ore.
- Murdock Cattle Co. of Echo, Ore; Feed Yard: Simplot Feeders of Pasco, Wash.; Owner Lorenzen Ranches of Pendleton, Ore.
- Skinner Ranches of Jordan Valley, Ore.; Feed Yard: Vale Feed Yard of Vale, Ore.
Individual press releases for each Grid Master award winner can be found by clicking on each award winner's ranch name, or at RedAngus.org. For more information about enrolling your cattle in the Feeder Calf Certification Program or reporting your harvest data, contact the RAAA office at (940) 387-3502 or visit RedAngus.org/media.