There has been much discussion and curiosity about the Oklahoma Beef Quality Network (OQBN Vac-45) sale this last December at Red River Livestock Auction.
The Agriculture Economics Department at Oklahoma State University has been compiling and analyzing the data. The following is what I have to date, and comes from J.J. Jones, OSU Extension Area Agriculture Economist. This is a summary of all four OQBN sales held throughout the state. I have requested Red River OQBN specific data and will share that as it becomes available.
2009 was a tough year for many cow/calf producers. One way some producers were able to realize some added value in their calf crop was to participate in the program known as the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Vac-45.
The OQBN VAC-45 is a pre-conditioning program where calves have to be weaned for a minimum of 45 days and follow a prescribed health protocol. OQBN VAC-45 is “brand neutral” meaning that a producer can select any brand of vaccine they prefer. Bull calves must be castrated and healed and all calves must be dehorned and healed. Calves must also be tagged with an OQBN tag and have all processes verified by a third party.
In 2009 four OQBN sales were held in Oklahoma. Two at OKC West in El Reno, one at Blackwell Sale Barn in Blackwell and one at Red River Sale Barn in Overbrook. The graph shows the price differences between OQBN cattle and non OQBN cattle sold that same week.
On average the OQBN calves received a higher price than nonOQBN calves. The average price premium was $6.87/cwt with the range being $3.61 to $10.90. This premium translates to an estimated $35.69 premium per head for those producers participating in the OQBN program.
Overall the OQBN program has been a success in 2009. Plans are being made for OQBN sales in 2010. Producers interested in the OQBN program should contact their county extension office or visit www.oqbn.okstate.edu for more information.
(Source: J.J. Jones, OSU Extension Area Economist, S.E. Area News & Notes, Feb. 2010)
Food for Thought: “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember, what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for.” — Epicurus, Greek Philosopher
