To capture the added value of good genetics and management practices, producers should consider retaining ownership through the finishing stage. It's alarming the number of producers who have never fed out cattle and don't know what type of end product they are producing. To help producers, several feedlots and agribusinesses have developed alliances or programs dedicated to collecting and providing feedlot performance and carcass data. With more than 30 programs in existence today, each with different specifications and options, producers can find one that fits their breeding and management goals. Through these programs producers can determine if what they are producing has carcass merit and deserves a premium.
Alliances bridge the gaps within the beef industry linking the consumer to the gene pool.
They guide producers through retained ownership and act as the liaison with the feedlot and packing plant. The first cattle entered the program in September 1995. Kan. Currently 50 percent of the 70,000-head capacity lot is alliance cattle. To qualify for the alliance each calf must be at least 50 percent Angus. John Oringderff, manager of Supreme Feeders, says he likes feeding Angus because they are readily accepted by the packer and consumer.