Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
2/20/01
Contacts:
Joe Sellers, Iowa Beef Center, (641) 774-2016, sellers@iastate.edu
Diana Bodensteiner, Chariton Valley Beef, (641) 774-2016
Wendy Miller, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, wmiller@iastate.edu
Chariton Valley Beef Helps Producers with Grid Marketing
CHARITON, Iowa -- The Chariton Valley Beef (CVB) organization, a 501 (c) 5 corporation formed by producers in 30 south central Iowa counties, is working hard to add value to the southern Iowa beef industry. By analyzing alternative feeder and fed cattle markets, CVB opens previously untapped resources for Iowa producers.
CVB's biggest success has been analyzing carcass data and helping producers find the highest paying packer grids for their cattle. More than 100 CVB members collected carcass data on 11,000 head of cattle over the past two years. Most of these producers used that information to examine the price differences their cattle would receive in different markets. Diana Bodensteiner, CVB data coordinator, created a database to maintain records of past carcass results, sort this data by sire group or other variables and analyze how value would differ on the various grids. CVB also maintains a Web site to allow members to access grid base and premium differences.
In 2000, the average carcass sold by CVB members on various grids received a $26.05 premium above the base price (weighted average). Many producers with more experience in grid marketing and long-term genetic improvement are routinely receiving premiums of over $40 per head. CVB producers share trucking on split loads of cattle to be sure they sell when the animals are market ready.
Joe Sellers, ISU Extension livestock field specialist working with CVB members, is conducting a series of workshops to explain current grid market trends to members and other producers. The next two of these sessions will be at Red Oak on Feb. 26, and Albia on March 5. Both sessions will be at the local Extension office starting at 7 p.m.
If you are interested in joining CVB, please contact Joe Sellers or Diana Bodensteiner at (641) 774-2016, or open the Web page at www.charitonvalleybeef.com.
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