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Just a scooop full(May 21)--A few more feeder cattle numbers have been showing up at the auction than anticipated. However, that is only for a few weeks. Part of that may be because of these huge losses that have been encountered in the feedlot. Thus, some who have always fed their yearlings have gone other routes, such as selling them. One politician said if these major corporations do not feed all these cattle there aren't enough individuals left who will still feed cattle. You can look at any industry and if there is potential profit with a reasonable risk there are plenty of people willing to invest in anything. Whenever these risks get so great that it threatens to take away everything that you have worked for all your life, all in one bad year, then it makes anyone question their investment. Killing cows and bulls are a very good price. It's an excellent time to switch those old cows or open cows and buy a younger bred cow or pair. Most of the killing cows this past week brought $55 to $63 per hundredweight. If you happen to have a few extra big cows, they can bring a lot of dollars back by themselves; sell the calf separate. Those older, thin cows at $55 per hundredweight and the price of a 200- to 300-pound calf adds up to a lot of dollars for that pair. We sold a cow that weighed a little over 1600 pounds and brought more than $1,000. It's more trouble to sort those old cows and calves out of the herd now than it is later, but I'm guessing you will be paid well for it. Feeder cattle are $12 to $15 per hundredweight higher than they were six weeks ago. Try not to follow the pack of what everyone seems to be thinking. Most of the time if you will do the opposite, you will be better off. We need everyone to survive in this business. Editor's Note: Jerry Nine, Woodward, Okla., is a lifetime cattleman who grew up on his family's ranch near Laverne, Okla. 6/2/08 Date: 5/28/08
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