Experiences with Grid Marketing - Summary of Chariton Valley Beef Sales for Year 2000

Producers in the Chariton Valley Beef organization have marketed more than 10,000 head of cattle into grid markets over the past three years. Data from 134 lots were summarized, with 3,791 head of cattle marketed into four grid markets. Producers averaged $26.05 per head premiums. Premiums and discounts ranged from a positive $79.01 to a negative $40.44 on tots delivered.

Estimating the Value of Source Verification in Iowa Feeder Cattle Markets

Source verification and pooling of feeder cattle into larger lots resulted in higher selling prices compared to more typical sales at a southern Iowa auction market. After higher prices due to larger lot sizes were accounted for, cattle that received a specified management program and were source verified as to origin received additional price premiums. The data do not distinguish between the value of the specific management program and the value of the source verification process. However, cow–calf producers participating in the program took home more money.

Estimating the Value of Source Verification in Iowa Feeder Cattle Markets

Source verification and pooling of feeder cattle into larger lots resulted in higher selling prices compared with more typical sales at a southern Iowa auction market. After accounting for higher prices due to larger lot sizes, cattle that received a specified management program and were source verified as to origin received additional price premiums. The data do not distinguish between the value of the specific management program and the value of the source verification process. However, cow-calf producers participating in the program took home more money.