4-H 599
SELECTING AND MANAGING 4-H STEER CALVES
OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSES - The objective of the 4—H beef project is for you to learn the many aspects of the beef industry through ’’Learning By Doing” experiences. And while participating in the 4-H beef project, you should strive to learn:
1.	when and where to purchase a calf.
2. the best age and weight of animal to purchase.
3. how much you can afford to pay for a calf.
4.	various body types and breeds.
5.	animal health, soundness, etc.
6.	how to feed and manage your animal.
7.	how to keep records.
8.	efficiency of performance - rate and efficiency of gain.
9.	carcass quality and yield grades.
10.	how to market beef animals.
Remember, you are trying to produce a desirable carcass with a high percentage of retail cuts. Currently, the industry demands about eighty per cent of the fed steers grade U.S.D.A. Choice. To meet the demand and still make money, you should be concerned with the rate of gain and cost per pound of gain.
WHEN AND WHERE TO BUY A 4-H CALF - When and where you obtain your calf can affect not only the type and quality but also the price you pay. It is important to buy from a reputable producer or sale. In Indiana, most calves are born in the spring and sold as feeders in the fall. Therefore, the logical time to select a calf is September to December and have your calf on feed by December 1. Some alternatives of where to purchase are:
1.	Local cow-calf producers.
Do not overlook your own family beef herd or a neighbor's beef herd as a source of 4-H calves. An advantage of getting your calf locally is that you likely will know more about the calf's background and how it has been managed. You also have the opportunity to view the breeding, herd and know what to expect as your calf matures. Another advantage is that the producer from whom you purchase your calf can be helpful concerning how you feed and care for your calf. This help is especially important if you are inexperienced.
2.	Feeder calf auctions.
Many areas have sale barns where feeder calf auctions are held from September through November. An advantage of such sales is that there are usually large numbers of animals from which to select. One problem is that single calves are seldom sold, making it necessary to buy several calves to get the one you want. It may be advantageous for a group of 4-H'ers to go together and select a particular group of calves.
By Kern S. Hendrix, Larry A. Nelson, and John C. Forrest, Animal Sciences Department; David C. Petritz, Agricultural Economics Department; and Rex J. Warner, 4-H and Youth Department.
Cooperative Extension Service, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907