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MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host a Calf Backgrounding Program in Mount Vernon on May 19, with a follow-up session on June 30.
This hands-on program is designed to help cattle producers determine when backgrounding calves can add value—and how to do it profitably, says Ian McGregor, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension.
“In certain market conditions—especially when feed costs are low and calf prices are high—adding weight before sale can significantly increase returns,” says McGregor. “This program will help producers recognize those opportunities and manage calves for performance and profit.”
This program includes a 45-day backgrounding demonstration using 12 steers weighing approximately 500 pounds, divided into four treatment groups. “Producers will see firsthand how different feeding strategies impact gain, cost and overall profitability,” says McGregor.
The first session is 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 19 at the Eldon Cole Facility at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, 14548 State Road H, Mount Vernon.
Topics include:
- Acclimating calves to high-energy rations.
- Backgrounding and preconditioning strategies in today’s market.
- Herd health and management during the backgrounding phase.
- Evaluating economics and market signals.
Speakers include McGregor, MU Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey, Countryside Animal Clinic veterinarian Mike Bloss and MU Extension ag business specialist Wesley Tucker.
The program will break at midday for lunch, a trade show and additional educational sessions.
Between the May 19 and June 30 sessions, the demonstration trial will be conducted. The four groups of steers will have unrestricted access to hay, while three of the groups will receive a supplement at 1% of their body weight on a daily basis; soy hulls, Main Street Feeds’ “thirds mix” and a corn/distillers grains mix.
During the second session on June 30, participants will review results of the trial, including cattle performance, cost of gain, how the results fit into current market conditions and which strategies proved most profitable. Additional topics include facility design and nutrition programs. A panel of backgrounders will share real-world experience.
McGregor says participants can expect the following:
- How to supplement backgrounding or preconditioning calves to maximize gain, feed efficiency and profit, and tips on weaning and new diet acclimation.
- Market conditions to consider whether backgrounding may be profitable under various market conditions.
- Health practices to keep calves healthy during the backgrounding period.
- Practical knowledge from experienced backgrounders.
- Industry contacts and resources to get started in backgrounding and/or preconditioning.
Details and registration. Deadline to register is May 17.
For more information, contact McGregor at ian.mcgregor@missouri.edu.
The program is supported by industry partners including Gleonda Angus, Ash Grove FFA, Anipro, Kent Nutrition, Mid-Missouri Bank, Superior Steel, Goswick Ag, Joplin Regional Stockyards, Main Street Feeds and Premier Farm Realty Group.