GALLIA COUNTY CALF POOL; SMALL PRODUCERS MAKING A BIG SPLASH
Animal Science
C Richard Stephens
Extension Educator
OSU EXTENSION
GALLIPOLIS
Abstract
Feeder cattle are the number one commodity in agricultural receipts ($) in Gallia County. The average herd size is similar in number to the national average, at approximately 20 head. Most calves are sold at weaning on the open market through the local livestock auction. OSU Extension and a local cattleman saw this as an opportunity to add value to the calf crop in the county. By grouping similar calves to be sold in semi load lots, starting an all-natural program, health program, and a 45 day wean program, calves sold through the pool are marketed direct to feedlots at a premium. Since this management style was new to Gallia County, a series of educational meetings were held on Calf Pool Protocols and Herd Sire Selection. At the Gallia County Calf Pool Field Day, producers learned about heat synchronization, body scoring, mineral use, and rotational grazing and how these impact conception rates in an artificial insemination program. The calf pool program currently has seven producers that represent 325 brood cows. The group works together to synchronize breeding of all the cows in the program. They use the same genetics and help each other breed cattle, wean and vaccinate. Over the last two years, the pool has sold close to 500 head direct to feedlots and have averaged $13.00/cwt. over market price the day of delivery. The Gallia County Calf Pool continues to gain recognition in the community and hopes to add members and cattle numbers each year.
Authors: Stephens, C.
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Stephens, C. Extension Educator, OSU Extension, Ohio, 45631