USDA Clarifies Cattle Categories in CFAP Program

USDA released some clarification as to where cattle fit in each category.
USDA released some clarification as to where cattle fit in each category.
(Farm Journal)

There have been a lot of questions about where specific groups of cattle fit into the categories outlined in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. USDA released some clarification as to where cattle fit in each category. 

Check out this helpful chart from USDA:

Common Name

Description

CFAP Category

Newborn Calf

Calves from birth to days old

Feeder Cattle: < 600 lbs

Calf

Calves still nursing the cow, animals that generally weigh less than 500 pounds

Feeder Cattle: < 600 lbs

Bucket Calf

Orphan or newborn calf normally purchased when they are 1 to 10 days old

Feeder Cattle: < 600 lbs

Heiferette

A female bovine animal that has not calved and weighs more than 500 pounds; OR a heifer placed on feed following the loss of a calf or an open heifer placed on feed following the breeding season

Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

Steer

A castrated male bovine animal that generally weighs more than 500 pounds

Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

Weaner or Weaned Calf

Animal between 105 and 355 days coming from cow-calf

Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

Backgrounded Cattle

Steers and heifers that are fed a warm up or conditioning ration are normally fed to approximately 700 pounds, and then sold as feeders or shipped to another feedlot to be finished for the slaughter market

Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

Stockers/Feeders/Feeder Calves

Young weaned steers or heifers, weighing approximately 400-800 pounds usually grazing on pasture and/or feed ration to prepare for shipment to feeders intended for slaughter or selected for replacement stock

Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

Yearlings

Calves between 1 and 2 years of age

Feeder Cattle > 600 lbs

Open Heifer

Non-pregnant female bovine

Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

Replacement Heifers

A heifer that has been selected to be bred and placed in the beef herd

All Other Cattle

Bred Heifers

A female bovine that is pregnant with her first calf

All Other Cattle

First Calf Heifers

A young female that has had only one calf

All Other Cattle

Bred Cows

A female bovine animal that has borne at least one calf

All Other Cattle

Open Cows - Retained in Herd

(Non-pregnant) cows at the end of the breeding season

All Other Cattle

Open Cows - Slaughter

(Non-pregnant) cows at the end of the breeding season

Slaughter Cattle: Mature

Cows-Culled (Beef and Dairy)

A cow that is removed from the main breeding herd or dairy production for one or more reasons (i.e., age, poor production, physical ailment, poor disposition, genetic selection, etc.) and is generally sold for slaughter and not destined to be a replacement

Slaughter Cattle: Mature

Herd Bulls-Culled (Beef and Dairy)

A mature (approximately 24 months of age or older) uncastrated, male bovine removed from the main breeding herd sold for slaughter and not destined to be replacement

Slaughter Cattle: Mature

Herd Bulls (Breeding-Beef only)

A mature (approximately 24 months of age or older) uncastrated, male bovine used for breeding purposes

All Other Cattle

Finished Cattle (1200 lbs or more)

Cattle that have reached the optimal weight and conditions ready for slaughter

Slaughter Cattle: Fed

Fat Steer/Heifer (1200 lbs or more)

Cattle that have reached the optimal weight and conditions ready for slaughter

Slaughter Cattle: Fed

To see answers to frequently asked questions about CFAP related to the dairy industry, visit: www.milkbusiness.com/CFAP

 

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