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Don’t Lose Out on Premiums This Fall MERIAL® SUREHEALTH® Calf Preconditioning Program can help add value and marketability to calves

published: July 18th 2008
by: natasha jones
source: Merial

DULUTH, Ga. — July 18, 2008 — As the beef industry faces record high grain costs, two things are likely to happen: calves will stay on grass longer than usual and feedyard managers will be even more choosey about which calves fill their pens. 

Warren White, manager of Mc6 Cattle Feeders in Hereford, Texas, is one cattle feeder who says he will be looking for ways to avoid extra expenses this fall, starting with purchasing preconditioned calves.

“Preconditioned calves are more valuable today than they have ever been before,” White says. “They will be able to convert feed more efficiently and help cut down on health expenses.”

He adds that two years ago, the premiums for preconditioned calves ranged from $25 to $40 per head, and those premiums will be at least double this year.

One way for producers to capitalize on these premiums is to use a nationwide, veterinarian-certified preconditioning program.

“The MERIAL SUREHEALTH Calf Preconditioning Program is an ideal option for producers looking to add value and marketability to their calves,” says Dr. Van Ricketts, Director of Corporate Accounts, Merial. “Not only is it a program recognized by buyers throughout the country, but it also has a proven health protocol backed by Merial’s 21-day Limited Health Warranty.”

In addition to the health protocols, SUREHEALTH includes a 45-day weaning period. White says this also helps make calves more attractive because of the additional weight gain they experience during this time.

“It will be a big advantage for us to be able to buy heavier calves this fall so they can spend fewer days on feed,” White explains.

He adds that source and age verification, an option also available through SUREHEALTH, provides an opportunity for producers to gather additional premiums.

“There is a very good market for source- and age-verified calves with premiums averaging between $25 and $50 per head, and we continue to look to source calves with this verification,” White says. “This is another way producers can add value to their calves at very little cost upfront.”

Source- and age-verifying calves is a small additional cost for producers and a convenient one with the SUREHEALTH Source & Age Value Option.

SUREHEALTH gives producers a very convenient option to follow a proven health protocol, help add marketability to their calves and utilize the availability of source and age verification — all from a single program,” Dr. Ricketts says.

White says he would be very interested in buying calves this fall that have been through the SUREHEALTH program, especially those that are source- and age-verified.

“This year, producers will get paid even bigger premiums for participating in preconditioning programs such as SUREHEALTH,” White says. “I also highly recommend that producers participate in source and age verification because it is a simple way to add value to cattle with minimal inputs.”

The SUREHEALTH program consists of comprehensive health protocols, including parasite control with an IVOMEC® (ivermectin) Brand Product; two rounds of vaccinations; a Pasteurella vaccination with RESPISHIELD® HM; a 45-day weaning period; and other best management practices, such as castration and dehorning. For more information contact your veterinarian or local Merial Sales Representative, visit www.SUREHEALTH.com, or call 1-888-MERIAL-1.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs more than 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

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