Producers breed for improved genetics Produce all breeding stock (Bulls and Heifers) Raise purebred or registered cattle Pay close attention to EPD’s or Expected Progeny Difference (a calf’s genetic script)

Producer has a permanent herd of cows to produce calves each year to sale Some heifer calves may be kept to replace older cows in the herd that become unproductive Other heifer prodigy and steers are usually sold at weaning to other cow/calf producers, feedyards, or as show prospects

Someone who buys cattle, adds value to them, and sells them at a higher price Usually buy a cow/calf operators bottom end calves that don’t meet a producers expectation for a low price, add value to them by adding on weight, and sell those cattle at a higher price and weight making money for the stocker Must have a good health program or stockers will lose money

Producers that feed high forage diets to gain weight on cattle between weaning and feedlot Cuts down on cost and implements growth on calves with land that is not being used for anything else Looked at as a training program to prepare cattle for the feedlot

Producers whose primary goal is to produce cattle for herd replacement, feeding, and slaughter rather than breeding stock for sale to other producers Commercial cattle are not registered