02/19/07 Cattle production changes from high corn

American Rancher February 19, 2007 High corn prices have certainly boosted the cost of gains for cattle feeders. That is passed back down the line to cow-calf operators in the form of lower prices for their animals. Jason Ahola, an extension beef specialist with the University of Idaho at its Caldwell Research and Extension Center, says high feed costs may help cut down on overweight cattle, but he says quality grade may be impacted too if cattle aren't fed as long. Ahola: "I guess the one thought I have is that if corn is going to stay at this level for a sustained amount of time that we're probably going to see fewer and fewer calf-feds. So fewer cattle going right into the yard after they are weaned. We are probably going to see those cattle get backgrounded, put on grass over the summer and then become yearlings. So then we can feed them maybe only 100-120 days on feed rather than 150 or more and hopefully get the same level of grade and carcass weight will probably stay similar. But I am not sure that is going to happen. We are really going to have to re-evaluate the industry and figure out how do we put on pounds of highly marbled beef with sources other than corn. And as much as possible take advantage of grass and those things." Jason Ahola of the University of Idaho. I'm Bob Hoff.