COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M University Ranch to Rail program is beginning its 10th year of providing feedback information to beef producers this October, with nominations open until Sept. 10.
The Ranch to Rail program helps ranchers determine how their cattle fit in the beef industry. For a fee of $10 per head, ranchers receive information on their steer’s feedyard performance, financial profitability and carcass traits, said Dr. John McNeill, associate head of the Department of Animal Science.
Reports provided by Ranch to Rail allow producers to assess their current breeding programs and make changes if necessary to position themselves for the future.
Minimum nominations are five head per ranch. Producers may choose to feed their cattle in South Texas or the Panhandle.
Ranch to Rail-South cattle will be fed at the Hondo Creek Cattle Co. in Edroy. Delivery dates for these cattle are Oct. 3-4.
Steers in the Ranch to Rail-North program will be fed at the Swisher County Cattle Co. in Tulia. Delivery dates are Oct. 10-11.
Ranchers may deliver their own cattle to the feedyard, or combine truckloads with other consignors from their region. Further information about combined truckloads is available from Ranch to Rail officials.
Steers must weigh between 500-850 pounds upon arrival to the feedyard. It is strongly recommended all steers entering the program be vaccinated in accordance to one of the Value Added Calf (VAC) management programs.
Further information on the program and nomination forms are available from Dr. McNeill, (979) 845-3579, or the Ranch to Rail Web site, http://animalscience-extension.tamu.edu.
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