NMSU ACES High Certified Calf Program: Impact Statement

NMSU ACES High Certified Calf Program: Impact Statement Program Title: NMSU ACES High Certified Calf Program Problem: Sales of cows and calves are New Mexico’s second leading agricultural commodity with sales nearing $90 million in 2016. Market trends are predicted to continue to put pressure on cattle prices in the coming years. As the cattle market moves from record highs a few years ago, it will be critical for New Mexico ranches to capture as much revenue from their calf crop as possible in order to sustain their operation. Additionally, with increased scrutiny of antibiotic use, it is critical that the cattle industry more broadly adopts Beef Quality Assurance practices to produce healthy animals. NMSU CES Response: Formation of the ACES High certified calf program. The program requires adherence to Beef Quality Assurance practices. In addition, the program acts as a third party verification of vaccination and weaning programs to help producers maximize revenue. Results/Impact: Nearly 1000 calves were initially enrolled in the program and 468 calves participated in the NMSU ACES High + certified sale. ACES High + calves on average sold at a higher price than other calves that day. Collectively, participation in the program generated nearly $34,700 in additional revenue for ACES High + calves compared with calves that had no verification of vaccination or weaning program. During 2016 in New Mexico, 610,000 calves were marketed. If even 10% of those calves were in the ACES High + program and premiums were consistent, then participation in the program would generate nearly $4.3 million in net revenue from calf sales. Funding Sources: New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service Contact: Local NMSU County Extension Office or Craig Gifford, Ph.D. NMSU Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources MSC 3AE, PO Box 30003 Las Cruces, NM 88003 Phone: 575-646-6482 E-mail: cgifford@nmsu.edu