Rail grading of grain fed cull cows and fleshy cows off pasture will allow the producer to capture the full benefit of an improved carcass grade. However, it is necessary to compare markets before deciding on the method of sale. Any marketings before or after this time can be expected to yield a higher price and possibly a higher return per animal. Cows less than three years of age are less risky to feed than older cows because young cows are less susceptible to becoming over fat and young cows have the potential to grade A, or B while older cows can only grade D. Feeding for rapid gain is not necessarily the most profitable option when feeding cull cows older than 5 years of age. Rising cow market prices from November to March is the biggest factor affecting the profitability of feeding older cows.
Rations designed for low winter gains can be profitable providing the cow market is rising.
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