Sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences and the Ohio Cattlemen's Association

Over the past several decades, the cattle industry has experienced many changes in type and conformation. A variety of forces have directed these changes. If we have learned anything from these changes, it is that the beef industry must increase consistency and be consumer-driven when designing our final product.

Many of Ohio's cow-calf producers have not had the opportunity to view their cattle in a feedlot situation or have carcass data collected. The "Farm to Fork" program is designed to help the cow-calf producer gather detailed information about their genetics. The producer can then use this information to evaluate their breeding and management programs and lay the groundwork for successful production into the 21st century.

• Applications must be postmarked by September 15, 1999.
• Steers will be custom fed by: Lou McDorman, 7851 Selma Pike, South Charleston, OH (937-265-5266)
• Steers will be delivered to the feedlot near Springfield, Ohio in November 1999.
• Individual weights and frame scores will be taken when cattle are on and off test with at least one intermediate weight taken.
• Steers will be fed to a point of maximum return potential as determined by feedlot management and Extension personnel.
• Steers will be sold according to quality and yield grade on a carcass weight basis. The Farm-to-Fork committee will determine the marketing outlets for all cattle assigned.
• Information collected or calculated includes: On test, intermediate, and off test weight and frame scores, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, quality grade, yield grade, ribeye area, KPH fat, fat thickness, marbling, carcass price, feed consumption, feed cost, total cost, and profit and loss to cattle owner.
• Steer calves born after January 1, 1999 and before May 1, 1999.
• Minimum consignment is five head with no maximum. Sire groups of five head or more are encouraged.
• Steers should weigh between 500 and 700 pounds by delivery date.
• Steers will be individually identified at delivery both tag and tattoo.
• Steers must conform to the Buckeye's Best Value Added Calf Program. A copy of the certificate signed by the veterinarian must accompany the calves upon delivery.
• A deposit of $50 per calf, payable to "McDorman Farms" is due at cattle delivery. This deposit will be applied to overall expenses. Feed, bedding, and veterinary expenses will be billed at cost. A fee of 40 cents per head per day will be assessed to cover variable costs such as labor, depreciation, repairs, and electric. Billing will be done at the end of each month.
• A non-refundable nomination fee of $10/head due by September 15 must accompany application form to reserve feedlot space and will be used to cover administrative costs.
• The participating producers will remain anonymous but agree to allow OSU Extension to use information gathered for educational purposes.
• The custom feeder and cattle consignor must sign a contractual agreement. The Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Cattlemen's Association are not involved in the financial matters.
• OSU Extension reserves the right to limit participation based on entry numbers and pen size.

For more information contact:

Lou McDorman, 937-265-5266
Dr. Steve Boyles, 614-292-7669
John Grimes, 937-393-1918

Name: ___________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________

County: __________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________

Number steers consigned: ____________________________

Breed or breed cross: ________________________________

Amount enclosed: $ _________________________________
($10/head nominated)

Make check payable to The Ohio State University

I hereby make application for the defined cattle to Ohio's "Farm to Fork" Program. I agree to abide by the rules and to provide the information requested. I agree to allow University personnel to use the data collected for research purposes.

(signed) ________________________________________________

Application must be postmarked by September 15, 1999

Mail to: Dr. Steve Boyles, Extension Specialist, Beef
110 Animal Science Building
2029 Fyffe Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1095

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