We sent 71 steer calves to a feedlot in KS. This is the first time we have retained ownership of the calves all the way through to finish.
We sent them as NHTC feeders. NHTC stands for Non-Hormone Treated Cattle. Let me explain a little about the NHTC program. It’s a program that went into effect in 1999 when the US and the European Union agreed to put control measures in place to enable the shipment of verified NHTC beef to the EU. Currently the EU and China require that verification for beef imported into their countries. The program prohibits the use of any growth hormones such as those used in implants.
Most cattle entering a feedlot are implanted with a small pellet that contains a slow release growth stimulant. It goes under the skin on the back of the ear. That implant increases feed efficiency and weight gain resulting in a lower cost per pound of weight that they gain (COG – cost of gain). NHTC cattle will have a higher feed bill because they do not receive an implant. Hopefully the premium paid for NHTC cattle will offset the additional cost and leave a little in our pockets.
We went through a verification audit to become certified. Certification involved getting letters from all of our feed suppliers, copies of calving records, lots of paperwork and of course…a fee. The calves have to go to a certified feedlot and from there to a certified slaughter plant. At any point the EID tag can be used to learn where and when the calf was born and if he is enrolled in any verified programs.
Following the feed truck into the pen. 
Waiting to get on the truck.
I’ll keep you informed on how this turns out. Hopefully in the spring we’ll find time to drive out and take a look at them.
Until next time.
Don’t forget to close the gate!