The Angus Journal® is a monthly magazine known for in-depth coverage of American Angus Association® programs and services; the Angus business; herd management; and advertising reflecting genetics and herd philosophies.
Issue link: http://angusjournal.epubxp.com/i/529629
February 2012 n ANGUSJournal n 148 Breeding Registered Angus Since 1962! Be a part of the South Carolina Breeders section, contact: David Gazda • (706) 227-9098 dgazda@angus.org or Karri Mildenberger • (816) 383-5289 kmildenberger@angusjournal.com Kevin & Lydia Yon P.O. Box 737 • Ridge Spring, SC 29129 (803) 685-5048 • Fax (803) 685-0548 email: kyon@pbtcomm.net • www.yonfamilyfarms.com Located on Hwy. 392. Ted Bartee 1717 St. Paul Church Rd. • Clover, SC 29710 (803) 222-7533 • Fax (803) 222-9068 email: tumblet8@bellsouth.net Walter D. Shealy & Family 20977 U.S. Hwy. 76 Newberry, SC 29108 Cell (803) 924-1000 Dixon (803) 629-1174 Fax (803) 276-2358 email: bg@wshealy.com www.blackgrove.com July 2015 n ANGUSJournal n 57 specifcally feeds natural cattle," Mourer said. "Getting in touch with a feedlot that follows natural guidelines is essential." Feedyard focus Cattleman's Choice Feedyard in Gage, Okla., is focused on feeding natural and Certifed Angus Beef® (CAB®) cattle. Producers can feed a pen of as few as 25 program cattle at the yard and retain ownership until the cattle are sold to the packer. "Retained ownership works very well with program cattle because the producers actually see the full beneft of what they are producing, whether it is natural cattle, NHTC or GAP," said Dale Moore, owner and general manager of Cattleman's Choice Feedyard. "They really see the beneft of it by retaining ownership all the way through and getting the full premium once the cattle are sold." An increasing number of consumers are demanding an all-natural product that tastes great, Moore said. Premium prices are steadily increasing in response to demand. "In December I had a customer net almost $400 a head with the NHTC and quality- grade premiums combined," Moore said. "You will get a higher quality grade by being all natural without the use of steroids." Moore emphasized the impact of outstanding genetics on the success of cattle in natural programs. Without the use of technology like implants, quality grades become more dependent on the animal's genetics. "Not all cattle that qualify for natural [should] be fed as natural; if the genetics aren't there, they need the technology," Moore said. "That is a big factor that not very many people understand. Just because you raised them naturally does not mean that they are genetically superior enough to ft that program." Before the third-party audit, Moore normally visits the ranch himself to see the cattle and talk to the producer about feeding the cattle naturally. "If they have a good management program or good mineral program, all of that makes a lot of difference," Moore said. "I put them through an audit prior to a third-party audit to make sure that they will qualify for a program." Common feedlot problems like acidosis are virtually nonexistent due to the slower rate of gain and extended feeding of natural cattle, he says. Heifers and steers can be kept CONTINUED ON PAGE 58