“The FPC offers an objective way of describing the genetic merit on a set of calves,” comments John Irvine of Irvine Ranch, owner and manager of a 225-head operation of registered Simmental located outside of Manhattan, Kansas. “To date, there has not been a more accurate way to quantify calf value. Many producers try to do the right things in terms of management such as weaning, and using sound vaccination practices, to prepare calves for the challenges they will face in the feedlot. The FPC offers a common language to bridge communication between those selling and purchasing feeder cattle.”
Enos Grauerholz and his sons run a 500-head commercial operation in north-central Kansas. “John Irvine introduced me to the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator, and their composite bulls have proven themselves by delivering moderate birth weight and fast growth. “The calculator was easy to use and drew positive attention at our last auction. We sold calves at Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Commission Co, in Salina. The auction displayed our FPC certificate on the video screens during the sale. When the certificate was displayed, it seemed very quiet. This was the first time many people had seen this. The bidding was rapid and at least 8 to 11 dollars/cwt premium — I was pleasantly surprised. “I know we add value through improved genetics and backgrounding. The calculator is a simple tool to quantify and promote genetic awareness and our management. The IGS Feeder Profit Calculator gives us another leg of credibility and helps prove our investment in genetics.”
The FPC incorporates genetic knowledge of mainstream sires, regardless of breed, preconditioning and vaccination information, and weaning management and responsible health programs to evaluate the value on a set of calves. “As this tool gains traction and becomes common place for cattle buyers to use, producers will be better rewarded for their efforts, in respect to their investments in better genetics as well as improved efforts in preconditioning calves to offer a better product for the next link in the industry chain,” says Mike Forman, owner and operator of Trinity Farms, a 700-head ranch of registered SimAngus™ cows in Ellensburg, WA.
The finished product is a certificate that highlights the genetic and management predictions on calves along with certain carcass and growth traits. All producer-provided information is highlighted on the official certificate, and an additional page is included, indicating all the genetic information provided. Forman continues, “Our hope is that with a certificate in hand, our customers make further commitments to provide better health and management of their calves. And are appropriately rewarded.” There is no cost and it takes very little time for a producer to run calves through the FPC.
You can either Know or Guess. Choose Know.
