UTILIZATION OF RETAINED OWNERSHIP BY THE COW-CALF PRODUCER

Farm-to-feedlot operations enable producers of herds of all sizes to t ake advantage of retained ownership as a means of obtaining performanc e and carcass information on their calves. Retention of ownership offe rs producers an opportunity to increase their returns as well. When re tained ownership is being considered, the weaning program must prepare the calf for the feedlot environment. Surveys of feedlot mortality cl early demonstrate that respiratory disease is the main cause of death. Quality assurance programs must be in place at the farm of origin to minimize losses due to carcass blemishes or excessive trim. Once the c attle have left the farm, the practitioner can facilitate transfer of information to and from feedlot personnel concerning health- and perfo rmance-related data. As beef breeding herds increase in size, downward pressure on cattle prices will continue to lead to decreasing margins for cow/calf producers. Producer interest in exploring alternative ma rketing options as a means of capturing additional income should incre ase. Practitioners will continue to play a vital role in the areas of herd health management, quality assurance, calf preconditioning, and t he application of performance and economic information for these produ cers.