.jpg)
Most of Virginia’s annual crop of calves leave the state after they have had time to grow on our lush pastures. They are generally purchased by cattle feeders in the Corn Belt states or the Great Plains who provide them a ration of grain byproducts, corn and roughage for a period of feeding prior to slaughter. The cattle feeders that purchase Virginia cattle are looking for calves that have been bred with excellent genetics for beef quality and have benefited from sound management practices that ensure they are healthy and thrive after their trip westward. This week’s column discusses two separate opportunities for Rockbridge cattle producers to address both the genetics and health management of their calves they plan to market.
Rockbridge Cattlemen’s Association, in partnership with the Botetourt Cattlemen’s Association, will sponsor two Virginia Quality Assured (VQA) sales, one in mid-March and the other in late July. To participate in these sales, cattle producers must commit to having their calves separated from their cows by Jan. 31 for the March sale and June 10 for the July sale. In addition, the calves must receive a two-shot series of vaccinations that help protect them from diseases that are can be caused by the stress of weaning and transportation to a new environment. Calves sold through these sales must be signed up for the sale three weeks prior to the sale and must pass inspection by state employed livestock graders. Cattle sold through VQA sales consistently bring a $40-$70 per head premium compared to other sales around the same date.
Contact me, Tom Stanley, through the Rockbridge Extension office or by email to [email protected] to learn more about participating in VQA cattle sales.
