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.