as—arei as.vqm 84—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Now. 37, 1&7& Cattle study points out merits of lower average slaughter weights DENVER* Color.— Feeding cattle to lower average slaughter weights often can improve returns to feeders, and it can help the industry get through the numbers reduction phase of the cattle cycle more quickly. This was pointed out in a special economic report for members which was prepared by the American National Cattlemen’s Assn, and Cattle-Fax, the market analysis service sponsored by ANCA. The report analyzed the over-all beef situation and outlook, noting that the cow herd and total cattle num bers are continuing to get back into better balance with demand. Also it appears that cattle slaughter will be decreasing, and per capita beef supplies may decline for the next three years or so— which presumably will result in higher average cattle and beef prices. However, at this time, the Cattle-Fax economists pointed out, beef production is still relatively high, and beef is competing with sharply increased supplies of pork and poultry. They explained that the industry could get through its cyclical over-supply period more readily if slaughter weights were to average 20 pounds less than they are now. If the average were 20 pounds less per head, there would be a reduction of more than 5 million pounds in beef production from ’ theT J level otherwise existing. The ANCA-Cattle-Fax report presented data showing how much more it costs to put on each ad ditional 100 pounds of gain on fed cattle—starting at 500, 600 or 700 pounds and going to a market weight of 1,100 or 1,200 pounds. The cost of adding each additional 100 pounds of gain increases substantially as the animal gets heavier and more of the [EbmtsS lateeonsJ feed goes for maintenance rather than weight gain. (The report assumes a f eedlot ration cost of $lO4 per ton and a base value of $4O per hundredweight prior to adding the last 100 pounds.) In the case of an animal going on feed at 700 pounds and fed to 1,200 pounds, it would cost $72 to put on the last 100 pounds of gain, and the market wuld have to increase by $2.67 per hun dredweight to break even on the last increment of gain. In the case of an animal going on feed at 500 pounds and fed to 1,100 pounds, it would cost $66.t0 put on the last, 100 pounds 'of gain, and the market price would have to rise by $2.36 per hun dredweight. (The in formation was derived from Oklahoma State University data.) The figures in the report, said ANCA, show why the feeder often loses when he holds cattle beyond optimum marketing weights. Unless the market is advancing substantially, the feeder • may give up net profit during every day that he feeds after cattle reach desired weight and grade. Another factor to consider, Cattle-Fax economists said, is that the industry has not yet really tested the new beef grading system. Ever since the quality grade change went into effect, the industry has tended to feed beyond weights necessary to attain desired grade. The grade changes will allow marketing of cattle with somewhat less feeding time while still producing a desirable product. “It obviously makes economic sense to guard against over-feeding and excessive weights,” the economists said, “and lighter average marketing weights also will help the industry move through a period of large total meat supplies.” Newj PRODUCTS PUBLICATION Heard about spring-loaded advertising and is available rear tractor wheels with to everyone in agriculture - “floating” hubs that vir- whether farmer, rancher, tually eliminate axle dealer or whatever - breakage, or the regardless of how big or revolutionary space heater small his operation, explains (85,000 btu’s) that bums Harold M. Johnson, editor waste crankcase oil? publisher of the new These and dozens of other magazine, headquartered in just-introduced products are Lakeville, Minn, featured in the charter issue of Farm Show, a new farm magazine focusing ex- clusively on latest new A QQjjnj products, and product v/LMOdirICU evaluation jpgj LMJ IT'S PORTABLE... Wherever you need heat you II find IP gas ready to serve you Its ideal for heating farm buildings brooding water heating incinerators as well as for regular home use You II find LP gas is both economical and practical Let us show you the ad vantages there s nor obligation whatsoever CALL (717) 665-3588 MYER'S METERED a GAS SERVICE, ji INC. life p O. BOX 71 1 ri.Tiiirj lOpr MANHEIM, PA 17545 Farm Show carries no TRY A i v 4-iTefs CMfcdgo Hoitiid" FLEMINGTON, TJ. J.‘ - Four Hunterdon County 4-H Club members will spend next week in Chicago at tending the 55th National 4-H Congress. Headed for the Windy City to be honored for project achievement are Lorraine Soltys, 17, Cherryville- Finesville Road, Cherry ville, consumer education; Daniel' Baker, Jr.. 19, Rick Road, Milford, petroleum power; Chris Endris, 17, Ridge Road, and Lou Ann Miller, 18, Quakertown-Cherryville Road, both of Fie: Christmas Sale^ No interest or payments until March 1, 1977 BENJ. W. CLAUSER mi FARM MACHINERY SERVICE Located on Ruppsville Rd PHONE: (215) 395-2542 Rt 2, Box 682, Wescosville, Pa. usho excited in foods and) nutrition and . dairy) programs respectively. ' Hunterdon club) will be among New Jersey’s is§? delegates who will join state and sectional project winners from the 50 estates, Washington, D.C. and Rico for discussions, with some of the nation’s business leaders, press conferences, special events and sightseeing. National 4-H Congress is a salute by American industry to the most outstanding and industrious young men and women in 4-H work.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers