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BY IKE ELLER Rappahannock News Contributing Writer Almost invariably beef cow/ealf producers obtain more total dollars and a greater profit from calves that • are sold at feedlot ready weights. Many of our spring calves that will be weaned in November will be V lightweight and should be retained **’ from a period of time after w eaning, «. and backgrounded to get additional v weight on these calves before they are sold. Before you market lightweight -calves in late fall, sit down and put k the pencil to it. Calculate feed costs, - calculate gains expected and background calves to sell in December, January, or even March or April. Some of our feeder cattle sales associations are instituting late fall -and winter sales to accommodate such calves. If you are fortunate enough to have sufficient volume to ...sell a load lot and if the cattle are uniform enough, you should consider r selling them via tel-o-auetion through the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. We have a great oppor' tunity in Virginia to add weight to our lighter-weight calves before selling them to out-of state feeders. We have a year-round strong market for Virginia feeder cattle. Even though feed costs are higher, " there should be profit potential in ..backgrounding and wintering light calves. Consider implants If you are wintering calves for very little gain, then implants and/or ionophores may not be a paying proposition. On the other hand, if you are putting 1-1/4 lb. per day or -•* more on calves, both implants and ionophores will certainly pay. Choose the implant that suits
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