The Rural Voice, 1999-09, Page 19prepared as they are for the presorted
sales.
While the Keady sale has three
presorted sales each fall, it is also
offering one sale of preconditioned
animals. This, Ron says, is the next
step in value-added.
The industry is changing in such a
way that the backgrounder, who used
to take calves as they came off
pasture and raise them to a size
where they would go into the feedlot
for finishing, is now being squeezed
out (many are switching to cow -calf).
The preconditioned sale allows cow -
calf operators to raise their calves a
little longer, wean then and get them
used to eating from a feed bunk, so
they're ready to go into a feedlot.
The calves are quieter and easier to
handle and ready to put on gain when
they go on feed.
There are also good profits for
producers who put their calves on
creep -feed, Ron says. For 40 cents a
pound they can add a little grain to
the calves' diet and get $I.30 to $1.50
per pound return. An extra 50 pounds
of growth at that rate of return can
increase the profit on each animal.
There's also the added benefit of
giving the cow a rest from supplying
all the nutritional needs of the calf,
letting her put on weight before
going into winter and another
pregnancy.
The true measure of the presorted
sales will come the next time beef
hits the bottom of the cycle again,
Ron contends. The extra dollars
presorting brings in then might be the
difference needed for producers to
keep going.
Though costs keep rising for beef
producers, the partners see a
continuing future for beef production
in Grey and Bruce. Even farmers
who take off farm jobs still will keep
a few cattle. The future for their sales
operation, the partners say, is trying
to keep those producers large and
small making a profit.°
BOYD FARM
SUPPLY
• Fiberglass Gates
• Gates & Panels
• Hay Tedders & Rakes
• Bale Feeders • Bale Wagons
• Cattle Oilers & Rubs
• New & Used Farm Machinery
R.R. 6, Owen Sound 519-376-5880
ooN G FARA.
Wheat, Barley,
Corn & Beans
Elevator
519-366-2749 519-366-2666
OITANorbs
Seeded Dealer
Les Young Jr. David Young
519-366-2486 519-366-2709
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK
887-6461
887-6811
SALES
SHOW & SALE
September 27, 1999
Sale 1:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 9 a.m.
Thursdays 8 a.m.
Fridays 10 a.m.
1 p.m.
- Fed Cattle, Cows, Bulls
- Bob Calves, Veal, Lambs & Goats
- Stockers
- Pigs
Confidence • Trust • Service
WESTERN STOCKERS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE SALE
Open spindle design shows calf well and is
better for ventilation, or
pen can be designed so each calf can be
isolated with Snap Lock Plastic Planking.
Feed Pails can be attached on the outside
leaving more room for the animal.
Unique latch allows for easy opening and
closing.
Calf Pens
For more information contact your local BSM Dealer:
ATWOOD GRANTON
LENCO AVONBANK
SUPPLY LTD. FARM EQUIPMENT
(519) 356-2282 (519) 225-2507
•
TARA KINCARDINE
H. NICHOLSON LOWRY FARM
& SON SYSTEMS
(519) 934-2343 (519) 395-2615
MILDMAY
MIDWAY FARM
SYSTEMS
(519) 367-5358
WELLESLEY
PROGRESSIVE
FARMING
(519) 656-2709
DRAYTON
STRUYK FARM
EQUIPMENT LTD.
(519) 638-5076
WALTON
KEITH SIEMON
FARM SYSTEMS LTD.
(519)345-2734
BSM Agri Ltd. R.R. #4 Arthur, ON, Canada NOG 1A0
Tel.: (519) 848-3910 Fax (519) 848-3948 Website: http://www.bsmagri com
SEPTEMBER 1999 15