Feeding your cattle
Feedlot Evaluation Checklist
- The feedlot meets all of your needs.
- Set up a trip to visit the likely prospects.
- You feel confident in the feedlot manager’s integrity.
- The manager uses an intensive quality assurance program.
- Check with the feedlot’s bank.
- Contact the feedlot’s customers.
- Ask about rations, bunk management and cost of gain.
- Ask for cost estimates based on in-weights to out-weights.
- Take a tour of each facility.
- Cattle processing techniques are humane and efficient.
- The pens are clean and well drained
- The feedlot is in compliance with environmental regulations.
- The equipment is in good shape and in no need of major repairs.
- The feedlot is located on a good road for all-weather access.
- There is at least a foot of bunk space per head.
- Animals have protection from the weather if necessary.
- There is a reliable water source.
- There is an emergency plan in case of breakdowns or outages.
- Hospital pens are clean and well ventilated.

