ELDERS Swan Hill livestock specialist Matt Rowlands believes the feeder ready program is a tangible option to prepare cattle for backgrounding or feedlot entry.
Mr Rowlands said feeder ready, also known as the ‘pink tag’ program, was developed to meet the demand of backgrounders and feedlots wanting fit for purpose cattle which are ready to perform and meet industry best practices and animal welfare protocols.
He told North West Farmer the program is designed around the health, production and immunity of weaner cattle, ensuring when they arrive in backgrounder and feedlot operations, they have lower morbidity and mortality rates and are a more efficient article to these enterprises, resulting in an increased return on investment.
“Feeder ready guarantees weaners are fully vaccinated for clostridial diseases, respiratory diseases and are yard weaned,” he said.
“All crucial preliminary steps in the program.
“At the same time, feeder ready is Australia’s only fully audited weaning program, ensuring the performance of accredited weaners which meet the criteria.
“Even better, the program is also backed by Meat and Livestock Australia and industry suppliers, and is provided in addition to the immune ready guidelines.”
Mr Rowlands said one of the questions he often hears is: what can I expect from my cattle upon completion of the feeder ready program?
He says accredited feeder ready cattle are: Fully vaccinated for clostridial diseases; Fully vaccinated for respiratory diseases; Yard weaned for a minimum of seven days; Supplemented for vitamin and mineral deficiency; Effectively drenched; Identified with Elders pink tag; Fit for purpose; Ready to perform.
“That’s what it delivers to the breeder, but when you come at it from the other end, you can also see the benefits when those breeders become vendors,” he said.
“The Elders feeder ready program enables vendors a point of difference to identify and promote their cattle at point of sale with a distinct and recognisable pink tag.
“The pink tag identifies feeder ready cattle, so a buyer knows they are fit for purpose and ready to perform, therefore attracting additional demand and competition from background and feedlot operators.
“This results in repeat buyers and demand year on year through this industry backed program.”
And when it comes to “what’s in it for me?” for purchasers, Mr Rowlands pointed out accredited feeder ready cattle are purposely prepared to perform for backgrounders and feedlotters.
He said vendors have implemented the program in order to reduce the induction requirements and induction costs, resulting in a more efficient article to produce with lower morbidity and mortality rates.
“With these industry leading protocols you can buy with confidence, knowing feeder ready cattle will perform for purpose,” he said.
