2010 K State Beef Conference Value Optimization Mark Harmon Joplin Regional Stockyards, Inc.

Our facility has in excess of 300,000 square feet (10 acres) of area under roof and 23 outside traps, for a capacity of 7000 Head inside and out prior to starting sale.

The primary market of JRS consists of 33 counties in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. In this market there are 2,100,000 total head of cattle with 900,000 of this number being beef cows (based on the last USDA statistics)

On a normal feeder cattle sale, we will have approximately 500 consignors with an average head count of 12 to 400 animals per seller. In 2009, we sold in excess of 435,000 cattle and are on target to sell 475,000 in We also have a weekly Video Sale selling from 4000 to 12,000 head for producers in 8 states. We’re located at GROUND ZERO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Order Buyers !!!!!! Order buyers are looking for large numbers of cattle, that can be put into load lots. Pen space availability in feed yards, starter yards, grazing conditions or short term back grounding facilities, and the time of year will determine their choice. Most major feed yards are looking for cattle weekly. And need a good source of quality cattle in numbers.

Depending on time of year. Most buyers are looking for cattle with good genetics, weaned and processed and that have “survivability”. Cattle with a good compensatory gain will be in high demand just for the condition they’re selling in at the time. A lot of cattle are purchased, that are seen as cattle that are upgradeable, that might have been missed managed. Several buyers are local that have grass to graze and feedstuff. They will buy cattle, get them started and sell through our video sale, using this as their risk management program.

Buyers always have a great interest in cattle that are sold through special value added and preconditioned sales. Where Source and Process verification along with Age and Source Validation can be verified. During the heavy fall runs buyers are looking for calves that are weaned and processed. Trying to stay away from the cattle that are considered HIGH risk, unless they’re set up to handle them and can buy the cattle in a price range that fits. Cattle that are purchased in early spring for grazing the Flint Hills or other areas, can be in very high demand. These cattle fit a certain weight range. Sometimes it seems price is overlooked and quantity is the purchasing point. Yearling buyers are always interested in these cattle based off the Board of Trade, freight, cost of gain and when they can be sold for harvest.

Creating your own Value 1.Things to think about in these uncertain times in the cattle business. 2.Don’t be Afraid to Stand Alone! 3.Always place your product in the best possible marketing position available. 4.Consider things to differentiate yourself and your product from the norm.

Added Value in Higher Markets The more calves are worth, the more pre- conditioning pays –Many practice the opposite How can that be? –If feed cost stays the same –And calf prices rise Each pound gained creates higher profit

How I went from this on August 23, 2009

To This in Just 9 month and 24 days.

Adding Value with Weaning & A/S 1.Knowing all of your input cost and what that means and selling in the right market. 2.Understanding why a complete vaccine & nutrition program along with age & source verification pays, and how the value offsets the cost

Adding Value By Weaning Utilizing MFA Health Track Feed & Age & Source Program April 23 total weight on 64 head = 33,685 lbs May 3, 2010 ~ Monday JRS from USDA Market Service Showing a 4% shrink from 1 st weight 32,382 Average weight – Average price $ Average dollar amount per head $

Valued Added Sale June 24th, 2010 June 24 total weight on 64 head = 41,780 Avg # – Avg price $ Average price per head $ Total weight gained 8095 lbs. from April 23rd to June 24 th, total 63 days. Total Cost – feed-vaccines-tags-mineral-labor-fly control total - $ Total per head $64.75 – COG $ Difference for Age / Source / Process Verified $95.21 per head

Just Remember Animal ID is not traceability ID merely enables traceability, which makes Source-Age-Process Verification Possible

Remember !!!!!!! If you don’t have it identified And don’t measure it You can’t manage it It’s not always price per pound but the amount of the CHECK !!!

Have you ever noticed… anybody going slower than you is an idiot. And anyone going faster is a maniac. REFLECTING ON LIFE

As the Population Grows Everyday The Cow Herds Shrink Everyday It’s the Greatest Time In Your Life to be in the CATTLE BUSINESS

BEEF It’s What’s for Dinner Thank You