newbie needs advice

[mudhole]

I started into cows about 6 years ago, cow/calf...sell at the barn, keep one for slaughter.
I just purchased an additional 50 acre farm, my question is this:


1. is there a way to grow out steers to slaughter age and sell directly to slaughter house?

 

[HDRider]

I'd contract the local slaughter houses and ask how it works.

USDA and state inspected ones work differently.

 

[mudhole]

great advice!!, for some reason i was under the impression all the big slaughter houses were all concentrated in the oklahoma/texas areas.

i was quoted if i sold today 1.17 per pound for 1400 lb steer.

 

[HDRider]

great advice!!, for some reason i was under the impression all the big slaughter houses were all concentrated in the oklahoma/texas areas.

i was quoted if i sold today 1.17 per pound for 1400 lb steer.

There is a very severe shortage of USDA processing facilities that do custom work.

Here are lists...

Most, almost all, only do work for themselves (company processors)
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsi ... -directory

 

[mudhole]

does anyone know if there are separate grass fed processors?, would you get more per pound going the grass finished route? i know it would take longer to get them to market weight...

 

[mudhole]

so i cant seem to find separate processors for grass fed vs. grain fed....then i see some at the store that says grass fed but the fat is white...is grass fed just a marketing ploy? i guess all cattle are grass fed, could market them as milk fed i guess..

 

[M-5]

It does not matter what it was fed they all butcher the same way.