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Department of Animal Science

Calf Value Discovery Program

Demonstrating the Value of South Dakota’s Feeder Calves

The Calf Value Discovery Program enables cow-calf producers to do the following:

  • Assess the value of their cattle in value-based marketing systems.
  • Gain valuable carcass and feedlot performance information to aid in management decisions and improve profitability.

How the programs works:

Producers consign minimum of five steers to the CVD Program. Minimum weight of steers consigned is 500–800 lbs. Steers will be fed in an accelerated finishing program at Vander Wal Yards, Bruce, South Dakota. The Cottonwood Experiment Station near Phillip, South Dakota, will be designated as a collection point for interested producers. The Calf Value Discovery Program will provide transportation from the Cottonwood Station to Vander Wal Yards on Nov. 9.

Cattle will be weighed periodically by SDSU personnel, and cattle owners will be sent performance updates and copies of their individual feed bills. Feed, yardage and veterinary bills will be financed, and any death loss will be shared among all participants in the project.

Cattle will be sold in market groups as they are deemed to have approximately 0.5 inches of backfat by visual appraisal. Generally, the first group is sold in mid-May. All cattle will be sold on a grid price system.

Pre-shipping management:

The cattle MUST be dehorned, castrated and healed prior to feedlot arrival. Cattle that must be dehorned or castrated at the feedlot will be so processed at the owner’s expense. Consult with your veterinarian on the vaccination program that is best for your cattle.

It is encouraged that calves arrive at the facility with sufficient vaccination against important disease issues. The timing and success of vaccinating calves at arrival is less than optimal. Sufficient vaccination is considered as:

  • Five-way viral (BVD-1, BVD-2, IBR, BRSV, PI3) vaccine
    • At least two doses of a killed five-way; or
    • At least one dose of a MLV five-way
  • Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine: one dose
  • Seven-way Clostridial vaccine: two doses

NOTE: Calves do not need to be weaned or pre-conditioned to participate; however, we do ask that you let us know if the calves will be weaned or not prior to arrival.

IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to refuse any steers that are outside the weight range or that have not been dehorned, castrated and healed.

Data provided:

  • Feedlot performance
  • Carcass data

Registration Details:

Entry deadline is Oct. 20, 2024

Delivery of steers to Cottonwood Experiment Station on Nov. 12, 2024. Cattle will only be received at the Cottonwood Experiment Station 8 a.m. and noon MT. Producers must have brand inspection paper with them at time of delivery.

Cattle will be received at Vander Wal Yards between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT on Nov. 12, 2024 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Nov. 13, 2024 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

To register, please contact Julie Walker or Warren Rusche at the phone numbers and email addresses listed below. There is also a registration form below.

Calf Value Discovery
Department of Animal Science
South Dakota State University
Box 2170
Brookings, SD 57007

Initial Data Sheet

Questions: