CBCIA Announces new carcass contest criteria For many years, CBCIA has recognized youth across the state for meeting particular standards set forth by the CBCIA Board of Directors. These awards are recognition beyond the awards given by the respective county fairs across the state. In conversations with those involved in the beef processing industry in California, it was requested CBCIA re-evaluate our standards for the Carcass of Merit and Gold Seal programs as high-quality carcasses were being left out of top placings due to the emphasis on yield grade. In addition, some county officials asked us to develop a standard carcass contest scoring system to make it easier for those responsible for the carcass contests. Therefore, the CBCIA Board of Directors evaluated the standards for their recognition program and has determined new standards starting in 2020. “The current CBCIA standards were developed about 8 years ago,” states CBCIA Board member Carissa Koopmann Rivers, Sunol. “The new standards the CBCIA board approved will better align the local youth carcass contests to current industry standards.” CBCIA asks that county fairs use the new standards for the 2020 county fair season. The Carcass of Merit and Gold Seal awards are meant to recognize youth above and beyond the county fair carcass contests. These awards are not meant to say these carcasses are the only ones eligible for your respective carcass contests. These awards are in addition to the awards your country fair gives. 2020 CBCIA CARCASS CONTEST CRITERIA CERTIFICATE OF GOLD SEAL MERIT
HOT CARCASS WEIGHT, LBS.
600 TO 1,000
650 TO 900
USDA QUALITY GRADE MIN.
LOW CHOICE OR HIGHER
AVERAGE CHOICE OR HIGHER
USDA YIELD GRADE
BELOW 4.00 (3.99 OR BELOW)
BELOW 3.0 (2.99 OR BELOW)
Additionally, we looked at several different methods used to evaluate carcass contests across the state. In consultation with Mr. Mike Smith from Harris Ranch, we determined that using the pricing grid method would be appropriate to evaluate carcass contests for ranking as it most closely follows what happens in the beef industry in terms of carcass pricing. This is only a recommendation if your county does not have a method to rank the carcasses or if your county is looking for other ways to rank carcasses. We will be posting an excel sheet for those of you who wish to use a grid system. EXAMPLE Beef Pricing Grid for Carcass Contest Determining Grid Price – 1) Start with Base Price
28 California Cattleman June 2020
2) Add premium or subtract discounts based on Quality Grade Characteristics 3) Add premiums or subtract discounts based on Final Yield Grade 4) Subtract discounts based on light or heavy carcass weights Low Choice, Yield Grade 3 (Base Price) = $192.96 Quality Grade Prime = +$12.50 Top 2/3rds Choice (High or Average Choice) = +$3.67 Select = -$15.08 Standard = -$30.27 Dairy Type = -$2.67 Dark Cutter = -$35.21 Hardbone (C, D, E Maturity) = -$34.00 Over 30 months of Age = -$19.38 Yield Grade 1.0-1.9 = +$3.86 2.0-2.4 = +$2.00 2.5-2.9 = +$1.64 4.0-4.9 = -$11.21 5.0-5.9 = -$17.79 Weight (in pounds) 400-499 = -$30.71 500-549 = -$23.80 550-599 = -$11.47 901-1000 = -$1.00 1001-1049 = -$8.00 over 1050 = -$18.00 So let’s say someone has an Average Choice, Yield Grade 2.4 carcass that weighs 750 lbs. The carcass would be worth $198.63 per cwt (per 100 pounds). Donati Ranch, based in Oroville, initiated the reinvigoration of the carcass contest for two fairs in Butte County back in 2018 and sponsors the hosted dinner for steer exhibitors and family members. In 2019, the event drew over 100 guests to learn about beef carcasses from California State University, Chico. “I am excited to see CBCIA evolve the options for local carcass contests to include a pricing grid to rank steers,” said Tom Donati. “As a cattle producer who retains ownership of animals in the feedlot, this is the same data we use to analyze our genetics potential with profitability.” When CBCIA started working on this article, we were in a much different place than we are today. Several county fairs have been canceled in California so far and there is little doubt that more may be canceled in the future. With that being said, if your county is still wishes to hold a carcass contest please feel free to reach out to Fresno State’s Amanda McKeith regarding carcass contests for beef, lamb, swine and goats. McKeith can be reached at amckeith@ csufresno.edu.