Cattle size decision for Freezer Beef

By Andi Anderson

The choice of cattle size for the freezer beef business is a complex one that hinges on various aspects, including market orientation, production expenses, and risk tolerance.

Smaller Frame Cattle Advantages:

• Lighter Finishing Weight: Smaller frame cattle typically reach finishing weight at a lower weight, facilitating quicker sales at a lower cost. This can be advantageous for producers directly selling to consumers or through small-scale markets.
• Efficient Feed Conversion: Smaller frame cattle generally have more efficient feed conversion, requiring less feed to gain weight, potentially saving producers money on feed costs.
• Superior Meat Quality: Studies suggest that smaller frame cattle produce meat with higher marbling and tenderness compared to larger frame cattle. This can be an advantage for producers selling high-quality beef.

Smaller Frame Cattle Disadvantages:

• Traditional Market Discounts: Smaller frame cattle often face discounts in the traditional market, resulting in lower revenue compared to larger frame cattle. This can be a significant disadvantage for producers selling through the traditional market.
• Traditional Production System Suitability: Smaller frame cattle may not be well-suited for the traditional production system, which is geared towards producing larger, heavier cattle. This can be a disadvantage for producers selling through the traditional market.

Moderate Frame Cattle Advantages:

• Traditional Production System Fit: Moderate frame cattle typically align well with the traditional production system, enabling sales through a wider range of channels. This can be an advantage for producers seeking to sell their cattle through diverse markets.
• Desired Finishing Weight: Moderate frame cattle typically produce calves that finish between 1,100 and 1,250 pounds, a desirable weight range for both the freezer beef and traditional markets.
• Greater Flexibility: Moderate frame cattle provide producers with more flexibility in marketing their cattle. Producers can sell their cattle as freezer beef, through the traditional market, or through a combination of both.

Moderate Frame Cattle Disadvantages:

• Higher Feed Costs: Moderate frame cattle typically require more feed to gain weight compared to smaller frame cattle, which can be a disadvantage for producers operating on a tight budget.
• Potential Quality Concerns: Moderate frame cattle may not produce the highest quality beef, especially if not finished properly. This can be a disadvantage for producers selling high-quality beef.

The decision of whether or not to use smaller frame cattle for the freezer beef business is a complex one that depends on a number of factors. Producers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both smaller frame and moderate frame cattle before making a decision.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sstajic