OptimaxX Calves Test the Market

San Antonio, TX, September 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The first set of USDA Age and Source Verified calves produced through the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) OptimaxX program to sell in a video auction fared well. The lot of 60 steers consigned to Superior Livestock Auction by Schmidt Farms of Texarkana, TX brought a final bid of $107 CWT with a sale weight of 825 lb. When the rest of the sale results from the August 19 offering were analyzed, the price earned by the Schmidt Farms calves was $1.20 CWT over the average of comparable steer calves in the sale from the same region without age and source verification. The net result was a $9.90 per head advantage for the Schmidt calves over what they would have earned at the average price of the compared calves (see table).

Jeff Diles, IBBA Director of Commercial Marketing Programs comments, “It was good to see a set of OptimaxX calves sell through a public market, and even better to see that there is a real indication that the age and source verification paid off for this producer. We obviously need a lot more information to really get a handle on how much value the OptimaxX program can add for producers using IBBA bulls, but this is where it starts.”

The OptimaxX program for USDA verification of genetics, age and source was only officially approved as of July 31, and Diles adds, “We just did get these calves verified in time for the sale, but the industry can expect to see a lot more of these calves in the near future.” For more information on the OptimaxX program, log on to www.int-brangus.org. You can learn more about USDA verification programs at http://processverified.usda.gov/.

About the International Brangus Breeders Association.
The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) empowers members to advance the quality, reliability and value of Brangus and Brangus influenced cattle; provides innovative programs and services that enhance the economic well-being of members and commercial customers. Brangus Publications Inc (BPI) produces the Brangus Journal, an international news magazine serving the Brangus breed of beef cattle.

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